Tonkatsu Day at the Beginning of Winter

Japan has no shortage of food-related commemorative days, and one of the tastiest is Tonkatsu Day at the Beginning of Winter 立冬はとんかつの日, observed on Rittō, the traditional start of winter, which falls around November 7th each year.

The commemorative day was established by the Kanto branch of the All Japan Pork Association. Their idea was simple: as the weather turns colder, it is a good time to enjoy pork dishes that provide energy and help people prepare for the coming winter months.

Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet and one of Japan's most popular comfort foods. Served with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and a rich tonkatsu sauce, it can be found everywhere from specialty restaurants to neighborhood diners and home kitchens.