A day for Shiga's Omi Champon

Today, and September 7th annually, is Omi Champon Day 近江ちゃんぽんの日 in Japan. Omi Chamon is a signature dish of Shiga Prefecture - a bowl of noodles served with a generous heap of vegetables and a light Kyoto style broth.

The commemoration was established by Dream Foods, the company behind the well-known restaurant chain Chanpontei Sohonke. They chose September 7th for the commemoration because on a calendar it sits directly above August 31st, which is "Vegetable Day". An affectionate nod to the dish's distinctive mountain of vegetables.

Omi Champon was first created at the eatery Menrui Okabe in 1963. It grew from a local favorite to what many call Shiga's soul food. The "Omi Champon Day" anniversary was registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 2022.