How common is eating unagi in the summer?

Recently, BigFamJapan wrote about staying healthy in summer by eating unagi, and it's one of those summer traditions that my husband in particular looks forward to. He's always pretty psyched when supermarkets, convenience stores, and even gyudon chains like Sukiya start offering unagi on their menus!

However, some recent research I found online saw that perhaps the unagi-eating tradition is dwindling, with around 40 percent of respondents saying they plan to eat eel on Doyo no Ushi no Hi (July 19th and 31st for 2025). This may be partly due to rising prices, which is fairly understandable -- it's not the cheapest of proteins out there. 

If you're not keen on eel or trying to be a bit friendlier on the budget, there are plenty of other seasonal foods tied to this custom. For example, people often eat things that start with the letter "u" or foods considered to bring strength. Udon noodles are a popular choice since they're refreshing and easy on the stomach, and umeboshi also fit the bill because of their sour kick and ability to stimulate the appetite.

Some other summer food options that survey respondents mentioned include cucumbers and watermelon (since they help cool the body), shijimi clams to support liver health, and doyo-mochi, a sweet rice cake said to ward off bad luck.

Are you eating unagi this year on Doyo no Ushi no Hi, or opting for some other summery-feeling foods?