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Chicken Sukiyaki Day: A Celebration of Health and Flavor

Every year on October 8, we can now celebrate 'Chicken Sukiyaki Day', a newly established occasion by the Japan Poultry Association, which aims to elevate the culinary status of chicken in the sukiyaki dish traditionally dominated by beef. This initiative hopes to position chicken as a healthy, rich, and affordable option for this beloved hot pot dish.

Why October 8?

The date was cleverly chosen to symbolize '10 (to) 08 (sukiyaki)', where the '0' is visually interpreted as a heart to represent love for this delicious dish, making it easy to remember and endearing to everyone. This playful approach helps to spread awareness and excitement around the healthier alternative to the classic sukiyaki, which uses seasonal autumn produce like mushrooms and root vegetables that pair beautifully with chicken.

An Ideal Family Dish

Chicken, with its high protein and low-fat content, makes it an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers. This family-friendly dish can be enjoyed by everyone, from kids to the elderly, ensuring that nutritious meals can be shared around the table in a cozy setting.

The Appeal of Chicken Sukiyaki

Affordability

Compared to beef, chicken is a more economical option, making it easier to incorporate into daily meals while saving on the grocery bill. This means that chicken sukiyaki can be a regular feature on the family dining table, offering an approachable luxury.

Variety of Parts

With multiple cuts available—thighs, breasts, wings, and meatballs—chicken sukiyaki allows for a delightful exploration of textures and flavors, making every bite a unique experience.

Perfect Match with the Sauce

The rich essence of chicken fat combined with the sweet-savory dipping sauce enhances the overall flavor, resulting in a depth that rivals even traditional versions. This perfect union elevates the dish, making it a standout choice for gatherings.

Easy to Cook

Chicken sukiyaki is not only delightful but also straightforward to prepare at home. The simplicity of the cooking process contributes to its growing popularity as a seasonal favorite.

Local Varieties

Utilizing local breed chickens can enhance the regional appeal of this dish, making it a wonderful candidate for restaurant menus that pride themselves on local cuisine.

Promotion of Chicken Sukiyaki

To complement 'Chicken Sukiyaki Day', the association recommends several products to deepen the enjoyment of chicken sukiyaki. This includes a special sauce made from a unique blend of two types of soy sauce, designed for easy use at home, and a special junmai sake 'Chicken' created in collaboration with Sasaki Brewery in Kyoto, both featuring excellent pairing qualities with chicken sukiyaki.

Upcoming Campaigns

To further promote chicken sukiyaki, an exciting campaign will begin on October 8, 2025, through the Japan Poultry Association's official website. Throughout the campaign, individuals will have the chance to win special chicken sukiyaki sauce monthly. Details will be made available on the site on the designated date.

Collaborative Efforts Ahead

In the future, the association plans to work together with restaurants that serve chicken sukiyaki and will share household recipes and content through its website and events.

About the Japan Poultry Association

Founded on November 17, 1960, in Chiyoda, Tokyo, the Japan Poultry Association focuses on promoting the consumption of domestic chicken while emphasizing hygiene and quality improvement. Under the leadership of President Minoru Sato, the association also engages in educational efforts concerning chicken and culinary practices.

For more details, visit their official website here.