Midsummer Day of the Ox (Doyo no Ushi no Hi)

July 20, 2022

In Japan, it is customary to eat eel on the Midsummer Day of the Ox during the hot summer months. The Midsummer Day of the Ox, or Doyo no Ushi no Hi, is a special day in the Chinese Zodiac, a calendar used in Japan since ancient times. It falls during “doyo,” an 18-day period extending from the latter part of July until early August. In 2022, the Midsummer Day of the Ox falls on July 23. On this day, many supermarkets stock their shelves with eel products. Eel farming in Japan is a flourishing industry that began at Lake Hamana in Hamamatsu. Today, there are about 30 eel farms in the Lake Hamana area. It is known far and wide as being a major eel-producing region. Hamamatsu City also has many eel restaurants. The delicious aroma of grilled eel wafts through the air when strolling around the city during this time of the year.

Related Information
Midsummer Day of the Ox (Doyo no Ushi no Hi)