Yakitori Day
August 10 every year
The story
Yakitori are skewers of bite-sized chicken grilled over charcoal until the edges char and the meat stays juicy. Cooks thread thighs, skin, meatballs, and specialty cuts, seasoning them with salt or a sweet-savory tare glaze that caramelizes in the heat. Smoke, beer, and conversation define the izakaya evening; counter seats fill as skewers arrive one after another. Yakitori culture thrives in alleyway shops and polished restaurants alike, proving that simple grilled chicken can be a lifelong craft.
Every part of the bird can find a skewer, and skilled grillers manage heat so nothing dries or scorches. Regional chicken breeds and house sauces deepen the map of yakitori Japan. Yakitori Day in mid-August invites fans to honor that smoky, sociable tradition.
On Yakitori Day, light a grill or broiler, thread chicken with care, and glaze the skewers as they cook. Visit a neighborhood yakitori-ya, share a platter with friends, and pair the meal with a cold drink. Celebrating yakitori is celebrating Japan’s most companionable grilled bites.
About Yakitori Day
- When is Yakitori Day?
- Yakitori Day is August 10 every year. In 2026, Yakitori Day falls on Monday, August 10, 2026.
- When is Yakitori Day in 2026?
- In 2026, Yakitori Day is Monday, August 10, 2026 (August 10 every year).
- Which country is Yakitori Day from?
- Yakitori Day is on the Japan Food Holidays calendar.
- Is today Yakitori Day?
- No. Today is not Yakitori Day. It returns on August 10 every year. In 2026, that is Monday, August 10, 2026.
- How do you celebrate Yakitori Day?
- There isn’t a single official way to celebrate. Read the story on this page, then cook or order yakitori. The iOS app’s Where to Eat can help you find yakitori nearby — this website does not list restaurants.
- Does Yakitori Day happen every year?
- Yes. Yakitori Day recurs on August 10 every year.