Pocky & Pretz Day

Pocky & Pretz Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated in Japan on November 11th each year. This day is dedicated to the popular Japanese snack brands, Pocky and Pretz, both of which are produced by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.. The date, 11/11, was chosen for its resemblance to the shape of Pocky and Pretz sticks, which are long and thin. The celebration of Pocky & Pretz Day has gained popularity not only in Japan but also in various other countries around the world, thanks to the global spread of Japanese culture and cuisine.

History

The inception of Pocky & Pretz Day can be traced back to a marketing campaign initiated by Ezaki Glico. The company sought to create a special day to boost the sales and awareness of their Pocky and Pretz snack products. Given the visual similarity of the date "11/11" to the snacks themselves, this date was chosen as an ideal candidate for such a celebration. Over the years, Pocky & Pretz Day has evolved from a marketing strategy into a widely recognized event, with people participating in various activities related to the snacks, such as sharing them with friends, family, and colleagues.

Celebration

On Pocky & Pretz Day, individuals and groups celebrate by purchasing and consuming Pocky and Pretz snacks. Social media plays a significant role in the celebration, with people posting pictures and messages related to Pocky and Pretz, often using specific hashtags to connect with others celebrating the day. Companies and stores frequently offer special promotions, discounts, and limited-edition flavors of Pocky and Pretz to mark the occasion. In addition, some schools and workplaces organize events or contests encouraging the creative use of Pocky and Pretz in recipes and crafts.

Cultural Impact

Pocky & Pretz Day is a testament to the impact of marketing in creating new cultural traditions. It highlights how a brand can transcend its commercial origins to become a part of popular culture and social festivities. The day also reflects the global influence of Japanese pop culture, as the celebration has spread beyond Japan's borders, engaging fans of Japanese snacks and cuisine worldwide.

See Also

• Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.
• Japanese cuisine
• Marketing in Japan
• Popular culture in Japan