Tempura on tempura day?

The 23rd of every month in Japan is tempura day. Tempura is a Japanese dish in which ingredients such as seafood and vegetables are wrapped in a flour-based batter and fried in oil. Although it is a Japanese dish, it is also known as one of the "three flavors of Edo" (Tokyo), along with sushi and soba.

There are various theories about the origin of the word ``tempura.'' Some say it comes from the Portuguese ``temperar,'' which means ``to add seasonings'' or ``to harden with oil". Others say its from ``tempero,'' which means ``cooking'' or ``seasoning.'' There is also a theory that the kanji ``tempura'' comes from the kanji for the top of frying oil (ten), and an expression which refers to swaying flour (fu), and ``ra,'' which refers to a thin cloth like a silk net.

It is unclear who or when the monthly tempura day was started, but it is believed that it developed from an another anniversary for tempura around July 23rd annually. The original ``Tempura Day'' was held on what is called the ``Great Heat'' (around July 23rd) day. On that day it is said the heat is the most intense of the year, and it was believed if you ate tempura you would avoid being overwhelmed by the summer heat. It is one of the ``three major anniversaries for preventing summer fatigue'' along with ``Doyo no Ushi Day'' around July 20th and ``Yakiniku Day'' on August 29th. 

Although, the origin of the daily tempura day is unclear, it is still encouraged and pitched as a way to stay healthy. Tempura is promoted as good for recovering from fatigue. Some stores are also run campaigns, such as selling special menus, on the 23rd of the month.

Do you have tempura on tempura day?