Pocky Day, also known as Pepero Day, is observed in Japan and South Korea every November 11. This unofficial holiday celebrates chocolate-coated biscuit sticks, with Pocky being produced by the Japanese company Ezaki Glico since 1966 and Pepero by South Korean company Lotte Confectionery since 1983. The date is chosen because the numeral "11/11" resembles four Pocky or Pepero sticks. On this day, it is customary for people, especially schoolchildren, to exchange these snacks as a gesture of affection towards friends and loved ones. However, the observance has faced criticism for being a marketing tool that boosts sales for confectionery companies. In South Korea, there have even been proposals to replace Pepero Day with Garaettok Day, which celebrates a traditional Korean rice cake.