National Fortune Cookie Day is observed worldwide every July 20. This unofficial holiday celebrates the fortune cookie, a crisp and sugary treat that contains a piece of paper with a vague prophecy or aphorism inside. Despite being commonly associated with Chinese cuisine in Western countries, fortune cookies originated in the United States, likely introduced by Japanese immigrants. The most frequently credited inventor is Makoto Hagiwara, who served cookies adapted from a Japanese tradition in the late 19th century. Fortune cookies became popular in American Chinese restaurants during World War II when Chinese immigrants took over their production. Today, approximately 3 billion fortune cookies are produced annually, with Wonton Food being the largest manufacturer, producing over 4.5 million cookies daily. To celebrate, people often order Chinese takeout and enjoy fortune cookies, or they may choose to make them at home.