10 Japanese drinks

Although there are many products that are standard in Japan, people overseas are not familiar with them.We will introduce 10 carefully selected beverages that are unique to Japan.

 

【10 Japanese drinks】

1）Ramune

Ramune is probably one of the most famous Japanese drinks due to its unique bottle and unique flavor. Commercial production began in 1872. He is one of the oldest carbonated drinks in Japan. It is said that it originally began in 1853 when Perry served carbonated lemonade when he came to Japan. It is said that the word lemonade was corrupted and became ramune.

 

2）pocari sweat

Launched in 1980 as a ``healthy drink that smoothly replenishes water and ions (electrolytes) lost through sweat'', this drink was the pioneer of sports drinks in Japan. In Japan, it is often abbreviated as "Pokari".

 

3）calpis

Calpis was invented by him in 1919, inspired by a Mongolian fermented horse milk drink. Japan's first lactic acid bacteria drink. In fact, the name "Calpico" sold in English-speaking countries is "Calpis." The pronunciation of "CALPIS" is very similar to "Cow piss" in English speaking countries. "Cow piss" means "cow's urine" when translated into Japanese. It seems that due to this influence, it is sold at Calpico in English speaking countries.

 

4）Matcha

Matcha, unlike other tea leaves, is made from powdered tea leaves. As a result, it has a rich, deep flavor and unique aroma. This is one of the reasons why it is loved in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies such as the tea ceremony and tea ceremony. Matcha for matcha lattes and sweets: Lattes and sweets made with matcha are widely available in cafes and restaurants. These products allow you to enjoy the flavor of matcha in a variety of dishes and drinks.

 

5）ice melon soda

Iced melon soda became widely known and popular in Japan around the 1960s and 1970s. Iced melon soda is a carbonated drink made with melon-flavored syrup and served with ice. It is especially popular in the summer and is loved by people looking to cool off.
Iced melon soda is widely served in Japanese cafes, fast food restaurants, and food stalls. It is also popular in many households as it is easy to make at home. This refreshing and sweet taste has become a staple of summer in Japan.

 

6）Yakult

Yakult was developed in 1935 by Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (now Yakult Honsha) in Japan. Initially sold as a lactic acid bacteria drink, it was widely promoted for its health-promoting and intestinal flora-improving effects. Yakult is a lactic acid bacteria drink that comes in a small bottle and has a unique sourness and sweetness, and is generally popular among a wide range of age groups, from children to adults. It is sold not only in Japan but also in countries around the world, and is loved by many people.

 

7）Sweet Sake

Amazake is made by fermenting rice using koji mold. This fermentation process produces very low alcohol content and a sweet taste. In Japan, amazake has been drunk for a long time and is sometimes served at Shinto rituals and events at shrines, or during meals at home. Amazake is rich in nutritional value and is said to be good for health, as it contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It is also widely used to make dishes and sweets related to Japanese seasons and events.

 

8）Sake (Japanese sake)

Sake is made using water, rice, koji, and yeast. Sake is made by combining these ingredients and fermenting and aging them according to a specific manufacturing method. Sake has a very long history and is thought to have probably existed since ancient times. Sake manufacturing methods and techniques have developed uniquely to Japan, based on sake brewing techniques introduced from China. For this reason, sake is deeply connected to Japanese culture and history, and has become an important symbol of Japan's sake brewing tradition. Sake is widely enjoyed in Japan and plays an important role in various scenes such as Japanese food culture, festivals, and events. Additionally, in recent years, sake has become popular around the world and is widely recognized internationally as a part of Japanese culture.

 

9）Plum wine

Umeshu is a liqueur made using plums as its main ingredient, and has a relatively low alcohol content, and is characterized by its plum flavor and sweet and sour taste.
Plum wine has a long history, and in Japan there has been a custom of soaking plums in sake since ancient times. However, it was not until the Edo period (17th to 19th century) that plum wine became widely popular. During the Edo period, plum wine became easy to make and drink at home. Plum wine is made when plums are in season and is made by soaking plums, rock sugar, and sake. Plum wine enjoys its sweet and sour taste and aroma of plums, and is popular as a refreshing drink especially during the summer in Japan. Plum wine is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition, and is still loved by many people today. Plum wine is also used in cooking to enhance the flavor of various dishes. It is also sometimes mixed with soda or water.

 

10）Shochu

Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled alcoholic beverage that is mainly made using ingredients such as potatoes, rice, and barley. Shochu has a long history and has been produced in Japan for hundreds of years. The origin of shochu is not clear, but it is said that shochu was already produced during the Edo period (17th to 19th century). Shochu manufacturing methods and techniques have developed uniquely in Japan, despite being influenced by China and the Korean Peninsula. The current method of making shochu is based on the basic process of fermenting the raw materials and then distilling them to increase the alcohol content. Shochu has a variety of tastes and flavors, and there are various types such as potato shochu, barley shochu, and rice shochu.

Japan is home to a wide variety of unique and wonderful drinks. Some of them are unique to each region, so be sure to visit various regions when you come to Japan.