Pop Japan

Calpis is a Japanese soft drink that is uncarbonated. Calpis is made from nonfat milk, which is fermented using microorganisms. It was first marketed in 1919.  

The idea for Calpis came when its founder, Kaiun Mishima visited Mongolia, where he saw people drinking cultured milk. This was milk fermented with lactobacilli. He saw that it was a healthy and tasty drink for the Mongolians living in harsh natural conditions. When he returned to Japan, he created Calpis which is now known to be the first lactic acid drink in the country.

The drink was launched on the day of the Tanabata or the Star Festival. The polka dot design of Calpis is due to this. Calpis became popular in pre-war Japan quite quickly as its concentrated form does not need refrigeration.

Today, Calpis is a drink enjoyed by all ages in Japan.

Photo by Luis Villa del Campo. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Tags: Calpis, soft drink, nonfat milk, Tanabata, kaiun mishima, lactobacilli, japan, lactic acid, pre-war, tanabata, star festival