Canned Juice Anniversary

What Is Canned Juice Anniversary?

Every year on April 28th is "Canned Juice Anniversary," marking the day in 1954 when canned juice was sold in Japan for the first time. It was released by Meiji Seika (now Meiji) under the name "Meiji Natural Orange Juice" — a can labeled "net 200 grams," sold at first only in the Tokyo area. This launch helped spread a culture of enjoying juice that could be stored long-term and carried easily.

The Background and History of Canned Juice

In the 1950s, refrigerators were not yet common in Japanese households. Canned juice attracted attention as a beverage that kept well and could be enjoyed anywhere. By applying canning technology, fruit juice drinks could be preserved hygienically, bringing about a major shift in the beverage market.

• April 28, 1954: Japan's first canned juice, "Meiji Natural Orange Juice," was released.
• No pull-tabs at first: Early cans had to be opened with a can opener, just like canned food. When the product went nationwide in 1957, a small opener was attached to the lid so drinkers could punch a drinking hole and an air hole.
• Growth alongside Japan's economic boom: The rise of vending machines led to an explosive spread of canned beverage culture.

Technical Trivia About Canned Juice

• Excellent preservation: Cans block out light and air, helping protect delicate vitamin C as well as color and flavor — a major advantage over the bottled juices common at the time.
• The rise of aluminum cans: Today's mainstream aluminum cans are lightweight and highly recyclable, reducing environmental impact.
• Great for carbonated drinks: Cans are highly pressure-resistant and prevent carbon dioxide from escaping, making them ideal for carbonated beverages.

Fun Trivia About Canned Juice

• Japan's oldest surviving vending machine wasn't for drinks: A postage stamp and postcard vending machine made in 1904 is known as the oldest surviving vending machine in Japan -- beverage vending machines didn't become common until the 1960s.
• The birth of the pull-tab: The pull-tab was developed in the U.S. and first used in Japan on beer cans in 1965. Later, "stay-on tabs," which remain attached to the can and help reduce litter, became the standard.
• Region-specific canned drinks: Many limited-edition regional juices and retro-design cans are popular as collectibles.

Ideas for Enjoying Canned Juice Anniversary

• Look for old-fashioned canned juices: Try retro designs or long-selling products and feel a sense of history.
• Compare regional juices: Trying region-limited fruit juices is a great way to discover new flavors.
• Explore vending machines: Experience Japan's uniquely diverse vending machine culture.
• Learn about can recycling: A high proportion of aluminum cans are recycled in Japan -- a good chance to review how you sort your recycling.

April 28th: A Day to Savor the "Canned Juice Culture" That Colors Everyday Life

Canned Juice Anniversary is a day to look back on the origins of "canned beverages" -- a culture deeply woven into our daily lives. Easy to carry and enjoy anywhere, canned juice has continued to evolve over the decades.

On April 28th, try savoring your usual canned juice with a slightly fresh perspective. Behind that everyday drink lies a story of technological progress and human ingenuity.