Mitsuya Cider Day (Mitsuya Saidā no Hi)

What Is Mitsuya Cider Day?

Every year on March 28, Japan celebrates "Mitsuya Cider Day," established by Asahi Soft Drinks Co. The date comes from a wordplay on "mi (3) tsu (2) ya (8)" — sounding like "Mitsuya." It marks the origin of the brand in 1884, when natural carbonated spring water from the Hirano mineral spring in Tada Village, Hyogo Prefecture (now part of Kawanishi City), was first bottled and sold as "Hirano Water." The day celebrates one of Japan's longest-running and most beloved carbonated soft drink brands, with a history spanning more than 140 years.

140 Years of Quality and History

The story of Mitsuya Cider mirrors the history of carbonated drinks in Japan itself.

• Born from a natural spring: "Hirano Water," once prized enough to be presented to the Emperor Meiji, evolved into today's style of cider under the "Mitsuya" brand name in 1907. In its early days, imported flavorings from Britain were used, helping introduce Western flavors to Japan.
• The legend behind the name "Mitsuya": During the Heian period, the warlord Minamoto no Mitsunaka shot three arrows to divine where to build his castle. One landed in Tada, where the Hirano spring was later discovered — the origin of the "three arrows" (mitsuya) that became the brand's logo.

The Science of "Crystal-Clear Taste"

Mitsuya Cider's refreshing clarity and fizz come from meticulous attention to detail.

• Filtered water and aroma: The drink uses thoroughly filtered pure water and a non-heated production method, which preserves the fresh aroma of the fruit by avoiding the flavor changes that heat can cause.
• Carefully calibrated carbonation: The level of dissolved carbon dioxide is precisely controlled to create that satisfying fizzy kick. The brand's commitment to using no preservatives at all has also been a core belief since its founding.

Fun Facts About Mitsuya Cider

• "Cider" vs. "ramune": There's actually no strict difference in contents between the two. Historically, drinks in marble-stoppered bottles were called "ramune," while those sealed with crown caps were called "cider" — and Mitsuya established itself as a premium "cider."
• Wartime ups and downs: During World War II, production became difficult due to ingredient shortages, but the brand quickly bounced back after the war and became a beloved soft drink during Japan's postwar recovery.
• Exported abroad since the Meiji era: Mitsuya was exported as early as the Meiji period to places like Shanghai and Southeast Asia under the name "Mitsuya Saider," making it a pioneer of Japanese global brands.
• Ever-evolving flavors: Beyond the classic clear cider, countless variations using regional fruits have been released over the brand's 140-year history, continually attracting new fans.
• Environmental consciousness: As packaging has shifted from bottles to cans to PET bottles over the years, the brand has also adopted label-free bottles and other sustainable practices.

Ideas for Enjoying Mitsuya Cider Day

• Pour a well-chilled Mitsuya Cider into a glass, listen to the fizz rise, and savor that first refreshing sip
• To mark March 28, create your own fruit punch by adding cut fruit or jelly to Mitsuya Cider for a custom twist
• Reflect on the surprise the pioneers must have felt discovering this natural spring over 140 years ago, and imagine the modern, fashionable café culture of the Meiji era while exploring what makes the flavor so timeless
• Take a look at the "three arrows" logo on the label, feel the strength of a brand backed by legend, and let it give your own motivation a refreshing "fizz"

Sparkling Bubbles and Crystal-Clear Flavor Bring You Energy and Refreshment

March 28 is a day to share in the "clear pride" that has refreshed generations of Japanese people from the Meiji era to today. The endless stream of bubbles rising in the glass also symbolizes a brand that has never stopped evolving. That refreshing aroma with every sip gives us both "unchanging reassurance" and "new surprises," no matter how the times change. Just like Mitsuya Cider, may you move through your day with clarity, sincerity, and a sparkling burst of energy.