World Milk Day (Sekai Gyūnyū no Hi)

What Is World Milk Day / Milk Day?

June 1 is "World Milk Day." It was launched in 2001 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to raise awareness of milk and highlight the importance of the dairy industry. In Japan, the Japan Dairy Council (now J-milk, the Japan Dairy Association) designated June 1 as "Milk Day" and June as "Milk Month" in 2007, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also promotes the occasion.

Why June 1 Was Chosen

The FAO chose June 1 because many countries were already celebrating their own national milk days around this time of year. Aligning on a common date brought these efforts together and showed that milk is a food enjoyed around the world.

The Nutrition of Milk

Milk is known for containing many nutrients in a well-balanced form.

• Calcium: The nutrient most associated with building bones and teeth. Some studies suggest the calcium in milk is absorbed more efficiently than that in vegetables or small fish.
• Protein: A high-quality protein source with a good balance of essential amino acids, used to build muscles, organs, and more.
• Vitamin B2: Supports energy metabolism and helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.
• Vitamin B12: Involved in the formation of red blood cells.
• Potassium and magnesium: Minerals that help keep the body in good condition.

Milk and Children's Growth

Calcium intake is especially important during growth. Bone mass is said to peak around age 20, and building strong bones while young is considered important for bone health later in life. A 200ml carton of milk served with school lunches contains roughly 220mg of calcium.

The State of Milk and Dairy Farming in Japan

• Japan produces a little over 7 million tons of raw milk a year, with Hokkaido accounting for more than half.
• The number of dairy farms has been declining over the long term, while the number of cows per farm tends to increase.
• During the pandemic, school lunch suspensions led to a surplus of raw milk, and calls to drink more milk drew wide attention.
• Many regions produce local-brand milk made from their own raw milk.

Types of Milk and Their Differences

• Unadjusted milk: Raw milk that has been heat-sterilized without adjusting its components, with a milk fat content of 3.0% or more.
• Low-fat milk: Milk fat reduced to 0.5-1.5%.
• Fat-free milk: Milk fat reduced to below 0.5%.
• Processed milk: Raw milk with added dairy ingredients such as butter or skim milk powder to adjust its components.
• Milk beverages: Drinks made mainly from dairy with added ingredients such as coffee, fruit juice, or calcium.

Trivia About World Milk Day

• Lactose intolerance, which causes stomach discomfort after drinking milk, is said to be common among Japanese people. Drinking milk warm and in small amounts, or choosing yogurt or cheese, can make dairy easier to enjoy.
• In Japan, only products such as 100% raw milk with unadjusted components may be labeled "milk" (gyūnyū), and the category names are set by regulation.
• Plant-based milks such as oat, almond, and soy milk are also spreading, and more people choose among them according to use and taste.
• During June's "Milk Month," events to help people get to know dairy farming and milk are sometimes held around Japan.

How to Spend Milk Day

• Check the origin and category label on the milk you usually drink, and try some local milk.
• Try new recipes using milk, like hot milk, café au lait, or yogurt smoothies.
• Read the label on a milk carton together with your kids as a chance to talk about nutrition.
• Visit a dairy farm or join a hands-on experience to learn how milk makes its way to your table.

A Glass of Milk Holds Dairy Farmers' Work and Nature's Gifts

Every glass of milk you drink each morning is the product of dairy farmers' daily work and the gifts of nature. Let World Milk Day on June 1 be an opportunity to think about the milk you drink without a second thought, and about the state of dairy farming in Japan today.