Papico Day
Food DaysWhat Is Papico Day?
August 5th is "Papico Day" in Japan, established by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2019. The date comes from a pun on "papi (8) co (5)."
An Anniversary Built Around the Idea of "Sharing"
Papico is a long-selling frozen treat, launched in 1974, featuring two connected ice pops in a single tube-shaped package.
- The shape's meaning: a single Papico stick resembles the numeral "8," while the two sticks snapped apart resemble the kanji character for "eight" (八)
- "Splitting it in half (5)": the date carries a wish for people to share a two-piece Papico with someone special
- The anniversary's message: a hope that "you and I" will share not just the treat, but a positive, bright mood together
About the Name "Papico"
The name "Papico" itself carries no special meaning -- it was chosen simply for its crisp, cheerful sound. Nearly half a century after its launch, it remains a long-selling favorite enjoyed across generations.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Buy a Papico and share one stick each with someone special
- Learn about Papico's history and how its packaging design has evolved
- Chat with someone about your favorite Papico flavors
- Take a break with a cold Papico on a hot summer day
The Joy of Sharing, Built Into Two Snapped-Apart Sticks
The very structure of snapping the treat into two separate sticks is what makes Papico uniquely suited to sharing with someone else. Let August 5th be a chance to split a Papico with someone you care about, and pass along a little bit of happiness.