Pine Ame Day
Food DaysWhat Is Pine Ame Day?
August 8th is "Pine Ame Day" in Japan, celebrating the classic pineapple-shaped candy. The date comes from the four "rings" (◎) in "8/8" evoking the candy's motif, a ring-cut canned pineapple slice. It was established by its maker, Pine Co., Ltd.
Born in 1951, a Long-Loved National Candy
Pine Ame is one of Japan's iconic long-selling candies, known for its distinctive sweet-and-tart flavor and its shape, reminiscent of a ring-cut pineapple slice.
- Origin: the "8/8" date is read as four rings (◎), echoing the candy's ring-cut pineapple motif
- Its debut: launched in 1951, it has remained beloved and largely unchanged in shape for over 70 years
- A seasonal connection: pineapple being a summer fruit is also part of why this time of year was chosen
The First Pine Ame Actually Had No Hole
Today's Pine Ame has a hole in the center, but the very first version released didn't have one at all. Small improvements have been made gradually over its long history.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Pick up some Pine Ame and enjoy that nostalgic taste
- Reflect on candy memories from your childhood
- Enjoy a pineapple-based sweet or drink
- Look into what's kept long-selling products like this one beloved for so long
A Ring-Cut Pineapple Shape That Never Loses Its Nostalgia
Unchanged in shape for more than 70 years, Pine Ame is a nostalgic taste for generations of fans. August 8th is a day to savor that distinctive sweet-and-tart flavor once again.