Throat Lozenge Day

What Is Throat Lozenge Day?

November 15th is "Throat Lozenge Day" (Nodoame no Hi) in Japan. In November 1981 (Showa 56), Kanro Inc. launched "Kenko Nodoame," the first product in Japan to carry the name "nodoame" (throat candy). The company established this day in 2011, the product's 30th anniversary. The date comes from the launch month of November and a wordplay reading 11-15 as "ii hitokoe," meaning "a good voice," among other reasons.

Three Reasons Behind the Date

The date of Throat Lozenge Day combines three reasons: the product's history, the season and a play on words. It is meant to encourage people to take care of their throats as the air starts to get drier.

• Launch month: "Kenko Nodoame" went on sale in November 1981
• Season: from mid-November, minimum temperatures drop into single digits and demand for throat lozenges rises
• Wordplay: 11 and 15 can be read as "ii (11) hi-to (1) ko-e (5)," meaning "a good voice"
• Established by: Kanro Inc., a maker of candy and gummies

The Word "Nodoame" Spread from a Product Name

Throat candy is now a staple at convenience stores and supermarkets, but the word "nodoame" was first used as a product name in 1981. After Kanro's "Kenko Nodoame" appeared, throat candy took root as its own category of sweets. It is interesting that even words we use every day have a starting point.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Keep a throat lozenge in your desk or bag
• On days packed with meetings or presentations, sip water often to look after your throat
• Start preparing for dry air, for example by taking out the humidifier
• In the spirit of "a good voice," greet a colleague in a cheerful tone

Start a Throat-Care Habit as Dry Season Begins

For people who talk a lot at work, the throat is an important work tool. November 15th is a day to start paying attention to throat care before the dry season sets in.