Coffee Milk Day (Kōhī Gyūnyū no Hi)

What Is Coffee Milk Day?

Every year on April 20th is "Coffee Milk Day." This day was established by Moriyama Dairy Co., Ltd., the first company in Japan to manufacture and sell coffee milk, and it's registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. It commemorates April 20th, 1923 (Taisho 12), when bottled coffee milk was first sold at Kozu Station on the Tokaido Line.

The Origin and History of Coffee Milk Day

Coffee milk was developed in 1920 by Moriyama Dairy's founder, Ken Moriyama. Aiming to promote dairy products, Moriyama experimented with combining milk and coffee, eventually creating Japan's first coffee milk. Starting with its debut sale at Kozu Station on April 20th, 1923, it spread from the Tohoku region all the way to Kyushu.

• 1920: Ken Moriyama develops coffee milk.
• April 20th, 1923: Bottled coffee milk goes on sale at Kozu Station.
• 2015: Moriyama Dairy establishes "Coffee Milk Day."

Features of the Original Coffee Milk

The coffee milk sold at the time came in a glass bottle with a crown cap. Priced at 20 sen per bottle -- a high price comparable to a station bento (about 35 sen) -- it sold incredibly well, according to records.

Scientific and Social Facts About Coffee Milk

• A change in naming: Following a 2003 revision to food labeling regulations, beverages not made from 100% raw milk could no longer be labeled "milk." As a result, the official name today is "coffee-flavored milk beverage" (kōhī iri nyū-inryō).
• A connection to bathhouse culture: Today, coffee milk is a classic drink to enjoy "after a bath," but originally it was mainly sold at train stations.
• A link to café culture: Coffee milk has been enjoyed alongside the spread of Japan's café culture, and today it's enjoyed in many forms, including café latte and café au lait.

Interesting Trivia About Coffee Milk

• Japan's first coffee milk was born in Hiratsuka: Moriyama Dairy developed it in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, before it spread nationwide.
• The legacy of the glass bottle: While paper cartons and plastic bottles are now standard, retro glass-bottled coffee milk remains popular.
• Regional varieties: Dairy companies across the country produce their own takes on coffee milk, including many region-exclusive versions.

Ideas for Enjoying Coffee Milk Day

• Drink it at a bathhouse or hot spring: Enjoying a bottle of coffee milk in a retro, nostalgic atmosphere is something special.
• Do a taste comparison: Comparing café au lait, café latte, and milk coffee from different brands can lead to new discoveries.
• Learn about its history: Looking into Moriyama Dairy's history and Japan's milk beverage culture reveals surprising depth behind a familiar drink.
• Make your own: Experimenting with different ratios of coffee and milk at home is a fun way to find your perfect blend.

April 20th: A Day to Enjoy a Blend of Nostalgia and Discovery

Coffee Milk Day isn't just an anniversary for a beverage -- it's also an opportunity to reflect on Japan's food culture, station-vendor history, and the development of the dairy industry. Behind this drink, loved for over 100 years, lies the passion of craftspeople and the changes of the times.

On April 20th, take a moment to enjoy your favorite coffee milk and savor its history and flavor. The mix of nostalgia and fresh discovery is sure to warm your heart.