Ramune: The Taste and Sound of a Japanese Summer

No Japanese summer feels complete without an ice-cold bottle of Ramune. More than just a soft drink, Ramune is a symbol of childhood, summer festivals, fireworks, and happy memories. For many Japanese, one sip is enough to take them back to carefree summer days.

The name Ramune comes from the English word "lemonade." When the word was adapted into Japanese, it became remonēdo, which was eventually shortened to simply Ramune.

This refreshing carbonated drink was introduced to Japan in 1884 in the foreign settlement of Kobe by Scottish pharmacist Alexander Cameron Sim. Originally sold as carbonated lemonade, it soon became popular after being advertised in local newspapers.

But what makes Ramune truly unforgettable isn't just the drink—it's the bottle.

At first glance, the bottle looks like it has a face, with two "eyes" and a "nose." Instead of a regular bottle cap, a glass marble seals the drink inside. Opening it is an experience in itself. Using the small plastic opener attached to the cap, you push the marble into the bottle with a satisfying pop!

That familiar sound has become part of the soundtrack of a Japanese summer. Combined with the laughter of children, the aroma of festival food, and the colorful bursts of fireworks in the night sky, it creates memories that last a lifetime.

There's even a proper way to open and hold the bottle so the fizzy drink doesn't overflow. Watching someone try it for the first time is often just as entertaining as drinking it! If you'd like to see how it's done, check out this YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/wyn7KO6ONh0?si=IAhhwEGdXsyWpSpw

If you're expecting the taste of traditional lemonade, you'll be surprised. The classic Ramune flavor is actually closer to Sprite or 7UP—light, crisp, sweet, and wonderfully refreshing.

Today, Ramune comes in an amazing variety of flavors, including melon, peach, strawberry, apple, watermelon, grape, lychee, pineapple, and even some limited-edition seasonal flavors. Part of the fun is discovering your favorite.

You'll find Ramune almost everywhere during summer. It is sold in dagashiya—old-fashioned Japanese candy shops similar to the Philippine sari-sari store—as well as convenience stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and the colorful stalls at summer festivals. It's also easy to order online.

Another refreshing Japanese soft drink is Cider (saidaa in Japanese). Despite its name, it isn't apple cider. It's a clear, fizzy soft drink with a taste similar to the original Ramune, but it comes in an ordinary bottle or can and is available year-round.

Ramune has become so popular that its refreshing flavor appears in all kinds of treats during summer. You can enjoy Ramune-flavored ice cream, candy, shaved ice, jelly, and even cocktails for adults.

Before You Take Your First Sip...

• Don't throw away the plastic opener! You'll need it to push the marble into the bottle.

• Start with the classic flavor. It's the one generations of Japanese grew up enjoying.

• Don't worry if the taste isn't exactly what you expected. For many people, the fun of opening the bottle is just as memorable as the drink itself.

• The marble stays inside the bottle while you drink. After you've finished, you can remove it as a souvenir if you wish.

• Both glass and plastic Ramune bottles are recyclable.

Japanese summers can be hot and humid, but they're also filled with festivals, lanterns, fireworks, music, and delicious street food. As you stroll through the lively festival grounds, treat yourself to a cold bottle of Ramune. Listen for the cheerful pop of the marble, take a refreshing sip, and enjoy one of Japan's sweetest summer traditions.

Sometimes, the best way to experience Japan isn't by visiting famous landmarks—it's by holding a bottle of Ramune in your hand on a warm summer evening.

May - June 2026

The front side of the coin represents Japan’s economic foundations:
• Rice ears for agriculture and prosperity
• A cogwheel (gear) for industry and manufacturing
• Water lines for fisheries and maritime resources

Even the hole in the middle is intentional. It was originally designed to save metal, but it also makes the coin easy to string—perfect for carrying your “good luck” in bulk, just in case one coin isn’t persuasive enough.

There are also interesting beliefs tied to money and wallets. Placing a 5-yen coin inside your wallet is said to help build a good relationship with money—think of it as a tiny financial ambassador. Wallet color matters too: yellow is considered lucky because it resembles gold, while red is not ideal (since being “in the red” means debt). Black, on the other hand, is a safe and practical choice—stylish and financially responsible.

March - April 2026

Sushi
 

I’ve lived in Japan for many years, but to be honest, I still haven’t fully developed a taste for raw food.

A few weeks ago, I dropped by a conveyor-belt sushi shop near my workplace. You know the kind—plates of sushi moving along right in front of you. What I like about these places is that they don’t just serve raw fish. There are also plenty of cooked options, so even people like me can enjoy a good meal without feeling too adventurous!

So what exactly is sushi?

At its simplest, sushi is vinegared rice (sumeshi) topped with seafood, vegetables, or other ingredients. It’s usually served with pickled ginger (gari) on the side.

Another interesting thing? Sushi shops have their own “language”! These terms go way back to the Edo period and were used for quick communication among chefs. Here are a few you might hear:

• Shari – the sushi rice
  
  

• Neta – the topping (like fish or other ingredients)
  
  

• Agari – hot green tea
  
  

• Murasaki – soy sauce
  
  

• O-aiso – a polite way of saying, “Bill, please”
  
  

Next time you visit a sushi shop in Japan, try listening closely. You might catch a few of these words—and who knows, you might even feel like a regular!

And even if you’re not a fan of raw fish like me, don’t worry—there’s always something on the menu for everyone.

January - February 2026

New Year Lucky Decoration Items

During the New Year holidays, many decorations can be seen all over town. These decorations are closely associated with people’s beliefs that they bring good fortune for the coming year.

Timing for Putting Up New Year Decorations

Traditionally, December 13 is considered the beginning of the New Year preparations. It marks the day for general house cleaning, after which New Year decorations are put up to welcome the gods.

Today, as people are busier, the cleaning day is no longer fixed. Decorations may be displayed after December 13, after Christmas (December 25), or on December 28.

However, decorating on December 29 is considered unlucky, as it symbolizes “double suffering,” while decorating on December 31 is also avoided, as last-minute decorations are believed to bring misfortune.

Removing the New Year Decorations

Shimenawa and kadomatsu are sacred items and should not be disposed of as ordinary trash. They are usually removed on January 7 and brought to a temple or shrine, where they are ceremonially burned to release and appease the gods.