CALPIS was created to put smiles on people’s faces by supporting their health

In 1904, Kaiun Mishima, the founder of our company, visited Inner Mongolia in his youth days for a business, and he encountered cultured milk that people were drinking.Cultured milk is made from milk of livestock which is fermented with lactobacilli. It is an important drink for the people in Mongolia to maintain their health as they are living in severe natural environment.Kaiun was amazed by the delicious flavor and invigoration it yielded. His digestion, which had been weakened by the long journey, was restored to normal, and he found out that both his body and mind were refreshed by the power of cultured milk. He was also convinced that the secret of the tastiness and health lies in the milk and lactobacilli that are the blessing of the nature.After coming back to Japan, he devoted to develop cultured milk that is tasty and healthy.
“I want to produce a drink that can contribute to people's life” - Kaiun devoted to the studies solely by focusing on lactobacilli. CALPIS, the first lactic acid drink in Japan, was developed as its fruit.

Milk and unique lactic acid fermentation - Taste of natural blessing

CALPIS is made from nonfat milk. The milk is fermented slowly by adding microorganisms including lactobacilli unique to our company and kept on using for a long time.The cultured milk produced in such manner is called CALPIS Cultured Milk.CALPIS drink is made by adding sugar and other ingredients to this CALPIS Cultured Milk while adjusting the flavor.
The white color of CALPIS represents the color of milk, and its sweet and tangy flavor is produced by our own lactobacilli.Since its refreshing taste that is originated by natural blessing and cannot be offered by any other drinks.It becomes the drink for the nation, loved by anyone from small children up to aged people.

Hidden health-oriented power in CALPIS Cultured Milk that CALPIS is made of!

Cultured milk that Inner Mongolian nomads were drinking gave a hint to produce CALPIS. For them, cultured milk is a source of the nutrition for their lives and a healing medicine.
In 1970's, we expected that there might be a feature that is useful for health in CALPIS Cultured Milk as it is also produced by milk through fermentation process, and started a scientific study.By joining the forces with RIKEN, a leading institution to conduct comprehensive research in science and technology in Japan and universities for more than 30 years, we have revealed by conducting animal tests that there is an effect to prolong the life, restrict the cancer cells from growing and improve immunity.
Also, we have proved by testing on humans that it can relax the fatigue and stress and adjust blood pressure. As the result of this study, we succeeded to produce AMEAL S for people with high blood pressure problems in 1997. The product was authorized as Food for Specified Health Use (FOSHU).
We are determined to continue to uncover the features of CALPIS Cultured Milk and lactobacilli, and develop techniques and products that can contribute to the healthof the customers.

Polka-dot pattern is the trademark of CALPIS brand

CALPIS was launched on July 7 1919, on the day of the Tanabata Festival (Star Festival).
In some Asian countries including China and Japan, there is a custom to see stars in "Milky Way" on this day.The design of "polka-dot pattern" on the package of CALPIS is inspired by the image of stars in the "Milky Way" as the product was launched on the day of Tanabata.
The original pattern was white dots on blue background. It was changed to blue dots in white background later.The pattern is praised as an excellent design that can communicate the refreshing image of CALPIS and retain a sense of freshness after all those years and loved by many customers.
The trademark of polka-dot pattern is featured in all CALPIS brand products available in Japan and all over the world.