When you think of carbonated drinks that everyone in Hokkaido knows, the first ones that come to mind are "Ribbon Citron" and "Ribbon Napolin". There are many major carbonated drinks, but there are many people who can't get enough of the exquisite carbonation that they drank as children! This time, we will uncover the secrets of Ribbon Napolin and Ribbon Citron, which have been loved by Hokkaido residents for over a century.

History of Ribbon Citron & Ribbon Napolin

Ribbon Citron and Ribbon Napolin are carbonated drinks available only in Hokkaido, currently sold by Sapporo Holdings' Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage Co., Ltd. Citron and Napolin, which did not have the "Ribbon" name when they were first released, were launched in 1909 (Meiji 42) and 1911 (Meiji 44), respectively. At the time, Citron was inspired by lemon water, which was drunk in Europe as it was said to be good for the body, and Napolin was made using blood orange juice.

The word "ribbon" was added to each of the names in 1914 (Taisho 3), three years after Napolin was released. Ribbons themselves were all the rage at the time, so the reason was to give the product names an image of luxury.

In 1957 (Showa 32), 43 years after the birth of the Ribbon brand, the Ribbon brand mascot Ribbon-chan was born. Ribbon Citron celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009, and Ribbon Napolin celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. Although the label design changes periodically, both Citron and Napolin are carbonated drinks known to all Hokkaido residents, quenching everyone's thirst through the ages.

The secret behind the taste and color of Ribbon Citron and Ribbon Napolin

Ribbon Citron

Ribbon Citron and Ribbon Napolin are standard carbonated drinks for Hokkaido residents, but what makes them different from other carbonated drinks? First of all, the colorless and transparent Ribbon Citron has a strong, refreshing carbonation. It has a soft scent of "first-picked lemons" and can be gulped down. It is currently sold in 1.5L plastic bottles and 190ml cans, and can often be found in supermarkets and drugstores in Hokkaido.

Ribbon Napolin

Next up is Ribbon Napolin, a drink that focuses on the gentleness of natural ingredients. The "Napolin flavor" is sweet yet strongly carbonated, and is made using beet sugar produced in Hokkaido. The striking warm orange color is also derived from the plant-derived paprika pigment. This warm, deep orange color may also be one of the reasons why it has been loved in Hokkaido. Napolin comes in 1.5L, 470ml, 340ml, and 190ml varieties. It can be purchased in many places, including souvenir shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

On the left is a colorless and transparent Ribbon Citron. On the right is an orange Ribbon Napolin.

When the family gets together, toast with Ribbon Citron and Ribbon Napolin!

Although it is a drink that is only available in Hokkaido, there are various ways to purchase it. The most conventional way is to come to Hokkaido for a trip. It is available anywhere in Hokkaido, so it is ideal for those who want to go out and get it themselves. We also recommend ordering it online. You can get it without having to carry a heavy load. It is also sometimes sold at product exhibitions such as the Hokkaido Fair and at Hokkaido antenna shops, so please try to get it wherever you like.

Why not toast with your family this weekend with Ribbon Citron & Ribbon Napolin?