Oronamin C facts for kids

A bottle of Oronamin C

Oronamin C Drink (オロナミンCドリンク, Oronamin Shī Dorinku) is a popular fizzy drink from Japan. It is made by the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. and is often just called Oronamin C or Oronamin.

The drink's name is a mix of two things. It was partly named after a successful skin cream called Oronine H Ointment [ja], made by the same company. The "C" in the name comes from one of its main ingredients, vitamin C. The company hoped the drink would be as popular as their ointment.

About the Drink

Oronamin C first went on sale in February 1965. It came in a 120 ml glass bottle with a regular bottle cap. The drink is packed with vitamins like vitamin B₂ and vitamin B₆, as well as essential amino acids, which are important for your body.

You can find Oronamin C in most supermarkets and convenience stores in Japan. It's also sold in vending machines owned by Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

A Safer Bottle Cap

For a while, the bottle had a screw-off cap. However, in the 1980s, there was a major safety scare in Japan involving drinks being tampered with. To make sure Oronamin C was always safe for customers, the company changed the cap. They introduced a special "pull-cap" that can only be used once. After you open it, you can't seal the bottle again. This change helped everyone know their drink was safe and unopened.

A "Sister" Drink

In 2000, the company released a new version called Oronamin C Royal Polis (オロナミンC ロイヤルポリス, Oronamin Shī Roiyaru Porisu). This drink has extra ingredients like royal jelly and propolis extracts, which come from bees.

Famous Commercials

Oronamin C is well-known for its fun and energetic TV commercials. Its famous slogan is Genki hatsuratsu (元気ハツラツ), which means "full of energy and life!"

For about 10 years, a comedian named Kon Omura [ja] was the star of the commercials. The ads became very popular all over Japan. Famous baseball players from the Yomiuri Giants also appeared in ads, using the slogan "Oronamin is a small giant!" (オロナミンCは小さな巨人です!, Oronamin Shī wa Chiisana Kyōjin desu!).

Featuring Pop Culture Stars

Over the years, many famous people have been in Oronamin C commercials.

• In the 1990s, songs by the popular Japanese music group SMAP were used in the ads.
• Since 2004, actors from the popular TV show Kamen Rider Series have starred in special commercials. This became a tradition, with actors from new seasons of the show appearing in ads each year.
• Current commercials often feature the Japanese celebrity Aya Ueto talking with other famous people, like sports stars and actors. Some famous guests who have appeared with her include:
  • Tsuyoshi Shinjo (baseball player)
  • Hideaki Takizawa (actor)
  • Michelle Wie (pro golfer)
  • Hakuhō Shō (sumo wrestler)
  • Tohoshinki (Korean pop group)
  • Jackie Chan (actor and stuntman)

Make Your Own Oronamin Shake!

In 1971, a TV commercial showed people how to make an Oronamin Shake. The recipe was simple: just mix Oronamin C with a raw egg.

Today, the company still shares this recipe on its website, but it suggests using only the egg yolk for a better taste. A 2004 commercial even brought back the idea of the Oronamin Shake, showing how to enjoy the drink in a new way.