Aojiru, in essence, refers to the juice extracted from an assortment of green and yellow vegetables. The drink itself is typically consumed by dissolving the powder from these dried vegetables in liquid.

One theory traces the origins of aojiru back to the Heian Period (794-1185). The oldest medical book in Japan documents a method of juicing the leaves of a specific plant and drinking it. This account is believed to explain the origin of Japan’s aojiru.

In more recent times, during periods of food scarcity brought about by war, kale was used as the primary vegetable for the creation of aojiru, leading to the advent of the health drink as we know it today.

Aojiru is more of a nutritional food supplement rather than a medicinal remedy. It is similar to vegetable juice. Therefore, rather than medical efficacy, its benefits lie in the regular consumption of aojiru daily to maintain a healthy nutritional balance and overall well-being.

The typical ingredients of aojiru are highly-nutritious kale, young barley leaves, and ashitaba leaves. Consequently, this nutrient-rich elixir is brimming with nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins, potassium, and minerals.

In broad terms, some benefits one can expect from regular consumption of aojiru include preventing high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, a boosted immune system, relief from constipation, and beatification effects such as anti-aging properties and radiant skin.

Aojiru plays a significant role in general health maintenance amongst the Japanese population. In a survey conducted by Voice Note in March 2022 on 1,452 men and women across various regions of Japan, the most prevalent response for their drinking aojiru was “for better health,” at 57.4%. Close behind were “supplementing missing nutrients” and “improving the intestinal environment.”

When it came to preferred times to drink aojiru, people typically responded “before meals,” “after meals,” or “right after waking up.” A remarkable 65.6% of respondents indicated they typically consumed a full glass of aojiru daily!

Although timing and consumption amount differs from person to person, it is evident that aojiru represents a seamless way for individuals to supplement their daily vegetable intake. Many also seem to incorporate aojiru into their everyday health and skincare regimen. Older individuals also tended to embrace the drink to maintain overall health and physical vitality.

Aojiru is easy to find just about anywhere in Japan, from convenience stores to supermarkets, drugstores, and even online!

If you happen to find yourself in Japan, ask at the shops you visit about their available aojiru products. Of course, a handful of Japanese companies also sell it online for easier access to the overseas market.

There are many different types and kinds of aojiru! The following introduces some of the main vegetables and seaweeds typically found amongst their ingredients.

Varieties

Types of Aojiru
Aojiru comes in two main forms: powdered and frozen. The powdered variant effortlessly dissolves in water, milk, or juice for a convenient ready-to-drink option. The frozen type is a powdered form that requires thawing before consumption.

Japan offers an abundance of aojiru drinks to choose from. Here are four recommendations, from long-selling staples to recent sensations that have taken the country by storm.

Aojiru is a highly sought-after health beverage enjoyed by beauty-conscious women all over Japan. Green Green, a prominent brand of aojiru, is produced by Hollywood Cosmetics, a long-established Japanese cosmetics brand headquartered in Roppongi Hills.

It was pioneered by Mei Ushiyama, Japan’s first beauty expert and friend of some of the world’s leading actresses, including Grace Kelly, widely known throughout Japan. With a legacy of over 40 years, it’s a beloved brand that has captured the hearts of countless individuals!

The feature of this product is that it is 100% organic, crafted from organic powdered Japanese barley grass. Freshly-harvested barley grass is pressed to extract its vibrant green juice, which is then powdered without the use of heat. Through this specialized manufacturing process, the health benefits of the young barley grass are maximized, for a product of truly exceptional quality!

Add in one of Hollywood Cosmetics’ other beverages, Matcha & Lemon, for an even better flavor!

Here is Japan’s top-selling and long-enduring aojiru, widely available at popular mass merchandisers, including Don Quijote.

Made in Japan by Nihon Yakken, Kin no Aojiru is a prideful domestic creation. It is known for its captivating commercials starring actor Ken Matsudaira, recognized for his roles in period dramas and other popular films.

With a refreshing matcha-like flavor, this product is delicious and easy to drink, free from the characteristic greenish taste often associated with aojiru.

Surprisingly, they also offer a version that contains everyone's favorite Japanese fruit—white peach. Crafted from domestically grown white peaches, known for their refreshing sweetness and fruity essence, this beverage is delicious and easy to drink.

We recommend this product to health-conscious individuals for its combination of 10 billion plant-based lactic acid bacteria and 1,600 mg of plant-based dietary fiber, which establishes a symbiotic relationship in which the fiber nourishes the lactic acid bacteria for a healthy gut environment.

Karada ni Euglena is a brand of algae aojiru, derived from the nutrient-rich euglena cultivated on Ishigaki Island. Euglena is a superfood heralded for its exceptional nutritional value, successfully cultivated in Japan for the first time worldwide. It boasts a harmonious blend of 59 nutrients found in vegetables, fish, and meat, all of which are vital to the human body.

In addition to the traditional powder type that is dissolved and consumed, Karada ni Euglena also offers a convenient, ready-to-drink option, available in a variety of flavors!

Alongside the Fruit Au Lait and Strawberry Au Lait varieties, they also present the Tropical Fruit Au Lait flavor, crafted by an esteemed one-star chef from Japan!

If you visit Ishigaki Island, be sure to keep an eye out for these euglena drink vending machines!

Inspired by the morning routine of Japan’s well-known TV personality Maomi Yuki, Routine Aojiru is a specially-crafted beverage that allows you to enjoy aojiru and amazake at the same time.

Amazake is a favorite drink amongst young women, renowned for its beneficial effects on the digestive system. Prepared from sake lees, rice malt, and other carefully-selected ingredients, alongside young, pesticide-free Japanese barley grass, the result is a unique drink brimming with essential nutrients that revitalizes both your energy and beauty from the very start of the day!

For modern women short on time and looking for a quick and easy way to maintain a healthy physique and radiant skin, this drink is for you! Its quick-dissolving nature makes it an exceptionally convenient option for a hassle-free, effective solution.

Aojiru is a traditional, delicious health drink for the body, esteemed as a source of pride within Japan. And now, it has become easier to drink than ever before! So for those keen on health and beauty, we highly encourage you to explore the wide array of delectable, nutrient-rich aojiru options, and try it for yourself!

See also:
・23 Recommendations for Aojiru (2022) Ingredients, Qualities, and How to Enjoy It! - Voice Note Magazine
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Written by: Makoto Sasayama
Makoto Sasayama is an experienced beauty journalist, actively engaged in numerous cosmetic planning and beauty brand consulting endeavors. A regular contributor to a variety of publications and an active promoter of cosmetic branding, her commitment perfectly conveys the capabilities of Japanese cosmetics from a global perspective to people all over the world.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki