A Taste of the Past: How Sweetened Green Tea Was Enjoyed in Showa-Era Japan

Today, sweetened green tea is often found in cafes or as a modern powdered drink at home. But in Japan’s Showa era (1926–1989), it had a very different identity—a beloved household staple that offered refreshment, simplicity, and a touch of sweetness, especially during the long summer months. Let’s take a nostalgic look at how sweetened green tea was a part of daily life in homes, workplaces, and community spaces in postwar Japan.

1. A Summer Classic in the Japanese Home

As refrigerators became more common in Japanese households during the mid-to-late Showa era, sweetened green tea gained popularity as an easy-to-make cold drink.

Simply mixing the powder with cold water made it accessible even to children, who could prepare their own drinks during hot afternoons.
The mild sweetness made it a perfect companion for snack time or a reward after coming home from school.
It became a family favorite, especially in homes with young children.

2. Sweetened Green Tea from Public Drink Dispensers

In many public places such as train stations, hospitals, city offices, and supermarkets, self-service tea machines (called "kyu-chaki") were a familiar sight.

These machines offered options like sencha (standard green tea), oolong tea, and sweetened green tea.
The button labeled “Green Tea” often dispensed a sweet, cold version—ideal for a quick pick-me-up during a break at work or while shopping.
It was loved by both men and women as a gentle, comforting beverage.

3. A Simple Gesture of Summer Hospitality

Before bottled beverages became the norm, homemade sweetened green tea served in a glass with ice was a common way to welcome guests during summer.

It offered a cooling and casual refreshment that required minimal effort but still felt thoughtful.
Compared to brewing hot tea, it was faster and more seasonally appropriate, making it a go-to option for spontaneous visits.
This practice reflected a uniquely Japanese form of low-key hospitality.

4. A Drink Loved by Children

Unlike bitter green tea or roasted hojicha, sweetened green tea was delightfully mild and sweet, making it especially popular with children.

Many people today recall being served this drink at their grandparents’ house during school holidays.
Scooping the powder into a cup and stirring it with water was often seen as a fun little ritual, creating lasting memories.
For many, the taste of sweetened green tea is a symbol of summer and childhood.

5. A Hidden Gem in Local Cafés and Sweet Shops

In the Showa period, Japan's café culture was very different from today’s stylish coffee chains.

Traditional cafés and Japanese dessert shops sometimes offered “hiyashi matcha” (iced matcha-style drinks) made with sweetened green tea powder.
Served over ice and occasionally paired with wagashi (Japanese sweets) or anmitsu, this drink represented a quiet corner of Japanese beverage culture.
It blended naturally into the landscape of nostalgic local eateries, especially in the summer.

Conclusion

Sweetened green tea in Showa-era Japan was more than a drink—it was a reflection of daily life, from home kitchens and grandparents’ houses to public facilities and traditional cafés. Its ease of preparation, gentle sweetness, and cooling nature made it a staple across generations.

While modern green tea culture focuses on premium matcha lattes or health-oriented products, understanding the role of this simple, nostalgic beverage offers a deeper appreciation for Japan’s tea traditions. It's a reminder that even humble drinks can hold powerful memories—and continue to refresh us in new ways today.