"Oropo, please."

This phrase echoes through the dining areas of sauna facilities. Oropo, a legendary drink known to every sauna lover.

Oropo is a simple mix of Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat. Yet, after a sauna, it tastes extraordinarily good. It permeates the body, washing away fatigue.

Oropo is a sauna-specific drink created by Japanese sauna enthusiasts.

What is Oropo?

The name "Oropo" is straightforward.

"Oro" comes from Oronamin C, and "Po" from Pocari Sweat. The combination of these two names forms "Oropo." While it's unclear who coined the term, it naturally spread among sauna enthusiasts.

Making it is extremely simple. Fill a glass with ice, pour in Oronamin C, add Pocari Sweat, and stir lightly. Done in 30 seconds, even a child can make it.

However, this simple combination creates a miraculous taste. The sweetness and carbonation of Oronamin C, combined with the salt and minerals of Pocari Sweat, make it the perfect drink after a sauna.

The Background of Oropo's Creation

Oropo was born from the wisdom of sauna enthusiasts.

In the sauna, you sweat profusely, losing not only water but also minerals. What should you drink to recover most efficiently in this state? Sauna enthusiasts experimented extensively.

Sports drinks were quickly identified as beneficial. Pocari Sweat efficiently replenishes water and minerals. Yet, something was missing.

Energy drinks were also good. Oronamin C provides an instant boost with its sugar and caffeine. Still, it was lacking on its own.

So, why not mix both? This idea gave birth to Oropo. Those who tried it were astonished by its taste. "This is it," they thought.

The Golden Ratio: 1 to 1

Oropo has a golden ratio.

Oronamin C: Pocari Sweat = 1:1. This ratio is considered the most delicious. 120ml of Oronamin C and 120ml of Pocari Sweat make a total of 240ml of Oropo.

Why 1 to 1? There's a scientific reason.

Oronamin C is sweet and highly carbonated, too sweet on its own. Pocari Sweat is salty and can feel thin when drunk alone.

Mixing them 1 to 1 balances the sweetness and saltiness. The carbonation is also moderately diluted, making it easier to drink. This perfect balance is the golden ratio.

However, personal preference matters. Those who like it sweeter can add more Oronamin C. Those who prefer a lighter taste can add more Pocari Sweat. Adjusting to your taste is part of Oropo's charm.

The Science of Oropo: Why It's Perfect After a Sauna

Oropo is optimized for post-sauna consumption.

First, hydration. It quickly replenishes the water lost in the sauna. The osmotic pressure of Pocari Sweat aids absorption.

Next, mineral replenishment. Pocari Sweat restores the salt, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat.

Additionally, sugar replenishment. The sugar in Oronamin C replenishes the energy consumed in the sauna, quickly raising blood sugar and eliminating fatigue.

Moreover, caffeine. The caffeine in Oronamin C provides an awakening effect. It adds a moderate alertness to the relaxed state achieved in the sauna, creating a perfect balance for a great feeling.

Finally, carbonation. It refreshes the throat. The carbonation provides a cooling sensation to the body heated by the sauna.

All these elements are contained in Oropo, making it a perfectly designed recovery drink after a sauna.

Popularization in Sauna Facilities

Initially, Oropo was only known among a select group of sauna enthusiasts.

However, with the spread of social media, it quickly gained popularity. Sauna enthusiasts posted on Twitter and Instagram, saying "Oropo is the best" and "Nothing beats Oropo after a sauna." Other enthusiasts saw these posts, tried it, and reposted saying "It's truly delicious." This chain reaction turned Oropo into a nationwide trend.

Sauna facilities noticed this trend and began adding "Oropo" to their menus. You no longer need to mix it yourself; you can simply order it. This convenience accelerated Oropo's spread.

Now, many sauna facilities have "Oropo" on their menus. It has become a staple drink in sauna facilities.

Making Oropo from Vending Machines

In some sauna facilities, Oropo might not be on the menu.

In such cases, you can buy the ingredients from vending machines and make it yourself. Purchase Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat, pour them into a glass, and mix. This DIY aspect is also part of Oropo's fun.

The culture of making Oropo from vending machines is known among sauna enthusiasts as "Self Oropo." Some facilities provide paper cups in rest areas, making it easy to create your own Oropo.

Variations of Oropo

The basic Oropo is Oronamin C + Pocari Sweat.

However, sauna enthusiasts sought further evolution, creating various variations.

Oropo Cal (Oropo + Calpis): Adding a small amount of Calpis increases creaminess, ideal for those who like it sweet.

Oropo Lemon (Oropo + Lemon Juice): Adding lemon juice increases acidity, making it refreshing, perfect for summer.

Oropo Mint (Oropo + Mint): Adding mint increases freshness, ideal for those seeking a refreshing sensation.

Oropo Ginger (Oropo + Ginger Ale): Mixing with ginger ale adds spiciness, suitable for adults.

These variations are not yet mainstream but are being experimentally tried by some sauna enthusiasts. In the future, new standards may emerge.

Oropo vs. Beer

As a post-sauna drink, Oropo is often compared to beer.

Beer enthusiasts say, "Beer after a sauna is the best. Nothing can replace this refreshing feeling."

Oropo enthusiasts say, "Alcohol promotes dehydration. Oropo replenishes water and minerals. It's healthier."

Which is correct? The answer is, "Both are correct."

Beer excels in taste and refreshment. The exhilaration from alcohol is also a charm. However, it's disadvantageous health-wise, as it promotes dehydration and affects the next day's condition.

Oropo excels health-wise. It efficiently replenishes water, minerals, and energy. It restores everything lost in the sauna. However, it lacks the exhilaration of alcohol.

Conclusion: Choose based on your mood and condition of the day. If you plan to go out drinking, choose Oropo. If you plan to relax, choose beer. This differentiation is the wise choice of a sauna enthusiast.

Oropo is Suitable for Children

Oropo contains no alcohol.

Therefore, children can drink it. When going to the sauna with family, parents can have beer, and children can have Oropo. This combination is ideal.

For children, Oropo is a special drink. It's a special treat made from Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat, which they usually can't have. It's a reward drink they can only enjoy when going to the sauna.

This "enjoyable for children" aspect is one reason Oropo has spread in family-friendly sauna facilities.

The Economic Aspect of Oropo

Oropo is economical.

Beer costs around 500 to 700 yen for a draft. Oropo costs around 300 to 400 yen, about half the price.

If you buy the ingredients from vending machines and make it yourself, it's even cheaper. Oronamin C costs 120 yen, Pocari Sweat 150 yen, totaling 270 yen. This makes about 500ml of Oropo.

This economic aspect is one reason Oropo has spread. For sauna enthusiasts who go weekly, drink costs can't be ignored. Oropo is wallet-friendly.

Oropo's Social Media Appeal

Oropo is visually appealing.

The vibrant yellow of Oronamin C and the transparency of Pocari Sweat mix to create a beautiful pale yellow drink. Pour it into a glass with ice, and it looks refreshing and photogenic.

Instagram, Twitter. Sauna enthusiasts post photos of Oropo. "#Oropo" "#SaunaMeal". These hashtags accompany numerous Oropo photos.

This social media appeal is one reason Oropo has been embraced by young people. It's not only delicious but also photogenic. These two elements have made Oropo a symbol of sauna culture.

The Health Benefits of Oropo

Oropo is not just a delicious drink; it also has health benefits.

It efficiently replenishes the water, minerals, and energy lost in the sauna, which also helps prevent heatstroke. Without proper hydration after a sauna, there's a risk of dehydration. Oropo reduces this risk.

Additionally, it aids in fatigue recovery. The B vitamins in Oronamin C promote energy metabolism, quickly recovering the body tired from the sauna.

However, it is high in sugar. Both Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat contain sugar. Drinking large amounts daily could lead to excessive sugar intake. It's important to consume in moderation.

Oropo as a Symbol of Japanese Sauna Culture

Oropo is not just a drink; it symbolizes Japanese sauna culture.

It was created by sauna enthusiasts through trial and error, spread via social media, and adopted by facilities. Now, it's a nationally recognized drink.

This process reflects the characteristics of Japanese sauna culture: user-driven culture, social media dissemination, and commercialization by facilities. All these elements are part of Oropo's history.

Oropo is proof that sauna culture from Finland has uniquely evolved in Japan. There's no Oropo in Finland or Germany. It's an original culture created by Japanese sauna enthusiasts.

The Future of Oropo

Oropo will likely continue to evolve.

Some sauna facilities are already developing original Oropo. They mix homemade sports drinks and energy drinks to create a unique Oropo for their facility. This customization might become a future trend.

Additionally, there are moves to sell Oropo in cans. Already mixed, available at convenience stores. This convenience could further spread Oropo.

Oropo will continue to be loved as part of Japanese sauna culture. Going to the sauna will inevitably mean having Oropo. This habit might soon become a norm for Japanese sauna enthusiasts.

Drink Oropo

Exit the sauna. Cool down in the cold bath. Relax in the open air. The body is perfect.

Head to the dining area. "Oropo, please." It arrives in minutes. The glass is filled with a pale yellow drink.

Take a sip. A mysterious taste of mixed sweetness and saltiness. The carbonation tingles the throat. Yet, it's extraordinarily delicious. Another sip. You can drink it down quickly. The glass empties in no time.

The body rejoices. It feels like everything lost has returned. Water, minerals, energy. Everything permeates the body.

This is Oropo. The legendary drink created by Japanese sauna enthusiasts.

Go to the sauna. Drink Oropo. There lies the happiness of sauna enthusiasts.