The world of snacks is nothing short of fascinating, and in Japan, the realm of soft drinks offers intriguing surprises. Among these is a cola uniquely named “Los Angeles,” a product that piqued curiosity and commanded a hefty price tag—about $20 for a couple of cans—when ordered from an exotic snacks website in the U.S.
The story behind Los Angeles Cola is a journey into the memories and cultural nuances that connect Japan and the famed Californian city. Rather than a straightforward answer about the drink’s origin, what emerged were personal fragments from individuals who grew up savoring this cola long before making their way to the United States.
Los Angeles, both as a city and an idea, has significant resonance even in Japan. The culture industry linked to Hollywood, leisurely vibes, and iconic symbols like palm trees make the city appealing to Japanese people. According to E. Taylor Atkins, a historian specializing in Japanese culture at Northern Illinois University, the allure of Los Angeles stretches to leisure and lifestyle, leaving an imprint that resonates within Japanese society.
Historically, the ties between Japan and Los Angeles have deep roots. Japanese immigrants first arrived in Hawaii in 1868 before settling significantly in California by the 1910s, where Japanese Americans began building communities, with Little Tokyo being the most prominent.
Emily Anderson, a curator at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles, underscores this cultural connection. The existence of a cola branded as “Los Angeles” is not unlike other culinary creations, such as mochi ice cream and the California roll, which blend food and identity. Food evokes memories and serves as a platform for cultural exchange, providing comfort and a sense of belonging.
Anderson, while researching for a future exhibit focusing on Japanese American cuisine, mentioned she was reaching out to a friend from Osaka to learn more about Los Angeles Cola, hinting at the rich narratives intertwined with this soft drink.
The creation of Japanese cola began in 1952 with Win-Cola followed by Mission Cola, marking Japan’s early engagement with soft drinks. Although Coca-Cola entered the Japanese market in limited quantities, it ultimately became available in larger amounts in the 1960s. However, homegrown brands like Los Angeles Cola have continued to flourish alongside these international giants.
Hwaji Shin, a sociologist at the University of San Francisco and a friend of Anderson, reminisces about her encounters with Los Angeles Cola in Osaka during the 1990s. While she doesn’t have a discerning palate for colas, viewing them as simply “brown, carbonated water,” she acknowledges the cultural significance surrounding her family’s history and the soft drink.
Shin’s experience is colored by her background as part of the Zainichi Korean community in Japan—descendants of Koreans who migrated for work during Japan’s colonial era. Her family’s entrepreneurial spirit led her mother to start various businesses, including a vending machine that dispensed Los Angeles Cola, which locals perceived as a more affordable alternative to Coca-Cola.
The story continues as Los Angeles Cola was discontinued in 2005 but brought back by popular demand, highlighting the drink’s nostalgic hold over its consumers. Furthermore, there exists another cola inspired by L.A. called Los Angeles Sunshine or LAS Cola, originating from Kobe.
Shin recalls that this drink was dear to her father, who had a special connection to Coca-Cola stemming from his early employment at a warehouse in Kobe. Despite the challenges faced by migrants in Japan, her father fondly remembered the daily ritual of receiving a cold bottle of Coca-Cola from his boss—a rare treat that left a lasting impression.
Years later, while visiting Kobe, she ordered a Coke at a restaurant with her sister, unknowingly consuming Los Angeles Sunshine. The refreshing taste took her back to fond memories, underscoring how food ties people to past experiences and identities, nourishing an unbreakable connection to their roots.
In summary, the allure of Los Angeles Cola intertwines nostalgia, culture, and the vibrant histories of those who once called Japan home—all while bringing a taste of the Golden State to Japan. The stories and experiences associated with this soft drink mirror a larger narrative of cultural exchange and identity that transcends borders, reminding us of the universal joys found in food and drink.
image source from：laist
