Actress Konatsu Kato as New Image Talent! CM and Video Podcast Program Launched - Daily Premium Water "THE DAY" Changes Water Choices, Available at Seven-Eleven (Metropolitan Area)!

Lotte Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President and Executive Officer: Hideki Nakajima; hereinafter "Lotte") will launch its beverage brand "THE DAY" at Seven-Eleven stores (Tokyo metropolitan area) from May 5, 2026 (Tuesday), following strong sales at先行販売 locations such as Don Quijote. Coinciding with the launch, actress Konatsu Kato has been appointed as the new image talent. Lotte will start a commercial and a video podcast program titled "Konatsu Kato Drinks Water ~THE DAY ROOM~", embodying the brand message "Turning an ordinary day into a special one." While engaging in uplifting conversations with various guests, Lotte will disseminate both product value and entertainment. Please look forward to "THE DAY," a daily premium water that updates Japan's water selection. ## Why is Lotte making water? Currently, Japan's mineral water market has reached approximately 450 billion yen (※2) and continues to grow. While demand for water is increasing, with it being ranked first in favorite beverage categories among Gen Z (※3), most currently distributed products focus on functional choices such as "safety and security," "ingredients," and "environmental consideration." Therefore, Lotte proposes a new option that supports each individual's happy everyday life, going beyond the role of "water" to quench thirst, by introducing an emotional approach of "feeling uplifted." Lotte aims to extend the "heart-moving experiences" cultivated over many years through confectionery and ice cream to the beverage field, contributing to a rich lifestyle filled with the joy of choosing water and moments that stir the heart. * ※1 Metropolitan area: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama (1 metropolis, 3 prefectures) * ※2 Source: Fuji Keizai Co., Ltd. "2024 Soft Drink Marketing Report" * ※3 Source: Shibuya Trend Research Co., Ltd. https://shibuya-trendresearch.jp/ ## From "Function" to "Feeling." Changing Values Modern consumers' values for beverages are shifting from "function" (quenching thirst) to "feeling" (emotional satisfaction and upliftment). Especially among younger generations, an active self-care value of "managing one's own mood" rather than relying on others has taken root. Lotte wanted to meet this invisible yet urgent need to "satisfy the heart." "THE DAY" offers new value as a "Daily Premium Water" with the concept of "Mood-Boosting Water." With its dazzling gold luster that captivates at a glance and the exhilarating sensation unique to a chilled aluminum can, it will upgrade everyday life into a "special day." ## Responding to Changing Social Environments In line with the recent spread of "sober curious" (intentionally not drinking alcohol), we are confident that it will become one of the best choices for positively coloring the daily lives of those who do not or cannot drink alcohol. "THE DAY" will overturn conventional wisdom about water, delivering a positive and free choice of "toasting with water" and a heartwarming special day experience to everyone. ## Product Information * ●Product Name * THE DAY * THE DAY * ●Release Date ※4 * May 5, 2026 (Tuesday) * May 5, 2026 (Tuesday) * ●Sales Channel * Seven-Eleven (Tokyo Metropolitan Area) * Seven-Eleven (Tokyo Metropolitan Area) * ●Content Volume * 480ml * 500ml * ●Price * Open Price * Open Price * ※4: The release date may vary by store ## Product Features 1. Easy-to-drink soft water and strong sparkling water made from natural water The water source uses groundwater from the Oi River system, originating in the Southern Alps. * is easy-to-drink soft water with a hardness of 67, matching all daily scenes. * has a refreshing strong carbonation that stimulates the mind and body. It is not only for hydration but also works well as a mixer for alcohol. 2. "Intentionally" aluminum can packaging Aluminum cans are adopted because they have a lower risk of ocean outflow (microplastic problem) than plastic bottles and are superior in recyclability. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the packaging with its striking contrast of "red" and "black" blends into various daily scenes. The iconic gold-shining can pursues a design that elevates the mood just by holding it and brightens up everyday life. ## Product Concept Movie Please also watch THE DAY product concept movie. https://youtu.be/0L2l9b1145c?si=-ZO4obm2f1HW3-Ot ## New CM ~ Daily Premium Water