Misato Shimizu Shows Her Full Love for Baths! Appointed as Special Supporter for the "Pocari Bath Project"!

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head office: Tokyo, hereafter "Otsuka Pharmaceutical") held a press conference on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Ryogoku-Yuya Edoyu (Sumida-ku, Tokyo) to announce the launch of the Pocari Sweat "Pocari Bath Project". The year 2026, due to the wordplay on "026" (o-fu-ro), is considered a milestone year, the "bath year of the millennium." This project focuses on the diverse demands surrounding bathing facilities, such as for "rewards" and "leisure," and aims to enhance the appeal of the bathing experience and establish the health habit of "replenishing fluids and electrolytes before and after bathing." At the press conference, the importance of replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost during bathing was introduced, along with the announcement of promotions, including product provisions, to be held at bathing facilities nationwide on the 26th of every month (Bath Day). Additionally, talent and actress Misato Shimizu was appointed as the "Pocari Bath Project" Special Supporter. The event included an inauguration ceremony, a talk session, and the unveiling of visual content, as well as a ceremony where Ms. Shimizu entrusted Pocari Sweat cans and the project's spirit to the facility staff.

The Demand Surrounding Bathing Facilities and the Importance of Replenishing Fluids and Electrolytes Before and After Bathing

- Hiroya Iwasaki, Pocari Sweat Product Marketing Manager at Otsuka Pharmaceutical, explained the importance of proper hydration before and after bathing, as bathing causes sweating and loss of water and electrolytes (ions). He explained that Pocari Sweat, developed as a "drink from sweat" with an electrolyte balance close to that of body fluids, is a suitable beverage for hydration in bathing scenarios because it can hydrate the body faster and longer than water. Additionally, Hisatoshi Kato, Vice Chairman of the Japan Onsen Facilities Association and an officer of the "2026 Bath Year Project," introduced the project's initiatives and the diverse demands of bathing facilities. Furthermore, under the keyword "It's bath time! It's Pocari time!," it was announced that Pocari Sweat cans would be provided at bathing facilities nationwide starting from March 26, 2026, to spread the delicious taste that permeates the body after a bath, along with the unique coldness of the can. From March to November, they plan to provide Pocari Sweat cans in cooperation with bathing facilities on the 26th of every month (Bath Day), expecting to offer the drinking experience to a total of about 100,000 people during the period.

Misato Shimizu Appointed as "Pocari Bath Project" Special Supporter!

- At the press conference, the newly appointed "Pocari Bath Project" Special Supporter, talent and actress Misato Shimizu, took the stage for a talk session. She shared anecdotes about her love for baths and saunas and her favorite drink, Pocari Sweat, filling the venue with a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout.

- On her feelings about baths and public baths (sento): "When I'm not sleeping, I'm in the bath or sauna (laughs). Actually, what got me hooked on saunas was a sento's sauna. I think sento are not just places to take a bath, but also places for communication. I also enjoy the casual conversations with the 'bandai-san' (attendant) and the regulars who go to the same sento."

- On a memorable episode at a sento: "Someone put a wedding gift in my 'rental locker' at the sento I frequent so they could give it to me anytime. I was so happy with that thoughtful gesture, it's a memory I'll never forget."

- Regarding her experience drinking Pocari Sweat: "I drink a lot of Pocari Sweat. Pocari Sweat is overwhelmingly available in facility vending machines. I know I sweat a lot (when in the bath or sauna), so I make sure to drink Pocari Sweat or Pocari Sweat Ion Water not just after, but also before, to fully hydrate my body. Pocari after a bath feels like it permeates your body and is so delicious."

- About her bathing routine with her husband: "At home, my husband always turns on the bath for me. When I'm taking a long bath, he brings me a Pocari to the bathroom."

- On whether she shared the news of her appointment as Special Supporter with her husband: "Of course, I told him first. He said, 'I would have been a better fit!' (laughs)"

- A message to the public: "I believe baths are a place where both your mind and body can be energized. Through this Pocari Sweat project, I hope that not only bath lovers but also people who don't usually have the habit of going to sento will take this project as an opportunity to enjoy bathing."

▼ Misato Shimizu receiving the "Special Supporter" certificate of appointment ▼ Also revealing her husband's love: "He brings me Pocari during my long baths" ▼ Talking about her love for baths and Pocari

Also, at this press conference, the 2026 "bath...