What is Japanese soft water? | Soft Water Culture and why ONSENSUI 99 is easy to drink
Why is most Japanese water "soft water"?
Japanese water is known for being predominantly "soft water" compared to other parts of the world.
This is related to Japan's topography and natural environment.
Japan is a mountainous country, and the time it takes for rain to flow from the mountains to the sea is relatively short, so the water has less time to absorb minerals in the ground.
Therefore, natural water in Japan tends to have a relatively low mineral content, meaning it is mostly "soft water."
What is the difference between soft and hard water?
Water is generally classified into:
- Soft water
- Hard water
This classification is based on the amount of calcium and magnesium (hardness) contained in the water.
Generally,
- Lower hardness → Soft water
- Higher hardness → Hard water
While some regions abroad commonly have hard water, Japan has a long history of soft water culture.
Why do Japanese people find soft water "easy to drink"?
In Japan, there is a deep-rooted culture of drinking soft water daily.
Therefore, it is said that Japanese palates are relatively accustomed to soft water.
On the other hand, some people find that hard water from overseas has a:
- Mineral taste
- Bitter taste
- Heavy mouthfeel
For this reason, it is not uncommon for Japanese people who begin living abroad to feel:
- "The water tastes different"
- "It's hard to drink"
- "It has a heavy mouthfeel"
Soft water is often characterized by being:
- Mild
- Smooth
- Easy to drink
The relationship between Japanese food and soft water
Japanese food culture is said to have a deep relationship with soft water.
In particular,
- Dashi (broth)
- Green tea
- Matcha
- Cooking rice
are said to be highly compatible with soft water.
This is because soft water is believed to enhance the natural flavors of ingredients.
Therefore, soft water culture has flourished in Japan since ancient times.
Does water change the taste of coffee and matcha?
The taste of coffee and matcha is actually said to change depending on the "water" used.
In particular, factors like:
- Hardness
- Mineral balance
- Mouthfeel
can alter the perception of:
- Bitterness
- Astringency
- Aroma
- Aftertaste
For this reason, more people who enjoy coffee and matcha are becoming particular about the water they use.
Many people are surprised by how much the taste can change with water.
▶ Related articles:
Does coffee change with water?｜Compatibility with ultra-soft water
The relationship between matcha and water｜Why water changes the taste
ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99) is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7
ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99) is natural alkaline hot spring water sourced in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
One of its major characteristics is its ultra-softness, with a hardness of 1.7.
It has a very low hardness compared to typical mineral waters.
Difference between ONSENSUI99 and typical mineral water
| Item | ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99) | Typical mineral water |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 1.7 | Around 30-120 |
| Characteristics | Ultra-soft water | Soft to hard water |
| Mouthfeel | Smooth | Varies by product |
| Taste | Mild | Can have a strong mineral taste |
| Compatibility with Japanese food | Good | Varies by product |
Therefore, many people find it:
- Less bitter
- Easy to drink daily
- Mild in taste
Why is ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99) gaining attention overseas?
ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99) is expanding not only in Japan but also into international markets.
In Thailand, especially, it is gaining attention from:
- Japanese expatriates
- Those who enjoy Japanese food
- Those seeking high-quality Japanese products
Many people struggle with differences in water quality when living abroad.
In such situations, ONSENSUI99 is chosen as ultra-soft water of Japanese quality.
Are ONSENSUI99 and ONSENSUI 99 the same?
Yes, both "ONSENSUI99" and "ONSENSUI 99" refer to Onsensui 99.
Overseas, it may sometimes be written as "ONSENSUI 99" with a space, and in Japanese, it might be written as "温泉水 99".
Related Articles
▶ What is Onsensui 99? | Reasons why ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99) is chosen
▶ Does coffee change with water? | Compatibility with ultra-soft water
▶ The relationship between matcha and water | Why water changes the taste
▶ Life in Thailand and water conditions | What surprises Japanese people
▶ What is Kagoshima-Tarumizu? | A town where nature and hot spring culture thrive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between soft and hard water?
It's the difference in the amount of calcium and magnesium (hardness) contained in the water.
Why is Japanese water mostly soft water?
Due to Japan's topography and natural environment, much of the water is said to have a relatively low mineral content.
Why is soft water said to be easy to drink?
One reason is that it tends to have a smooth mouthfeel.
Is ONSENSUI99 hard water or soft water?
It is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7.
Are ONSENSUI99 and ONSENSUI 99 the same?
Yes, both refer to Onsensui 99.
Summary | Japan's Soft Water Culture and ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99)
In Japan, soft water culture has developed since ancient times.
Therefore, soft water has a deep connection with many aspects of Japanese food culture, such as:
- Japanese cuisine
- Dashi (broth)
- Matcha
- Green tea
- Coffee
ONSENSUI99 (ONSENSUI 99) is a natural alkaline hot spring water characterized by its ultra-softness (hardness of 1.7), offering:
- Easy drinkability
- Smooth mouthfeel
- Compatibility with Japanese food
It is chosen by those who say:
"Since I drink water every day, I want to be particular about how easy it is to drink."
