Showa Era (1926–)

1930
Launch of Manna Teething Biscuits for infants
1937
Holding of the First Morinaga Mother’s Day Meeting

Holding of the First Morinaga Mother’s Day Meeting

The Morinaga Mothers’ Appreciation Society was created in 1936, and in 1937, activities to popularize Mother’s Day nationwide were begun with the cooperation of several organizations, thereby establishing the “Thank you, Mother” tradition in Japan.

1944
Morinaga develops Japan’s first domestically produced penicillin.

Morinaga Develops Japan’s First Domestically Produced Penicillin

In 1944, Morinaga began joint development of penicillin with the Japanese Army Medical College and successfully created Japan’s first domestically produced penicillin. This penicillin saved many people who were injured during the war.

1954
Morinaga introduces Japan’s first band oven for biscuit baking.

Morinaga Introduces Japan’s First Band Oven for Biscuit Baking

In 1954, Morinaga installed 70-meter band ovens for biscuit manufacturing and began the mass-production of high-quality biscuits

1957
Launch of Hotcake Mix, premixed pancake mix
1959
Morinaga concludes a licensing contract with Walt Disney Enterprises Inc.—a first for a Japanese company.
1960
  • Morinaga develops a major media campaign pairing chocolate gift-giving with Valentine’s Day.
  • Launch of Japan’s first domestically produced instant coffee
  • Morinaga establishes the Educational Equipment Support Foundation while at the same time participates in the Bell Mark Campaign.

Activities to Popularize Valentine’s Day

Since before the Second World War, Morinaga also demonstrated its pioneering spirit in the field of advertising. In 1960, the company used the mass media to present a large-scale chocolate for Valentine’s Day campaign, cueing the establishment of Valentine’s Day in Japan.

1961
Launch of Angel Pie
1964
Launch of Hi-Crown
1967
  • Launch of Chocoball, with the Kyoro-chan design
  • Launch of Choco Flakes
1969
Launch of Hi-Soft
1970
Morinaga participates in the Osaka Expo, operating an Air Buffet (Ferris-wheel-like ride for enjoying snack foods in mid-air).
1971
Launch of Koeda Chocolate
1972
Launch of Choco Monaka
1975
Launch of HI-CHEW
1977
Morinaga begins import and sale of Chupa Chups lollipops.
1982
Launch of Ottotto
1983
Morinaga establishes a business alliance with USA-based Weider Nutrition International Inc.
1986
Announcement of a new Angel Mark