CALPICO polka-dot design is a representation of the Milky Way. CALPICO was first introduced to Japanese consumers on July 7, 1919. As July 7 is also the date of Japan’s traditional Tanabata Festival (the Star Festival). The festival traces its origins to a legend that two stars, Altair and Vega, are lovers staring at each other through the Milky Way. They are allowed to meet just once a year- on the seventh day of the seventh month.
In 1922, a member of the company’s advertising department conceived the design inspired by the Tanabata legend.
The original design had white polka dots spread over blue background to symbolize a starry sky. As years progressed, the polka dots became more colorful and vibrant.