#Japan #Danone #Tokyo #evian #Miki Nakatani

Evian® Celebrates 200 Years: A Toast to Heritage and Youth

On May 21, 2026, the beautiful surroundings of the French Embassy in Japan witnessed a remarkable celebration of Evian®’s 200th anniversary. This significant event not only marked two centuries of this distinguished brand but also aligned with the upcoming G7 Summit in Evian, France, further spotlighting the brand's global prominence.

The festivities kicked off with an inspiring speech from Beatrice Le Fraper du Hellen, the French Ambassador to Japan, who expressed her heartfelt congratulations to Evian® for its monumental milestone. Following her remarks, Conrad Kowalick, the Director for Japan and APAC at Danone, elaborated on the brand’s ethos encapsulated in the slogan “200 Years Young,” emphasizing the commitment to both heritage and future sustainability.

One of the highlights was the participation of the brand’s Japan Ambassador, the talented Miki Nakatani, who took to the stage dressed in an exquisite white gown, embodying the essence of water’s purity. Nakatani, a long-time devotee of Evian®, captivates the audience with stories of her heartfelt experiences at the “Evian 200 Years Young” anniversary event in Évian-les-Bains. Her admiration for the natural beauty of the French Alps and her interactions with local residents, who utilize the pristine water resources, painted a vivid picture of Evian®’s legacy.

In a light-hearted moment, Nakatani shared her humorous recollection of the limited-edition Millennium bottle from 2000, confessing to having consumed all of it despite intending to keep it preserved. This playful anecdote resonated with attendees, showcasing her genuine enthusiasm for the brand.

As the celebration continued, the unveiling of special limited edition bottles representing significant themes such as ORIGIN, HERITAGE, YOUTH, CULTURE, and SPORTS took center stage. Nakatani enthusiastically remarked on her desire to collect all variations, with personal favorites being the designs reflecting the majestic landscapes of the French Alps.

At the climax of the event, the atmosphere turned jubilant as Nakatani led a toast, prompting all attendees to raise their glasses of the anniversary edition bottle in celebration of Evian®’s rich heritage and youthful spirit.

Kowalick further reinforced Evian®'s dedication to environmental stewardship during his address. He explained how the water has been naturally filtered over a tremendous span of 15 years, ensuring the purity and distinctiveness of the product since 1826. This commitment to maintaining the essence of the brand while evolving with contemporary needs is what solidifies Evian®'s position as a timeless classic.

The ambassador, Le Fraper du Hellen, praised Evian® as not just a product, but as a symbol of French heritage, embodying the values of sustainability and health that resonate deeply within both France and Japan.

Evian®’s “200 Years Young” philosophy underscores the brand’s belief in remaining youthful through unwavering curiosity and positivity. The clever narrative plays with words, intertwining “years” with “festivals” or “matsuri” in Japanese, demonstrating how the brand embodies joy and liveliness in its approach to promoting a healthy lifestyle.

As the event drew to a close, the collective spirit of celebration left a lasting impression of Evian®’s vision for the future - one that honors its past while looking forward to innovation and sustainability in the years to come.

In conclusion, Evian® is not simply a long-standing brand; it signifies health and wellness, underscoring the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, as stated in Danone’s motto: “One Planet. One Health.” This iconic mineral water continues to be a go-to choice for those looking to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle globally.