Pocari Sweat (ポカリスエット) - what is a Pocari?

I have no idea what a "Pocari" is, or how they make it sweat, but it sure tastes great on a hot and humid day! This stuff is found absolutely everywhere in Japan, in the millions of vending machines that you find on every street, in every city, town and village.

Apparently the first part of the name, Pocari, means "like a cloud floating in the sky" in Japanese, and is meant to suggest lightness, buoyancy, and ease. "Sweat" is supposed to suggest diligence. All together the name suggests that this is a drink that will make you feel fresh and relaxed. Mind you I'm always fresh ;-)

A Pocari isn't a big hairy behemoth in a sauna!