It’s barely even autumn and yet Japan’s beverage makers are showing off their new winter warmers. Hot on the heels of Coca Cola’s Canada Dry Hot Ginger Ale, Japan’s Kirin drinks company has unveiled a new hot version of its popular carbonated drink, Kirin no Awa.
The regular, chilled version of the drink has been around for some time now and is undeniably refreshing with its cider-like flavour and pleasant aroma. Aimed primarily at adults who want something a little more sophisticated to sip on when not imbibing alcohol, the drink is performing well on the market, but will a hot version really work?
This time around, Kirin has added a hint of grapefruit to its grown-up soft drink, and promises a flavour that’s perfect for snuggling up at home.
Warm drinks in cans are a common sight here in Japan, with many vending machines offering both hot and cold beverages all year round. Kirin’s new tummy warmer, however, will only be available from convenience stores, and is set to go on sale across the country from November 5, priced 124 yen (US$1.24).
This new trend of warm carbonated drinks may take a little getting used to, but we have to admit the offerings we’ve seen so far certainly beat sipping on a bottle of coke we left in the sun all day.
Get a taste of the Force with these two new Mets drinks from Kirin!
Kirin Releasing Fat-Busting Cola
Coca Cola Japan releases new flavour to combat the winter cold
Curry Bread Cider: A drink with an unforgettable aftertaste【Taste Test】
Kirin to release line of 1% drinks, we’re not entirely sure why either
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
What’s on the all-you-can-drink menu at Denny’s Japan? 【Family Restaurant Drink Bar Showdown】
Kirin tea drinks now available in adorable and artistic mix and match Disney labels!
Drink up and smile with this cute limited edition line of tea from Kirin!
End of the strong chu-hi boom? Kirin launches new low-alcohol canned cocktail line
All-you-can drink beer, cocktails, and udon noodle meals in Tokyo restaurant for just nine bucks
Can you tell the difference between real beer and Japan’s happoshu quasi-beer?【Taste test】
Alcoholic Coca-Cola set to go on sale in Japan as company enters the canned cocktail market
Starbucks Japan now has its first-ever Cola Frappuccino, but is it any good?
Discount vending machine in Japan serves up Caramel Popcorn Soda
Something for soy milk skeptics: cola and pear flavors
Nissin Cup Noodle Soda gives us the flavour of instant ramen as fizzy drinks!
Would you drink hot ginger ale from a can? Coca Cola thinks you will
Suntory releases new Pepsi soft drinks only available in Japan
Japanese candy maker announces new “hot cola gum” to meet demand that probably doesn’t exist
Coca-Cola Japan releases new clear coke this month, we get to try it before it goes on sale
Mr Sato drinks stinky Pond Water Cider from Japan