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
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Does the Fukuryumon Chinese restaurant in Koenji offer the best lunch deal in Tokyo?
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
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
Japanese vending machines now have the strangest thing we never knew we needed: hot bottled water