Have you ever looked at the alcohol section in a Japanese convenience store (Konbini)? You will find a surprisingly wide variety of canned alcoholic beverages lined up.
While products mixing alcohol with green tea, oolong tea, or jasmine tea have existed for some time, a unique new product is now arriving. It is the “Takara Shochu Soft Corn Tea Wari” (Takara Shochu no Yawaraka Corn Tea Wari), released by “Takara Shuzo,” a traditional Japanese distiller.
It will be available for pre-sale at convenience stores nationwide in Japan starting Tuesday, February 24, 2026. For travelers looking for unsweetened alcohol or those wanting to know the latest trends in Japan, this will be an interesting choice.
What is “Ochawari,” Popular Among Young People?
Recently, a way of drinking called “Ochawari” has been gaining attention among Japanese youth and “Gen Z.” This refers to alcoholic beverages, such as Shochu, mixed with tea.
It used to have an image of being a drink for older people, but it has now become a new staple for the younger generation for the following reasons:
- Not Sweet: It doesn’t interfere with the taste of food, making it a good match for meals at Izakaya (Japanese pubs).
- No Carbonation: Unlike beer or soda mixes, it doesn’t make you feel bloated. Therefore, it is chosen as a drink that doesn’t tire you out during “Oshikatsu” (fandom activities), where people enjoy concerts or events for long hours.
- Health-Conscious: Tea has a healthy image, and people appreciate being able to drink it without guilt.
The Meeting of Fragrant “Corn Tea” and “Takara Shochu”
The new product released this time uses “Corn Tea,” which is familiar in Korean cuisine and other settings. Corn tea is characterized by the natural sweetness derived from corn and a roasted flavor.
The appeal of this product is as follows:
- Caffeine-Free: You can drink it with peace of mind even late at night.
- Sugar-Free: It has the sweet aroma of corn, but contains no sugar.
- Focus on Ingredients: It uses corn grown in Hokkaido.
- Base Alcohol: It uses “Takara Shochu,” a Japanese brand with over 100 years of history, known for its clean taste without distinct peculiarities.
Taste and Specs
The alcohol content is a modest 4%. Unlike Japan’s “Strong” type drinks (strong alcohol around 9%), it is perfect for weeknights when you want to get slightly tipsy.
The taste is “sweet, fragrant, and clean.” The gentle flavor of corn tea and the clear taste of shochu harmonize well.
Also, there is good news for health-conscious people. This product is “Sugar-Free.” The carbohydrate content is kept under 0.5g per 100ml (approx. 3.4 fl oz).
Fun to Choose: “Takara Shochu Ochawari” Series
The “Takara Shochu Ochawari” series has variations other than the Corn Tea released this time.
Introducing them in order from the left of the photo:
- Takara Shochu Soft Green Tea Wari: The most standard green tea mix.
- Takara Shochu Rich Green Tea Wari: Contains twice the catechins, allowing you to enjoy the astringency of tea.
- Takara Shochu Oolong Wari: Oolong tea mix. Goes well with greasy food.
- Takara Shochu Soft Corn Tea Wari: The new product introduced this time.
You can choose your favorite tea mix according to your mood or meal of the day.
Release Date and Where to Buy
This product will be released in advance at convenience stores first, and then sold at supermarkets and other locations.
- Convenience Store Pre-sale: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
- Nationwide General Sale: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Reference Price: 159 yen (excluding tax)
- Capacity: 335ml (approx. 11.3 fl oz) / Aluminum can
Summary
Alcohol using “Corn Tea” is a new trend in the Japanese RTD (Ready to Drink) market. Unsweetened, caffeine-free, and using ingredients from Hokkaido, this single can reflects the needs of modern Japan.
When you visit a Japanese Konbini in late February, please look for the yellow package. The fragrant scent of corn will surely help you relax during your night in Japan.
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