A surprising new product has been announced from “Gogo-no-Kocha” (Afternoon Tea), the brand that boasts overwhelming popularity in the Japanese tea beverage market. Its name is “Kirin Gogo-no-Kocha Ice Milk Tea de Morning.” Despite the brand name meaning “Afternoon Tea,” this drink features a unique concept that encourages drinking it specifically in the morning.
A “New Morning Habit” Proposed for the Brand’s 40th Anniversary
Since its birth in 1986, “Gogo-no-Kocha” has led Japan’s tea culture and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. For this major milestone, the brand revisited its roots of “spreading happiness through tea” and developed this product as a new challenge. It will be sold exclusively at Lawson convenience stores (often called “konbini” in Japan) nationwide.
The inspiration for development was the “morning tea” habit found in the United Kingdom, the home of black tea. While people in the UK enjoy a cup of tea to wake up or with breakfast, this culture was rearranged to fit the busy style of Japanese mornings. This is the background behind the debut of “Ice Milk Tea de Morning.”
Detailed Information: Release Date, Price, and Sales Area
Here is the essential information for the product, which you’ll want to check out if you are visiting or staying in Japan:
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- Availability: Exclusively at Lawson stores nationwide (excluding Lawson Store 100)
- Price: 186 yen (approx. $1.24 USD) including tax
- Feature: The first-ever “morning-oriented” milk tea in the brand’s history
Beyond the surprise factor of “Afternoon Tea for the morning,” the contents are also meticulously crafted. It is designed with a very clean aftertaste, making it easy to drink even during a hectic morning.
Note: This product contains honey. Do not give it to infants under 1 year of age.
Commitment to Two Types of Tea Leaves and “Teapot Extraction”
Despite being a bottled beverage, this product employs authentic manufacturing methods. It carefully extracts the flavor from the tea leaves using the same “teapot brewing method” used when making tea at home.
The blend features two types of tea leaves that are perfect for a morning refresh:
- Dimbula Tea Leaves (10% used): Characterized by a brilliant aroma that helps refresh your mood.
- Uva Tea Leaves (20% used): One of the world’s three great teas. It has a refreshing astringency that pairs perfectly with milk.
By combining these, the drink achieves the robust flavor inherent to black tea alongside a crispness suitable for the morning.
Harmony of Gentle Honey Sweetness and “Refreshing Milk”
Energy replenishment in the morning requires a moderate amount of sugar. This drink is inspired by the gentle sweetness of honey spread on toast. It features a deep flavor profile that cannot be achieved with sugar alone.
The sweetness is adjusted to be modest, allowing it to go down smoothly even when you are thirsty in the morning. Additionally, for the milk, the brand pursued a “refreshing mouthfeel” that isn’t too heavy while still providing a sense of richness. It is a comfortable balance for a body that has just woken up.
Enjoy It with Bread from “Lawson,” a Japanese Convenience Store
“Ice Milk Tea de Morning” pairs perfectly with the bakery items (bread) sold at Lawson. Here are some particularly recommended combinations:
The honey-infused milk tea enhances the aroma of the wheat in the bread. We recommend purchasing it as a set with your favorite bread for breakfast before heading out for work or sightseeing.
Win Luxury Prizes! SNS Repost Campaign Also Underway
To celebrate the new launch, an SNS campaign for those in Japan will also be held. One lucky winner will receive a “BRUNO Grill Sand Maker Double (Gogo-no-Kocha Edition).”
The entry process is as follows:
- Follow the Lawson (@akiko_lawson) 🇯🇵 .
- Repost the designated post.
- Campaign Period: Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:00 AM (Scheduled) – Thursday, April 16, 2026, 11:59 PM
Since this is a limited model of a very popular kitchen item, those living in Japan should definitely check it out.
Points to Know Before Buying
Finally, here is a summary of points to keep in mind when purchasing:
- Contains Honey: Never give this to children under 1 year old.
- Store Exclusive: Limited to Lawson stores nationwide. It is not sold at Lawson Store 100.
- Stocking Times: Arrival times vary by store, so it may not be on shelves first thing in the morning on the release date.
- Limited Quantity: Popular items may sell out quickly, so early purchase is recommended.
Experience the “Morning Afternoon Tea,” a product packed with Japanese tea culture. Try this new flavor born from 40 years of history at a Lawson in Japan.
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