Kimoto Glass Co., Ltd. (Taito-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Seiichi Kimoto), has announced that its glasses are now sold at the world tea specialty store LUPICIA (ルピシア) since May. Following a well-received initial launch, the brand has confirmed that sales will continue through July as well.
The glasses, which have long been used as sake vessels at various shops and dining establishments, are now being introduced as glassware specifically designed to enhance the experience of drinking tea. Kimoto Glass sees this as an opportunity to expand the use of glassware into the non-alcoholic beverage space, with plans to broaden its range of proposals across a wider variety of settings.
From Sake Glasses to Tea Glasses
Against a backdrop of growing health consciousness and increasing interest in the "sober curious" lifestyle — the choice to intentionally abstain from alcohol — the non-alcoholic beverage market has been steadily growing. Hotels and restaurants are also increasingly incorporating non-alcoholic pairings, diversifying the drinking experience.
Kimoto Glass is a fabless glass manufacturer offering over 100 types of sake glasses, each matched to the characteristics of different drinks. Drawing on years of expertise in glassware development, the company has recognized that the influence of a glass on the aroma and flavor of a drink extends beyond alcoholic beverages. Kimoto Glass now plans to explore how glassware can enhance the experience of non-alcoholic drinks, including tea, and to propose new ways of enjoying them.
Launch at World Tea Specialty Store LUPICIA
Kimoto Glass glasses were featured in the lead special of LUPICIA's member magazine "Otayori." (お茶と食の会報誌『おたより。』), June 2026 issue, introduced as glassware for enjoying tea. Sales began on the LUPICIA online store on May 22.
The positive response to the initial launch led to a decision to continue sales through July.
This collaboration marks a new step for Kimoto Glass in proposing the enjoyment of non-alcoholic beverages — including tea — through glassware, going beyond the world of sake.
Available at the LUPICIA Online Store
Sales Period: June 23 (Tuesday) to July 23 (Thursday)
Where to Buy: LUPICIA Online Store
https://www.lupicia.com/shop/lp.aspx
es Flower01
Price: ¥6,600 (tax included)
A curved form that opens up the aroma of a drink. Pairs especially well with beverages where scent plays an important role.
es Rock03
Price: ¥5,500 (tax included)
A classic shape that fits comfortably in the hand. Versatile enough for tea, blended drinks, and a wide range of occasions.
Floraison Lilas
Price: ¥6,600 (tax included)
A design inspired by lilac blossoms. A glass that creates a special atmosphere.
es Slim04
Price: ¥6,600 (tax included)
A slim, elegant form that enhances the color and clarity of the drink.
"Tripling" — A New Dimension in the Dining Experience
"Tripling" (トリプリング) is a concept unique to Kimoto Glass that adds a third element — the glass — to the pairing of food and drink, creating a richer overall experience. By considering not just the combination of the beverage and dish, but also the compatibility of the glass, the aim is to draw out new dimensions of aroma and flavor.
Kimoto Glass obtained a trademark registration for "Tripling" in October 2025 and has been working to communicate its value and create opportunities for people to experience it through collaborations with sake breweries and restaurants.
The company is now expanding this concept beyond sake to include tea and non-alcoholic beverages, led by younger staff who will carry the brand forward. Proposing the experiential value that a glass can create — regardless of the type of drink — is Kimoto Glass's next challenge.
Comment from Rie Kimoto, Who Led This Initiative
"Personally, I don't drink alcohol that often, so I've long wondered whether we could propose the joy and difference that glassware brings to non-alcoholic drinks as well. I'm truly delighted that LUPICIA has chosen to carry Kimoto Glass products.
In fact, LUPICIA's caffeine-free teas were a source of comfort to me during a difficult time in my pregnancy, so as a fan myself, I feel deeply honored by this opportunity.
Some people love drinking; others don't drink much; others can't drink at all — everyone has their own way of enjoying themselves. That's precisely why I want to use glassware to bring new discoveries and enrich moments for everyone, regardless of what they're drinking. Going forward, I hope to further expand the possibilities of 'Tripling' through various pairings — Japanese sweets and matcha, fruits and black tea, and more."
The Future Kimoto Glass Is Building
Kimoto Glass will continue to create new experiential value through the concept of "Tripling" — not only in the world of sake but across diverse dining occasions including tea and non-alcoholic beverages.
The company's vision is not merely to sell glasses, but to communicate a new kind of value — "Tripling" — both domestically and internationally, and to propose a rich dining experience born from the combination of drink, food, and glass.
From "glasses for people who drink alcohol" to "glasses for everyone who enjoys food and drink" — Kimoto Glass aims to contribute to the flourishing of a vibrant dining culture, while helping to pass down the skills of Japan's glassmakers and the country's food culture to future generations.
