Takara Shuzo is expanding its "Karakuchi Zero Ball" non-alcoholic chuhai lineup with a new Ginger Ale variety. The new flavor launches in a 350ml can on March 17, 2026, available nationwide across Japan. A new 500ml size for the existing lineup is also being introduced on the same date.
About Karakuchi Zero Ball
"Karakuchi Zero Ball" is a dry-tasting non-alcoholic chuhai that combines a full-bodied drinking experience with a crisp, refreshing finish. A key ingredient is the proprietary "Shochu Highball Extract" — a concentrated essence of Takara's well-known Shochu Highball — which creates a lingering aftertaste that mimics the satisfaction of drinking an alcoholic beverage. The drinks are also zero calories, zero sugar, contain no food-additive sweeteners, and have zero purines, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
Why Ginger Ale?
The non-alcoholic beverage market in Japan has grown year after year, driven by rising health awareness and an increasingly diverse product lineup. While non-alcoholic drinks have traditionally served as alcohol substitutes for occasions like designated driving or rest-from-drinking days, a newer pattern has emerged: people are now turning to them simply to refresh or change their mood.
According to a 2025 survey by Takara Shuzo, around 50% of respondents in their 20s to 40s reported feeling unsatisfied when reaching for a regular carbonated drink instead of alcohol. This appetite for a non-alcoholic option with genuine drinking satisfaction was a key driver behind the new launch.
Ginger ale is a widely recognized alternative to alcohol as a carbonated drink and is especially popular among younger consumers. It also features prominently in bar and restaurant menus as a base for mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails). These trends led the brand to adopt ginger ale as its newest flavor. The Karakuchi Zero Ball Ginger Ale features a "Ginger Syrup" made with fresh ginger from Kochi Prefecture, delivering a pleasantly spicy, stimulating, and refreshing taste alongside the drink's characteristic Shochu Highball Extract satisfaction.
From left: ① Karakuchi Zero Ball Ginger Ale, Karakuchi Zero Ball 350ml, ② Karakuchi Zero Ball 500ml
New Product Details
| ① Karakuchi Zero Ball Ginger Ale | ② Karakuchi Zero Ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Carbonated soft drink | Carbonated soft drink |
| Alcohol Content | 0.00% (non-alcoholic) | 0.00% (non-alcoholic) |
| Size / Container | 350ml / Aluminum can | 500ml / Aluminum can |
| Packaging | 24-can cardboard case | 24-can cardboard case |
| Reference Retail Price (excl. tax) | ¥131 | ¥179 |
| Release Area | Nationwide (Japan) | Nationwide (Japan) |
| Release Date | March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) | March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) |
"Zero calories" means less than 5 kcal per 100ml; "zero sugar" means less than 0.5g of sugar per 100ml; "zero purines" means less than 0.5mg of purines per 100ml, as defined by Japan's food labeling standards. No sweeteners are used as food additives.
