Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd. is launching "Takara Shochu Yawaraka Corn Tea Wari" to capitalize on the growing popularity of tea-blended shochu drinks among younger consumers. The product will first hit convenience stores on February 24, 2026, followed by a full nationwide release across all retail channels on March 17, 2026.
Rising Trend of Tea-Blended Shochu
The RTD (Ready to Drink) market has seen sustained interest in "zero sugar" options, with consumers favoring flavors that are "not sweet" and "pair well with meals." Within this trend, "ocha-wari" (tea-blended shochu) has emerged as a new boom.
The "Takara Shochu no Ocha-wari" series has gained particular support among people in their 20s and 30s for several reasons:
- Non-carbonated and easy to drink: Appeals to those who dislike carbonation or experience "carbonation fatigue"
- Healthy image of tea
- Perfect for "oshi-katsu" (fan activities): Suitable for live events and other fan gatherings
- Moderate alcohol content prevents drinking fatigue
- Excellent compatibility with meals
- Versatile for various occasions: Home drinking, izakayas, karaoke, solo evening drinks
The ocha-wari trend has gained momentum through social media buzz, the emergence of specialty shops, and creative original menu items at restaurants, establishing itself as a new standard among young people.
Why Corn Tea?
The tea beverage market has attracted attention amid growing health consciousness. Among tea varieties, "corn tea" has gained popularity especially among people in their 20s and 30s due to its natural sweetness and aromatic flavor derived from corn despite being sugar-free, as well as being caffeine-free.
Responding to these trends, Takara Shuzo developed "Takara Shochu Yawaraka Corn Tea Wari" as a new option for ocha-wari lovers. The product combines Takara Shochu, beloved for over 100 years, with Hokkaido-grown corn to create a "sweet, aromatic, and refreshing" flavor that can be enjoyed conveniently in cans year-round.
Product Features
🌽 Uses Hokkaido-grown corn
🌽 Base alcohol features Takara Shochu, beloved for over 100 years
🌽 Sweet, aromatic, and refreshing taste
🌽 Zero sugar*
🌽 Non-carbonated
🌽 Moderate 4% alcohol content
🌽 Caffeine-free
*Zero sugar: Products containing less than 0.5g of sugar per 100ml are labeled as zero sugar based on food labeling standards.
Product Details
Product name: Takara Shochu Yawaraka Corn Tea Wari
Category: Spirits
Alcohol content: 4%
Pure alcohol content: 11g per can
Volume/Container: 335ml / Aluminum can
Packaging: 24-can cardboard box
Suggested retail price (excluding tax): ¥159
Release region: Nationwide
Release date: February 24, 2026 (Tuesday) - Convenience store exclusive release
March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) - Full nationwide release across all channels
From left: "Takara Shochu no Yawaraka Ocha-wari," "Takara Shochu no Koi Ocha-wari Catechin 2x," "Takara Shochu no Oolong-wari," "Takara Shochu no Yawaraka Corn Tea Wari"
For more information about the Takara Shochu no Ocha-wari series, visit the official product page at https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/products/soft_alcohol/ochawari/
