Hello everyone.
Today, I’d like to talk about something that sometimes surprises international visitors at Japanese convenience stores.
What kind of containers are soft drinks usually sold in where you live?
Glass bottles? Cans? Plastic bottles?
In Japanese convenience stores, many soft drinks are sold in plastic bottles.
But you may also see colorful cans that look like they contain juice or soda.
Be careful. That colorful drink might actually be alcohol.
Some Alcoholic Drinks Look Like Juice
In Japan, alcoholic drinks are commonly sold in cans and bottles.
Beer is usually easy to recognize, but some other alcoholic drinks can be more confusing.
For example, chuhai and other canned alcoholic drinks often come in bright, colorful packaging.
You might see pictures of:
- Lemons
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Other fruits
At first glance, some of these cans can look surprisingly similar to juice or soda.
This can be especially confusing if you can’t read Japanese.
I’ve Seen Children Pick Them Up
I currently work at a convenience store that serves many international customers.
And something interesting happens quite often.
A child visiting Japan with their family will come to the register smiling and happily holding a colorful can.
Then I look at the can and realize:
It’s alcohol.
So I tell the family:
“This is alcohol.”
And they are often very surprised.
They thought it was just a fruit drink.
Looking at some of the packaging, I can understand why the mistake happens.
Check Where the Drink Is Displayed
Fortunately, there is an easy way to reduce the chance of making this mistake.
In most Japanese convenience stores, alcoholic drinks are displayed separately from regular soft drinks.
So if you find a colorful can in the alcohol section, don’t assume it’s juice just because there is a picture of fruit on it.
Also look for words such as:
お酒 (osake) — alcohol
You may also see ALCOHOL or an alcohol percentage such as 3%, 5%, 7%, or 9% on the package.
If you’re still not sure, just ask a store employee:
“Is this alcohol?”
That’s a very simple question, and the staff should understand what you mean.
A Small Tip for Your Trip to Japan
Japanese convenience stores have an enormous variety of drinks, and trying something new can be part of the fun of visiting Japan.
But remember:
A colorful can with fruit on it isn’t necessarily juice.
Check the shelf, check the label, and if you’re not sure, ask the staff.
It might save you from a very unexpected drink!
That’s all for today.
Enjoy exploring Japanese convenience stores!
Related Articles
👉 Japanese Alcohol at Convenience Stores (Part 1)
Learn the basics of buying alcohol at Japanese convenience stores and what international visitors should know.
👉 Japanese Beer at Convenience Stores: Why Are the Prices So Different?
Discover the different types of beer and beer-like alcoholic drinks you may find at Japanese convenience stores.
👉 Types of Green Tea at Japanese Convenience Stores (With Real Product Names)
Not every Japanese drink is what visitors expect. Learn the difference between everyday bottled green tea and traditional matcha.
👉 Why You Have to Press “YES” When Buying Alcohol in Japan (And Why It Doesn’t Really Work)
Learn why you may be asked to confirm your age when buying alcohol or tobacco at a Japanese convenience store.
👉 Sparkling Water at Japanese Convenience Stores
Looking for a non-alcoholic drink instead? Here’s a guide to sparkling water sold at Japanese convenience stores.
コメント