Japan is abundant in its very peculiar beverages designed to immediately boost your power. These 5 energy drinks will keep you buzzing!
1. Mega Shaki
Mega Shaki is every salaryman’s best friend for getting through a hangover and back to work. Made with a concentrated shot of carbonated lemon and ginger juice, it gives a hit of energy that is instant and detoxifying. Personally, I find it works well as a pre-workout drink to get my mind focused for when I’m heading to the gym or a tennis session.
2. Zone Energy Fruits Mix Boost
Zone Energy is a Japanese brand of energy drinks that is made with zero sugar and plenty of vitamins. I found this Fruits Mix Boost by Zone Energy at a vending machine just outside an Anytime Fitness gym in Kyoto. After a lengthy tennis session, it helped not only in rejuvenating me but also gave me the strength to go in for a gym session too!
3. Tully’s Coffee Fizzpresso
Fizzpresso is a new formula from Tully’s Coffee that combines the bitter caffeine hit of espresso with the fizzy wake-up effect of tangy lime soda. The result is an incredibly refreshing and energizing drink that gets your heart and brain going while also bringing life to your eyes, an effect that is both immediate and lasting. Oh, and Fizzpresso is also sugar-free, zero calories, and surprisingly tasty!
4. Pepsi Refresh Shot
The mother of all cola, Japan’s Pepsi Refresh Shot, will always have a place in my heart as the first exclusive energy drink I tried in this country. Featuring a concentrated shot of Pepsi in a small 200ml can, it boasts double the caffeine and double the flavor! Some may find it to be “too much,” but I love that you can get a strong hit of Pepsi without committing to a full-sized can or bottle.
5. Yakult Tough-Man Refresh
Last but not least is a rather peculiar energy drink known as Tough-Man Refresh, brought to you by Japan’s iconic probiotic drink company Yakult. Typically found in vending machines near sporting complexes, this drink is packed with vitamins, electrolytes, caffeine, and guarana energy, all concentrated in a 200ml can. The taste is super refreshing and quite delicious if you’re a fan of the Panadol or Dr. Pepper style of flavor, and the effect is a pure resurrection from exhaustion!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!