Red Bull (Japan)

Posted on April 1, 2014 | Last updated February 17, 2025

Red Bull (Japan)
Red Bull, the global leader with the largest market share, is the original energy drink.

While many people might think it was born in the United States, it was actually created in Austria, Europe. Occasionally, I see articles mistakenly stating that it was born in Australia, but the correct country is Austria.

Red Bull is the ultimate classic, the standard when it comes to the taste of energy drinks. At Energy Drink Mania, we’ve come to refer to flavors like Red Bull as "classic flavors," and nowadays, the term "classic flavor" is widely understood.

Red Bull (Japan)

Manufacturer
Country of Origin
Price	190 JPY
Flavor	classic flavor
Total rating	★★★★☆

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Tangy and Refreshing, The Quintessential Energy Drink Flavor!

With its classic yellow liquid and the intensely fragrant, sweet-tangy aroma... The moment you smell this, you can instantly tell someone is drinking Red Bull, thanks to its distinctive scent.

The flavor is the classic sweet-tangy, bold energy drink taste that everyone knows. It's safe to say this flavor served as the base for the many energy drinks that have developed worldwide.

For those trying Red Bull for the first time, the strong acidity and sweet-tangy, fruity taste may have a somewhat chemical or artificial note. However, after trying various energy drinks, you'll realize there are others with even stronger chemical flavors and aromas, so Red Bull is surprisingly easy to drink.

Although there may be a slight aftertaste, it’s not overwhelmingly sweet, and when chilled, it’s refreshing and quickly quenches your thirst. Drinking Red Bull when you're tired and parched is a special experience (*´艸｀*)

The Flavor of Red Bull Became the "Energy Drink Flavor"

Since the birth of Red Bull's distinctive taste and aroma, many energy drink brands that rapidly spread across Europe in the 1990s have imitated Red Bull's flavor. Even in the U.S., the world's top market, many brands have created versions inspired by Red Bull's taste, often emphasizing a sweeter, more aromatic flavor or a stronger chemical note.

The "energy drink flavor" most people recognize as Red Bull has created an incredibly vast market, and its 30-plus years of success worldwide is nothing short of miraculous. It's heartening to know that we can enjoy Red Bull so easily here in Japan. The first Red Bull I ever tried was in the U.S. in 2002.

Red Bull's Energy Ingredients

Contains 80mg of caffeine and 222mg of arginine. In Japan, arginine is used instead of taurine, which is found in Red Bull sold overseas. Arginine helps with vasodilation and stimulates the secretion of growth hormones. However, with 222mg, you probably won't feel much effect.

The 185ml can I’m reviewing here was discontinued in 2021. Both the 185ml and 250ml cans contain the same amount of energy ingredients. The 250ml can contains more calories and sugar, so the 185ml can could be considered more concentrated in terms of energy ingredients.

Red Bull's Design

The blue and silver colors are instantly recognizable as Red Bull’s signature look. The logo, featuring two bulls facing each other, is a distinctive feature.

History of Red Bull's Release in Japan

Red Bull's Launch in Japan

Red Bull, which debuted in Austria in 1987, made its Japanese debut in December 2005. It initially launched as a test product in clubs and bars where Red Bull would be a good fit. Later, on April 4, 2006, 7-Eleven started exclusive early sales in the Kanto and Kansai regions. At first, it was only available at 7-Eleven, making it a sort of limited release.

The Gradual Expansion to Larger Sizes

As we’ve covered in past Energy Drink Mania news, the standard products were the 185ml and 250ml cans. Later, the 330ml can was sold exclusively in drugstores, and the 355ml can became available nationwide. A 330ml resealable bottle can was also released.

The Limited-Edition PET Bottle Was Recalled

On June 4, 2013, a limited-edition 330ml PET bottle (300 yen) featuring the band CRACK BANQUET, winners of "Red Bull Live on the Road," was released. However, it was quickly recalled because the expiration date was not listed according to Japanese standards.

Red Bull Finally Gets a Price Cut in 2021

In 2021, Red Bull, which had been relatively expensive, was drastically reduced in price. The 185ml can was discontinued, which was inevitable given the times. With more energy drinks like the 500ml size for 200 yen becoming widespread since 2019 and the popularity of the 355ml Monster Energy, it was reasonable for Red Bull to lower its prices as its market share began to be overtaken by Monster Energy.

However, I think it would have been better to keep the 185ml size and offer it for about 150 yen, making it more accessible. Although the 250ml can price was reduced from 241 yen to 190 yen, 200 yen for 250ml still feels high, and the price cut came too late. The balance between size and price was clearly out of sync with competitors, which is unfortunate.