A refreshing wellness soda to轻松 support your mood and well-being — Introducing 'yappy' for the passionate youth who live for their 'likes'! New launch on June 29 (Mon)!

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd. will launch 'yappy', a wellness carbonated drink infused with highly fermentable dietary fiber (partially hydrolyzed guar gum), on June 29, 2026 (Mon), exclusively through the Suntory Food Online Store.

'yappy' is a new brand designed to support young people's passion for the things they love, with great taste, quality ingredients, and a bright, uplifting brand world.

Background

In recent years, carbonated beverages enriched with dietary fiber have seen explosive growth in the U.S., creating a new category known as 'prebiotic sodas'※1. Amid rising global interest in dietary fiber as the next essential nutrient after protein※2, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also recommends its consumption in the 'Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025 edition)'※3.

Alongside this trend, especially among younger generations in Japan, there is a growing desire to smoothly transition from 'on' to 'off' mode in daily life and enjoy personal time in a comfortable way※4. While carbonated drinks are often chosen for such refreshing moments, some consumers still feel guilty due to concerns about sugar and calories. We believe there is strong demand in the Japanese market for a guilt-free, refreshing wellness soda.

※1 Source: CNBC, "Olipop prebiotic soda valued at $1.85 billion in funding round" (February 12, 2025) https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/12/olipop-prebiotic-soda-valued-at-1point85-billion-in-funding-round.html

※2 Source: U.S. media magazine Better Homes & Gardens, "2026 Food Trends You’re About to See Everywhere" https://www.bhg.com/2026-food-trends-11856743

※3 Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025 edition)" Planning and Research Report

※4 Source: Mynavi, "Survey on Z Generation and 30s’ Switching Behavior" https://cm-marketinglab.mynavi.jp/column/research_switchonoff/

Human Holdings, "Survey on Z Generation’s Work Values and Authenticity 2025" https://www.athuman.com/news/2025/24784/

Product Features

'yappy' is a wellness carbonated drink containing 4,000 mg of 'highly fermentable dietary fiber (partially hydrolyzed guar gum)' per bottle, designed to refresh both body and mind. This ingredient is derived from enzyme-degraded, legume-based soluble dietary fiber. It is notable for its exceptionally high fermentability compared to conventional dietary fibers, while also being mild in taste and texture. This unique property has drawn attention from a new perspective on fiber benefits.

We aimed to create a drink that perfectly complements 'me time' spent fully enjoying your passions—delivering the crisp refreshment of carbonation and a subtle sweetness, all with low calories.

Two flavors will be available: 'Zesty Kiwi' and 'Blissful Peach'. Each contains 10% fruit juice, balancing gentle sweetness with a clean finish, and is designed to be guilt-free at just 38 kcal per can.

The brand name 'yappy' is a coined word combining the exhilaration of shouting 'Yatta!' (I did it!) and the feeling of 'happy'. It embodies the joy of fully committing to what you love and the desire to bring more of those 'Yatta!' moments into everyday life.

'yappy' Concept Web Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBusXnUgUOw

Collaboration with EXPG, the entertainment school operated by LDH

'yappy' champions the brand message 'I'm OK! I'll go all in for what I love,' and will run year-round initiatives to support the lifestyles of youth passionate about their interests.

As part of this, we are launching a collaboration with EXPG, the entertainment school run by LDH that nurtures aspiring young artists, coinciding with the product launch.

This collaboration includes the 'yappy Dance Challenge,' featuring an original choreography created by TAIKA, whose dance routines have gone viral globally on TikTok under the label 'Taiga's choreography.' The upbeat, joyful track 'yappy! yappy! yappy!' was specially composed by Sho Yamamoto, a songwriter and composer renowned for numerous hit idol songs and known as 'the creator of the world’s cutest songs.'

Additionally, we will support student showcase events and live performances by EXPG alumni.

Furthermore, in conjunction with 'THE RAMPAGE LIVE TOUR 2026 “(R)MPG”' in Shizuoka (to be held on July 1 (Wed) and 2 (Thu), 2026), we will launch the sale of a special 'yappy × EXPG' tour set, including exclusive novelty items.

Further details about the EXPG collaboration will be sequentially announced on the official 'yappy' Instagram account.

'yappy' Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yappy_suntory/

'THE RAMPAGE LIVE TOUR 2026 “(R)MPG”' Details: https://www.ldh-liveschedule.jp/sys/tour/37791/

〈Comment from EXPG Specialist, TETSUYA of EXILE〉

We are truly delighted to collaborate with Suntory on this initiative.

For over 20 years, EXPG STUDIO has been dedicated to expanding the dreams and possibilities of young people through entertainment, supporting students in their daily challenges.

We deeply resonate with Suntory’s vision of supporting the younger generation and with 'yappy’s' brand philosophy of 'standing by and supporting youth who passionately pursue their passions.'

We look forward to sharing the enthusiasm of our students with a wider audience, through upcoming initiatives such as the release of 'yappy Dance' videos and unique collaborative stages at EXPG events.

We would be thrilled if many people learn about this project and support our students’ endeavors.

We will continue to fully support initiatives that enrich children’s environments and expand their potential through entertainment.

〈TETSUYA of EXILE – Profile〉

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. Performer in EXILE and EXILE THE SECOND. In 2015, launched his own coffee shop brand, AMAZING COFFEE, which now operates 12 stores across Japan (including direct and collaboration outlets). Graduated in March 2018 from the Graduate School of Sport Sciences at Waseda University. He became the first artist to produce a dance video teaching material selected by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. In 2023, he became the leader of 'EXILE B HAPPY', a kids’ entertainment project, and continues to support children’s dreams as an 'EXPG Specialist'. He actively contributes across education, health, and food industries through dance and entertainment.

About EXPG

'EXPG STUDIO' is a professional school dedicated to training aspiring artists and performers in dance, vocals, and acting.

Founded in Tokyo in 2003 by EXILE, who wanted to create a place where children’s dreams can come true, EXPG now has locations in Sapporo, Omiya, Funabashi, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Okinawa, and Taipei.

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▼ Product Details

Product Name · Capacity · Recommended Retail Price (excluding tax) · Packaging · Launch Date

yappy Zesty Kiwi

yappy Blissful Peach

250ml can · ¥198 · 30 cans · June 29 (Mon)

▼ Sales Channel

Suntory Food Online Store https://beverageandfood.direct.suntory.co.jp/

▼ 'Wellness Carbonated yappy' Official Website https://beverageandfood.direct.suntory.co.jp/pages/yappy/

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