#Japan #Tokyo #Suntory #All-Free #Pepsi Zero

Refreshing Lunch Breaks in Tokyo

In the heart of Tokyo’s Otemachi office district, a novel pop-up event titled "Cola or Non-Alcohol? Refresh your Lunchtime in the Reiwa Era with Pepsi or All-Free!" is set to take place on September 8th and 9th, 2026. Organized by Suntory, this exciting opportunity invites business professionals to rethink their lunch break habits with a focus on relaxation over efficiency. The initiative is born from a survey revealing that a remarkable one-third of respondents find comfort in non-alcoholic beverages during their breaks.

Event Overview

This interactive pop-up aims to offer attendees a specialized experience with a "Lunch Refresh Vending Machine" where they can choose between Pepsi Zero and Suntory's All-Free, a non-alcoholic beer-like drink. To heighten the midday experience, participants will receive a redeemable card upon entry, allowing them to enjoy a complimentary drink of their choice. Event staff will join attendees in a toast to encourage a lively "Lunch Refresh!". To further engage, participants will have the chance to cast their votes on their preferred drink through a "Voice Board," with results announced shortly after.

The event acknowledges and addresses the current societal challenge where burnout is prevalent due to insufficient break periods. Japan has witnessed the shortest average sleep duration among OECD nations, and an ongoing struggle with taking full-time vacations. The prevailing sentiment is that taking a proper break contributes positively to overall work performance.

The Survey Insights

A survey conducted with over 1,000 employees illustrated a striking contrast between their ideal and actual lunch break durations—averaging 57.9 and 44.8 minutes, respectively—revealing a loss of approximately 13 minutes. Interestingly, 64.4% stated they prioritize rest during their breaks, suggesting a shift where relaxation is increasingly seen as a valuable aspect of workplace productivity.

Most notably, 35% of those surveyed reported feeling refreshed when consuming non-alcoholic beverages, with approximately 70% of those who frequently indulge expressing considerable rejuvenation. However, the results highlighted a social barrier in the workplace; over half the participants felt some pressure about drinking non-alcoholic beverages around colleagues, while nearly 51% felt indifferent when others indulged.

Addressing Societal Norms

This backdrop emphasizes the relevance of such events in creating an environment where employees feel comfortable embracing non-alcoholic options during their breaks. Suntory aims not only to present All-Free as a refreshing alternative but to foster an atmosphere conducive to relaxation without societal judgment, encouraging a cultural shift in how daytime breaks can be perceived and enjoyed.

Event Logistics

Event Name

"Cola or Non-Alcohol? Refresh your Lunchtime in the Reiwa Era with Pepsi or All-Free!"

Dates

• - September 8, 2026 (Tuesday): 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
• - September 9, 2026 (Wednesday): 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location

Tokyo Sankei Building 1F Flat

Access

Conveniently located at Otemachi station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Hanzomon Line, Toyosu Line, Chiyoda Line, Toei Mita Line) with direct access to E1 and A4 exits, only a 7-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station's Marunouchi North Exit.

Entry Fee

Free of charge; however, cancellation may occur due to weather.

Participation Details

Getting involved is simple:
1. Receive Your Free Redeem Card: Upon arrival, guests will get a card to select their favorite drink from the Lunch Refresh Vending Machine. The event will also feature various food trucks offering delicious lunch options.

2. Choose Your Drink & Toast: Using the redeemable card, attendees can select either the 350ml can of All-Free or the 340ml can of Pepsi Zero. They can then join staff for a convivial toast.

3. Vote on the Voice Board: Participants can vote on the drink they enjoyed most using vote stickers distributed by event staff.

The culmination of the event will be the reveal of which beverage became the preferred choice among attendees, adding a competitive yet playful element to the afternoon.

We invite everyone to step away from their desks, join in on the festivities, and redefine what a refreshing lunch break means in today’s high-paced work environment. Let’s make lunchtime a dedicated time for relaxation and enjoyment, reinforcing the idea that refreshment is just as crucial as productivity!