If you are looking for gentle, natural support for weight loss, particularly in the area of belly fat, Japan offers traditional beverages that may boost metabolism with their digestive & antioxidant properties.
A drink cannot eradicate fat on its own; you must be on a healthy diet & exercise program, but these Japanese drinks may be able to help.
Here are seven options, each with information on how they work and tips for effective use.
1. Matcha (Powdered Green Tea)
Matcha is one of the best-known Japanese teas for every health and weight control concern. The difference between regular green tea and matcha is that with regular green tea, you simply steep the tea leaves and discard them, while matcha is whole tea leaves that you powder and consume every single compound.
Matcha is abundant in catechins (especially EGCG), which might increase fat oxidation or increase your metabolism.
With matcha, the caffeine + L-theanine combination may also be just the right level of alertness paired with calm energy, so you do not snack when you may have otherwise because of stress.
Caution:
If consumed in excess, non-heme iron (plant-based) absorption can become inhibited by tannins. It is wise to wait ~1 hour between matcha and iron-rich meals.
2. Sencha / Japanese Green Tea
Sencha is the everyday steamed green tea that is drunk throughout Japan. It can also provide metabolic support.
Japanese green teas are filled with antioxidants and catechins, both of which are believed to help promote fat-burning activities.
Sencha is low in calories relative to many other beverages, allowing you to drink freely.
Some observational studies indicate that people who drink multiple cups per day of green tea have a lower risk of abdominal obesity.
How to take:
Steep approximately 2–3 grams of loose green tea (~80 °C) for 1-2 minutes. Drink hot or iced. Two to four cups a day can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Caution:
If consumed in excess, non-heme iron (plant-based) absorption can become inhibited by tannins. It is wise to wait ~1 hour between matcha and iron-rich meals.
3. Barley tea (Mugicha)
Barley tea, or mugicha as it is referred to in Japan, is a beverage made from roasted barley grains and is usually served cold, especially in the warmer months.
Since it is free of caffeine, free of calories, and mild in taste, mugicha can be consumed all day long to promote hydration.
While there is insufficient evidence that drinking barley tea directly reduces belly fat, being well hydrated aids the metabolism and digestion, which are necessary processes for burning fat.
Some traditional wellness recommendations even suggest that roasted grains like barley help to reduce the feelings of bloating and aid digestion.
How to use:
Boil the roasted barley grains or place the barley tea bag in water for 5-10 minutes, and chill after. Then you can sip on this drink throughout the day, and especially if you make a switch from sugary beverages.
4. Kombu (seaweed) tea/konbu dashi infusion
Kombu is an edible kelp variety used in Japanese cooking as dashi (stock); it can also be enjoyed as tea in a lighter infusion.
Kombu is rich in iodine, fucoidan, alginate, and valuable minerals, which can support thyroid function and fat metabolism when consumed in moderation.
Several studies on seaweed extracts have shown that due to their fiber content (that is, alginate), they can mildly slow fat absorption and, in clinical settings, can produce satiation (fullness) in participants.
Kombu tea is low in calories, making it a great option to serve as a flavor enhancer (umami) without adding extra fat or sugar to your day.
5. Aojiru (“Green Juice”)
Aojiru is a traditional Japanese green drink, commonly created from young barley grass, kale, or other green leaves. It is taken as an extremely nutrient-dense tonic.
It contains fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals, while being low-calorie.
Fiber can promote slower gastric emptying and help maintain gut health, both of which may be important contributors to a reduction in your waistline.
Aojiru is sufficiently nutrient-dense and alkaline to use in place of a calorie-dense snack.
How to use it:
Start with a good-quality aojiru powder (generally 3-5 g), mix well in ~100 ml water, and consume 1 glass daily. It is generally consumed at the beginning of the day as part of most routine “cleanse” type health plans or beverages.
6. Shiso Tea
Shiso (Perilla) is a Japanese herb that is often made into tea. There are articles claiming that it is one of the “7 Japanese drinks that can help melt belly fat naturally.”
Shiso has active compounds (e.g., rosmarinic acid and perillaldehyde) that may have mild anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits on the gut.
There is no scientific evidence of these benefits; however, drinking herbal teas such as shiso will help keep you hydrated while reducing dependence on caloric beverages.
How to use it:
Soak dried or fresh shiso leaves in hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily. Optionally, pair with green tea.
7. Japanese Secret Water (Ginger + Lemon Drink)
In Japan, a warm ginger-lemon drink is sometimes called “secret water” in wellness communities to decrease belly fat.
We know that ginger typically stimulates thermogenesis and digestion.
This warm drink may also help you stay hydrated in the morning and may help with bloating.
How to Use:
Add in 1 slice of ginger and juice from ½ of a lemon into ~300 ml of warm water. Drink first thing on an empty stomach in the morning.
How these drinks help (and some considerations)
Mechanisms that support belly fat loss (in this context):
-Increase metabolism: Caffeine and catechins (in green teas) can raise calorie burn by using a warm ginger lemon beverage.
-Improve digestion and gut health: The additional fiber and enzymes/polysaccharides/prebiotics from drinking green juices and other seaweed (kelp or dulse) should aid in gut flora health and decrease bloating.
-Satiety and decrease snacking: Nutrient-dense, low-calorie drinks may displace other calorie-containing beverages or foods.
-Hydration support: Water or teas are important for stimulating metabolic pathways, waste elimination, and decreasing water retention.
Caveats & Limitations
Drinks are additive, not magical — diet and exercise are foundational.
-Excessive caffeine may disrupt sleep or create jitters.
-Some teas may interact with medication (e.g., thyroid medication, anticoagulants). Always consult with your doctor if you’re medicated.
-Always be cautious of over-relying on “diet tonics” instead of a balanced diet.
Final Takeaway
Japanese wellness practices feature a variety of drinks to support belly-fat loss when consumed sensibly and mindfully. They include matcha, sencha, mugicha, kombu tea, aojiru, shiso, ginger-lemon infusion, etc. These drinks contain various combinations of antioxidants, mild stimulant properties, fiber, and hydrating properties.
However, progression is likely to be maximized by including:
-A balanced diet with a calorie deficit
-Regular exercise (a mix of aerobic and resistance training)
-Adequate restorative sleep and stress management
-Supervision of any medical conditions and/or medications that may influence clinical management
FAQs
-Which Japanese drinks naturally promote fat loss from the belly?
Traditional drinks from Japan, such as matcha, sencha, mugicha (barley tea), kombu tea, aojiru, shiso tea, and ginger-lemon tea, help promote hydration, metabolism, and digestion.
-How does matcha tea promote belly fat loss?
Matcha is high in catechins, along with caffeine, which may improve metabolism, enhance fat oxidation, and ultimately promote weight management when consumed on a regular basis.
-Will drinking Japanese teas daily help with belly fat loss?
Yes, most Japanese teas are low-calorie and can be drunk daily; however, moderation is vital. The amount of caffeine should also be limited, while it is essential to combine it with a healthy diet.
-What is Aojiru, and how does it contribute to weight loss?
Aojiru is a Japanese green juice made from young barley grass or kale. Aojiru is high in fiber and other nutrients, it may increase feelings of fullness and improve digestion, and can be used as it supplement for calorie calorie-controlled diet.
-Are Japanese drinks for fat loss good enough to lose belly fat?
Drinking alone cannot melt fat. It is important to combine Japanese drinks with the other tips of a balanced diet, physical activity, healthy sleep, and healthy stress management to have the best results.
(The article is written by Deepa Sarkar, Medical Writer, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
Recommended Reads
The Mexican Way of Eating: Flavorful and Surprisingly Healthy
6 Best Japanese Foods for a Happier Gut