Burger King Japan Adds Dr. Pepper and Floats Nationwide Starting July 26

Burger King Japan is adding Dr. Pepper and Dr. Pepper floats to its menu nationwide starting July 26. This move caters to the "Dokupe" fans and introduces a new American Smoky Chicken sandwich, promising a unique taste experience.

Burger King Japan Adds Dr. Pepper to Its Menu Nationwide on July 26, Exciting ‘Dokupe’ Fans

Within the Japanese soft drink scene, Dr. Pepper is a niche within a niche. Sugary carbonated drinks, in general, aren’t as ubiquitous in Japan as they are in the U.S., and Dr. Pepper’s mix of sweet, bitter, and spicy notes has often earned it the same “tastes like medicine” reaction from Japanese consumers that root beer regularly receives in the country.

But there are Dr. Pepper fans in Japan, large enough for Dr. Pepper to have its Japanese nickname: “Dokupe.” July 26 is a big day for the Dokupe faithful, as Burger King Japan is adding Dr. Pepper to its menu nationwide.

“Fans rejoice!” Burger King says in its announcement, referencing Dr. Pepper’s 139-year history and recent rapid popularity in the American market. It’s now passed Pepsi to become the U.S.’s second-best-selling soda brand.

Burger King Japan Introduces Dr. Pepper Floats and American Smoky Chicken

In addition to regular glasses of Dr. Pepper, Burger King Japan is also offering Dr. Pepper floats made with vanilla ice cream. For those who want to get American, the chain is also rolling out its new American Smoky Chicken on the same day Dr. Pepper sales start July 26, per SoraNews24.

Burger King Japan recognizes that it might take some convincing to get Japanese customers who only know Dr. Pepper by its divisive reputation to give it a fair try. The chain’s official Twitter account describes the drink as having “a unique taste made with over 20 blended flavors that you’ll get hooked on after the third time!”

Twitter reactions have included:

• “Doctor Pepper is my Drops of God.”
• “This is gonna go great with a big burger!”
• “The first time you drink it, it’s just OK. The second time, you start to get it. And then the third time, you love it.”
• “I fell in love with Dr. Pepper after just one time!”
• “The idea of a Dr. Pepper float sounds sinful in the best way.”
  

Prices are 230 yen (US$0.95) for a small Dr. Pepper, 280 yen for a medium, and 330 yen for a large. The float, available only as a small, is priced at 270 yen.

For those looking to get their Dr. Pepper fix in Japan but don’t have a Burger King nearby, there is the DP Lovers Map, an online resource that attempts to place pins for every location where Dr. Pepper is available.