Starbucks Japan has a Jimoto Made series in which stores across the country collaborate with local artisans to create coffee mugs and tumblers, which are then sold only at those local outlets.
Jimoto is a japanese word meaning “local area” and the initiative aims at highlighting and preserving local craft and materials. As soon as the pandemic is over we’re tempted to travel Japan, collecting mugs from all 14 locations. Below are some of our favorites.
Sakyu Coffee Mug from Tottori
This mug is produced by local pottery studio Genzuigama and is inspired by Tottori’s famous sakyu sand dunes, sea and blue sky. It’s available in only 2 locations, perhaps owing to the fact that Tottori didn’t have a single Starbucks until 2015.
Karakusa Coffee Mug from Chuyo
The Chuyo region of Japan — in particular, Ehime prefecture — is known for its Tobe-yaki, which features a combination of indigo blue decorative patterns on top of bold white porcelain. Produced by the Baizengama studio, this mug hides a discreet karakusa pattern that’s visible only when the mug is lifted to the mouth.
Mikawachi Coffee Cup from Sasebo
According to legend, the first ever coffee cup and saucer to be produced in Japan was made from Mikawachi-yaki and submitted to the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. The Mikawachi Coffee Cup was produced by the 400-year old Kasengama pottery studio in Sasebo, which carries on the local tradition. The anchor symbolizes the region’s history as a sea port.
Tobikanna Coffee Mug from Koishiwara
Koishiwara-yaki is a local pottery tradition from a Kyushu town of the same name. This coffee mug features chattermarks made from a technique known as tobi-kanna (飛鉋).
