Starbucks Japan New Year Collection Has Bearista Cows To Usher In 2021

Starbucks Japan New Year 2021

Starbucks Japan has recently released their 2021 New Year Collection, just in time to welcome the new year. Here are some of the festive items, adorned with traditional motifs and new year-themed embellishment, in the range of merchandise.

Starbucks Japan’s 2021 New Year collection

Part of the New Year collection
Image credit: @starbucks_j

On 25th December 2020, Starbucks Japan announced that they would be releasing a new selection of mugs and tumblers for the New Year season.

Featuring auspicious motifs such as daruma dolls (traditional wishing dolls) and komainu (custodian dogs), as well as zodiac-themed designs, the range was launched in outlets across Japan and on their official website on 26th December 2020.

New drinkware with traditional motifs and zodiac designs

Handy Stainless Bottle Hanging Motif (left) and Snow Globe Tumbler Guardian Lion-Dog (right).
Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

Those who are on the hunt for a new tumbler need to look no further as the new collection features 6 tumblers with varying designs, with prices ranging from ¥1,900-¥4,400 (~USD18.39-USD42.59).

Aside from its practical leak–proof function, the pink Handy Stainless Bottle Hanging Motif (¥4,400, ~USD42.59) is adorned with festive motifs such as daruma dolls and komainu.

The Snow Globe Tumbler Guardian Lion-Dog (¥2,300, ~USD22.26) has a komainu peeking through a snow globe, complete with an elegant cloisonné pattern – traditional Japanese patterns comprising overlapping circles.

Stainless Tumbler Shippou (left) and Stainless Mini Bottle Icons White (right).
Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

For those who prefer soothing pastel colours, take your pick between the Stainless Tumbler Shippou (¥3,400, ~USD32.95) or Stainless Mini Bottle Icons White (¥3,900, ~USD37.80), both of which are embellished with a cloisonné pattern.

Stainless Tumbler Camellia (left) and Bottle Icons Light Purple (right).
Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

For more subdued designs, check out the Stainless Tumbler Camellia (¥3,300, ~USD31.94) and Bottle Icons Light Purple (¥1,900, ~USD18.39). Both feature simple floral illustrations and are perfect for everyday use.

Daruma mugs
Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

Image credit: Starbucks Japan

The perfect cup of coffee starts with the right mug and these daruma mugs are just what you need to hold your fresh brew. The yellow and white cups (¥1,800, ~USD17.43) can hold up to 237ml of liquid. On the other hand, the transparent version (¥2,000, ~USD19.37) has a slightly larger capacity at 296ml, which means there’s more than enough room for your extra shot of espresso.

Snow Globe Mug Of Mount Fuji And The First Sunrise Of The Year
Image credit: Starbucks Japan

We can’t all be in Japan to witness hatsuhinode, a new year custom where people catch the 1st sunrise of the year, so this cup will have to do. The mug is topped with a detachable snow globe featuring an everlasting sunrise against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.

Komainu Mug (left) and New Year Cow Mug (right).
Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

2021 is the Year of the Cow, so it only makes sense to pay homage to the zodiac sign with a cow-themed mug (¥2,000, ~USD19.37). If you love dogs or know someone who does, get the adorable komainu mug which retails at the same price.

Image credit: Starbucks Japan

For a more timeless design, opt for Japan’s iconic cultural symbol in the form of a mug. The Glass Mug Mount Fuji (¥2,500, ~USD24.20) has little traces of festivity, which makes for a mug you can use all-year-round without anyone judging you.

Other items in the collection

Bean plate set
Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

Besides the usual drinkware, the collection also includes a variety of items such as a dainty trio of bean plate sets (¥2,600, ~USD25.17) shaped like Mount Fuji, daruma dolls, and komainu respectively. They’re the perfect size to hold trinkets and snacks.

Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

There’s even a limited-edition New Year Bearista Cow (¥3,000, ~USD29.03) holding a stalk of red flowers for added auspiciousness.

Image adapted from: Starbucks Japan

Instead of giving otoshidama (small money-filled envelopes), opt for these special beverage cards (¥620, ~USD6.00) featuring the zodiac animal of the year. The cards come with a ticket which can be exchanged for a drink of your choice.

Starbucks Japan New Year collection to welcome 2021

Starbucks Japan has started selling their New Year Collection in stores and online. They are currently only available in Japan, so if you’d like to get your hands on any, use a parcel forwarding service.

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Cover image adapted from: @starbucks_j, @starbucks_j, @starbucks_j, and @starbucks_j