Starbucks Introduces Handcrafted Bizen Ware Mug, Showcasing Japan’s Ancient Pottery Tradition

Starbucks Japan continues its commitment to regional artisanship with the release of the Jimoto Made Sangiri Bizen Ware Mug. Crafted using ancient techniques in Okayama Prefecture, this mug showcases 2,000 years of pottery tradition and enhances the coffee experience through its unique design and craftsmanship.

Starbucks Celebrates 2,000 Years of Japanese Craftsmanship with the New Bizen Ware Coffee Mug

Ancient Japanese pottery techniques elevate the coffee-drinking experience with a deep connection to tradition and craftsmanship. In 2015, Starbucks Japan introduced the Jimoto Made series, "Locally Made," highlighting regional artisanship through collaborative products. Nearly a decade later, this initiative continues to thrive, with its latest addition being one of the most remarkable yet—a Bizen ware mug.

Bizen ware, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, has a history that spans almost 2,000 years. Crafted in Okayama Prefecture, this style of pottery is renowned for its rustic, unglazed appearance. It embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic, admired by figures like the famed tea ceremony master Sen no Rikyu. Holding a piece of Bizen ware is akin to having the elemental forces of earth, fire, and water.

While Bizen ware is revered in tea ceremony traditions, it has also gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts. The delicate pores in its uneven surface allow it to "breathe," resulting in a mellower, more rounded coffee flavor—creating a sublime drinking experience. Starbucks aims to share this artistry with more people through its latest Jimoto Made product, the Sangiri Bizen Ware Mug, developed in collaboration with Shibaoka Tosendo, a pottery producer in Bizen since 1912.

Starbucks Unveils Sangiri Bizen Ware Mug, Showcasing Traditional Japanese Pottery Techniques

The Sangiri firing technique used in this mug is one of the most traditional methods, yielding deep shades of grey, blue, and gunmetal. The creation process is meticulous, beginning with locally sourced soil that undergoes a six-month drying and storing period. Once prepared, the clay is handcrafted into individual pieces and fired in a kiln for five-and-a-half days at high temperatures, with wood ash creating unique patterns on each mug.

According to SoraNews24, this Jimoto Made Sangiri Bizen Ware Mug is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship, embodying over a millennium of tradition. The unglazed surface captures the soil's natural beauty, offering visual appeal and a tactile experience. The sturdy yet lightweight design provides a satisfying feel, and the mug produces a pleasant sound when placed on a table.

Priced at 7,200 yen (US$51.41), the mug is consistent with the cost of traditional Bizen pottery, which can often reach higher prices. While it is an investment, it promises to enhance one’s coffee-drinking experience, making each sip more enjoyable. The Jimoto Made Sangiri Bizen Ware Mug will be available at select Starbucks locations in Okayama Prefecture starting September 17, 2024, including stores such as Okayama University Hospital and Aeon Mall Okayama.