Starbucks has announced a second collaboration with Shimada Koen Doll Workshop, founded in 1859 (Ansei 6), following on from last year. Starting December 14th, seven collaborative items will be available at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo.

Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo x Shimada Koen Doll Workshop
A collaboration that shares vision for the future
Starbucks' relationship with Shimada Koen Doll Workshop began when the workshop was located across from Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya, known for its "Starbucks with tatami mats" on Kyoto's Ninenzaka slope. This maneki-neko (beckoning cat) wearing a green apron, created by Shimada Koen V, is displayed at the Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya branch. Shimada Koen Doll Workshop, a long-established maker of Gosho dolls, has been creating the tradition of Japanese dolls in Kyoto. These "Gosho dolls" are crafted to resemble adorable infants, with plump figures, pure white skin, small limbs, large faces, and delicate features. They were created during the Edo period and were given as gifts in return by feudal lords who made alternate attendance trips to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto or to nobles. While Gosho dolls themselves are auspicious and are designed to evoke a sense of good fortune, this doll was created with a particular emphasis on the importance of daily health and the happiness of spending time with loved ones.

Lineup of 7 Collaboration Products

This collaboration item was created with the hope of bringing good health and happiness to the new year. Introducing the seven-item lineup, including a star motif reminiscent of Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo and a maneki-neko cat wearing a brown apron.

Shimada Koen Doll Studio Maneki-neko "Calico" (¥30,000)
Following last year's release, this "maneki-neko" is based on the calico maneki-neko, also featured in the JIMOTO made Series "Lucky Charms" sold at stores in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The "Maneki-neko" (beckoning cat) is famous as a lucky charm for business prosperity. Its right paw is said to bring good fortune, while its left paw is said to invite people and bring visitors.

Shimada Koen Doll Studio Gourd-holding Doll "Six Gourds of Good Health" (70,000 yen)
The "Gosho Ningyo" is symbolized by its plump build, pale skin, small limbs, and large face, and is holding a gourd. 2020 was a year marked by an unprecedented pandemic, and health has become more important than ever. The six gourds, which symbolize good health, are a pun on the wish for people to live healthy lives. The Gosho Ningyo is imbued with this wish.

Shimada Koen Doll Workshop "Zodiac (Ox) Clay Bell" (4,000 yen)
This clay bell is shaped like the ox, the zodiac sign for 2021, and has a pleasant rolling sound. Clay bells have long been made as talismans and lucky charms. Black oxes are considered messengers of Tenjin-sama and are also said to symbolize happiness. The hemp cord on the handle has also long symbolized purification, making it an item that brings hope for safety and happiness in the home.

Shimada Koen Doll Workshop "Sanpuku" (60,000 yen)
A set of three Gosho dolls lined up on a paulownia wood base. Left: Kasa Doji, wearing a hat, is a doll that prays for protection from illness and injury. Center: The doll with a golden cow on its head is Gozu Tenno, a doll that prays for the elimination of epidemics. Right: Fuku Doji, wearing a lucky apron, is a doll that prays for much happiness to be brought into people's homes.

Shimada Koen Doll Studio Small Gosho Doll "Holding a Gourd in Three Beats" (3,500 yen)
A small Gosho doll hanging from three gourds. Gourds have been used since ancient times to hold water and medicine, and because of their fan-shaped shape, they are considered to protect health and bring good luck. The phrase "all in one beat" once referred to the beats of the three musical instruments - the small gourd, the large gourd, and the taiko drum - that were played on auspicious occasions and in religious ceremonies. As they sound the same as triple beats, lining up three gourds together is considered to be auspicious.

Shimada Koen Doll Workshop Zodiac (Ox) Figurine "Red Ox" (3,000 yen)
Shimada Koen Doll Workshop Zodiac (Ox) Figurine "White Ox" (3,000 yen) 
A figurine of the 2021 zodiac sign, the Ox. The dolls were created with the hope of bringing good fortune to the home. The white ox is a symbol of wealth, and is imbued with the wish that good fortune will be brought to the home. The red ox is considered a color that wards off evil spirits, and is imbued with the wish to ward off epidemics and good health. It is said that placing the zodiac animal of the year in a place where you spend time, such as your home or office, will bring you happiness throughout the year, so why not incorporate it into your interior décor?


On the first day of sales, there will be a limit of one item per person per product. From the following day, purchases will be limited to ten items per person per product.

Enjoy a fulfilling time admiring these adorable dolls along with a cup of coffee from Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo.




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