Toshimaya, the confectioner famous for “Hato Sabure,” has been running a project called “Zodiac Can” since December 2016. Have you heard of it?
At the time of writing this article (late December 2018), the design featured the wild boar, the zodiac animal for 2019.
The designer is Yuki Koyano, a Japanese-style painter. He is an artist in his twenties who studied both Japanese painting and design at Tokyo University of the Arts.
The limited Hato Sabure collaboration can with Koyano was reportedly commercialized thanks to a personal connection between the president of Toshimaya and Koyano himself. They developed the design together, starting with the 2017 “Year of the Rooster” edition.
The sales period runs from year-end through the New Year, but note that this is a limited-quantity product.
It is also partially sold on August 10, the “Day of the Dove.”
The 2019 “Wild Boar Version” went on sale starting December 15, 2018.
It seems best to inquire directly at the stores about availability.
The author went to the Toshimaya store inside Shinagawa Station to look for the product, but it wasn’t stocked there. (The staff didn’t seem well informed either.)
The price is 1,400 yen (tax included) for a can containing 8 “Hato Sabure” cookies.
Yuki Koyano is a young Japanese-style painter I personally collect, and he is actively exhibiting in group shows and solo exhibitions across the country.
Here is a previous article that covered Koyano’s work.
With its charming design, this is perfect not only as a year-end gift but also for various uses at home. As a limited product, it’s something you’ll want to grab before it sells out!
The design is truly exciting.
This yearly project is one to look forward to. I hope they continue it forever!
2021 Zodiac Can
The 2021 zodiac can features the Year of the Ox. Having purchased one, I’ve updated this article with new photos.
*Updated December 21, 2020
