At Zojirushi, innovation and design have always been our driving forces, starting with the glass-lined vacuum bottle created in 1918. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of collaborating with renowned designers to create truly unique and iconic products, from rice cookers to stainless mugs. Since the 1970s, these partnerships have not only promoted our brand but also enriched our product offerings. Join us on a nostalgic journey back in time as we revisit some of our most memorable co-branded products!
The 1980s: A Decade of Iconic Collaborations
- Mario Bellini’s “Simple & Beautiful” Designs
During the 1980s, we teamed up with the famous Italian designer Mario Bellini to create two iconic products: the Minideca Electric Air Pot® and the Iroiro Takeru Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer. Mario Bellini’s concept was to design products that were both simple and beautiful, familiar yet accessible.
a. Minideca Electric Air Pot® (1984)
The name “Minideca” translates to “mini-big” in Japanese, perfectly capturing the essence of this compact yet powerful product. Debuting in 1984, the Minideca combined easy dispensing with the convenience of electric heating, keeping water warm at all times. Fun fact: it earned a spot in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, a testament to its innovative design and functionality.
b. Iroiro Takeru Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer (1985)
Released in 1985, the Iroiro Takeru was the first-ever multi-menu Micom Rice Cooker invented by Zojirushi, featuring settings for white rice, brown rice, porridge, mixed rice, and sweet rice. Mario Bellini’s futuristic design made it a visually stunning addition to any kitchen, a quality that remains attractive even today.
- Tuff Boy POZZA by Giorgetto Giugiaro (1987)
In 1987, we collaborated with the renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro to create the Tuff Boy POZZA, our first stainless steel vacuum insulated bottle. This collaboration marked the beginning of our designer stainless steel mug and bottle product line. At a time when car ownership was a big deal in Japan, Giugiaro crafted a bottle that looked perfect on the go. The Tuff Boy POZZA was sleek, durable, and ready for any adventure. 
Continuing the Legacy: Modern Collaborations
Our legacy of collaboration extends beyond the 1980s. We continued to work with visionary designers to bring fresh, innovative designs to our product lineup. Take a look at our most recent collaborations!
- Glass Vacuum Carafe AH-EAE10 by David Tonge (2019)
In 2019, we worked with British designer David Tonge to create the Glass Vacuum Carafe AH-EAE10. Tonge’s design had a strong visual impact, blending elegance with practicality. The carafe’s unique design not only made it a beautiful piece to display but also ensured the best functionality, keeping beverages hot or cold for extended periods. This addition was a testament to our commitment to designer electronics. 
- Hana+Kana Collection by Nishioka Pencil (2020)
In 2020, we introduced our Stainless Mug SM-TAE48SA Hana+Kana Collection, featuring modern and sophisticated patterns designed by Nishioka Pencil. These designs were inspired by traditional Japanese “hana” (flower) prints and “kana” characters, merging cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics, offering both beauty and functionality for any setting.
A Legacy of Design and Innovation
From our early collaborations with designers like Mario Bellini to our modern-day innovations, Zojirushi has continuously transformed kitchen counters into hubs of culinary creativity. Have you ever come across one of our vintage models? Share a favorite dish you loved making with one of our iconic appliances? Share your nostalgic memories and recipes with us on Facebook or Instagram. Let’s keep the spirit of innovation alive! #Zojirushi #ZoFan
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