Skip to product information
1 of 7

Standard of the Vice Minister of Defense of Japan (Japan) White Coffee Mug

Standard of the Vice Minister of Defense of Japan (Japan) White Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Standard of the Vice Minister of Defense of Japan (Japan) White Coffee Mug

This design presents the official standard of the Vice Minister of Defense of Japan: four cherry blossoms arranged on a single solid field of colour.

Visual Elements & Composition

A solid, saturated ground fills the whole image, with no texture or shading to break it up. Four cherry blossoms sit across it in a symmetrical, evenly spaced row, drawn as simple flat shapes that read clearly at a glance. The arrangement is minimal: colour and the blossoms do all the work, and there is no border or secondary ornament to pull the eye away. The flat, high-contrast treatment gives the piece a formal, almost graphic character.

Meaning & Symbolism

The cherry blossom, or sakura, is among the most significant motifs in Japanese culture and the national flower of Japan. Here it marks an office of government and defence, and the four blossoms identify the standard used by the Vice Minister of Defense. The design was adopted in 1972 and remains the current standard for the position within the Japanese Ministry of Defense, so it belongs to a living institution rather than to a historical period.

Shaped for the Hand

A design this direct suits a mug, where the artwork is seen up close and turned as you lift the cup. Turning the mug brings the blossoms round one by one, and the symmetry means each view holds together. Set on a desk or counter, the solid colour makes the cup stand out as a single, deliberate object.

Size

Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all products.

Buy 2
10% OFF
Buy 3+
20% OFF
Buy 5+
30% OFF
Buy 10+
40% OFF

Automatically applied at checkout.

View full details

Sturdy white ceramic mugs available in 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml), with a glossy finish and comfortable C-handle — microwave and dishwasher safe, and made from lead- and BPA-free materials.

These mugs are built from durable white ceramic so colors pop cleanly and prints read with strong contrast. A smooth, glossy glaze gives each mug a lively sheen and makes it easy to wipe clean after daily use.

Both sizes feature a classic C-shaped handle that feels natural in the hand; whether you sip slowly or gulp quickly, the grip is steady. Safety-wise, the ceramic is processed to be lead- and BPA-free — suitable for everyday drinking.

  • Material: white ceramic with a glossy glaze for bright, clear prints.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) to suit small and generous pours.
  • Handle: comfortable C-handle for balanced holding and easy lifting.
  • Safety: lead-free and BPA-free for peace of mind with every cup.
  • Finish: glossy surface that highlights saturated inks and smooth detail.

Perfect for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a rich hot chocolate — these mugs fit comfortably in most cabinets and cupholders. They’re also a reliable choice for office kitchens where items see frequent use.

  1. Everyday use: safe for hot liquids and daily serving; the wider 15 oz option works great for larger morning routines or extra-steamy drinks.
  2. Office-friendly: the classic profile stacks easily with similar mugs and sits securely on standard saucers and trays.
  3. Gift idea: a practical, well-finished mug is useful and simple to display or wrap for gifting.

Quick note: while the mugs are dishwasher-safe, treating them gently helps keep the print looking fresh longer (see Care tab).

These mugs are rated for microwave and dishwasher use, but small habits extend their life. Run them on the top rack of the dishwasher and avoid high-temperature commercial cycles whenever possible.

For longest-lasting print clarity: hand wash with mild dish soap and a soft cloth, avoid abrasive scouring pads, and don’t let them soak in strong detergents. When microwaving, use short intervals and avoid empty heating.

Available sizes: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml) and 15 oz (approximately 440 ml). The 11 oz is a classic coffee size; the 15 oz gives extra room for cream, froth, or larger servings.

Each mug has a standard-width mouth for easy sipping and cleaning; height and diameter vary slightly between sizes to maintain comfortable proportions and sturdy balance.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.74 4.61
Diameter (in) 3.15 3.43

Note: dimensions are nominal — small production tolerances may apply. If you need precise fitment (e.g., for nested storage or custom packaging), please allow a small margin.