New Year’s is a significant event in Japan, with many retailers launching “Hatsuuri” sales to compete with November’s Black Friday deals. Apple is participating in the festivities by offering gift card promotions and a specially engraved AirTag for customers purchasing a new iPhone.
Unlike in other countries, Apple’s promotion in Japan includes a twist with the addition of the AirTag offer. Customers buying an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, or iPhone 16e can receive a special AirTag along with gift cards valued at up to 38,000 Yen (~$250 USD).
The promotion excludes the latest iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models, focusing on clearing out older stock. Customers purchasing any of the three iPhone 16 models will get gift cards and an AirTag with a special engraving of Daruma, a traditional Japanese talisman symbolizing good luck and perseverance.
The AirTag offer is limited to 65,000 units, making it a unique and sought-after item. Other Apple products are also eligible for gift card offers similar to those seen on Black Friday.
The promotion runs from January 2 to January 5, and customers must purchase the eligible iPhone directly from Apple in Japan to receive the AirTag. Apple has a history of offering limited-edition AirTags for special occasions, with the Daruma-themed AirTag being the latest addition.
In addition to the Japanese promotion, Apple has also released special edition AirPods for the Lunar New Year in China and other Asian countries. The company’s innovative marketing strategies continue to attract customers worldwide.
