# Cultural Cup Sleeves These Vibrant Cup Sleeves are Inspired by Japanese Traditions By Jana Pijak | Published 2015-05-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cup-sleeves References: [spoon-tamago](http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2015/04/29/japan-themed-paper-cup-sleeves-by-akira-yoshimura/) & [shyshadow](http://www.shyshadow.com/) Akira Yoshimura is the founder of Shy Shadow, a design brand that creates custom cup sleeves. His latest collection is an homage to his Japanese culture and features five designs that vary in color and theme. These bright cup sleeves are sold in a five-piece set and are priced at an affordable, $12 rate. In addition to their fun design, these drink accessories are functional and perfect for themed parties or in-office use, when cups are likely to get mixed up with those belonging to co-workers. Akira Yoshimura first gained praise after winning Destination NYC's design contest and has since created countless coffee sleeves inspired by both his [Japanese heritage and nature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stanley-x-always-with-honor). Other products by the designer include his Safari and Aqua collections which are available in New York's [MOMA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-garden-of-decreation) gallery shop. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.3/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Custom Drink Accessories:** Designers can create unique and functional drink accessories that cater to specific cultures and interests. - **Themed Party Decor:** Creating themed party decor that includes personalized drink sleeves can enhance the overall experience and make the event memorable. - **Affordable Personalized Products:** Companies can offer affordable personalized products, like custom cup sleeves, as a way to add value and differentiate themselves in the market. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Drinkware Industry:** Companies in the drinkware industry can collaborate with designers to create custom accessories that cater to specific cultures and interests. - **Event Planning Industry:** Event planners can integrate personalized drink accessories into their decor and offers as a way to create a unique and memorable experience for guests. - **Retail Industry:** Retailers can offer custom drink accessories like personalized cup sleeves as a way to add value and differentiate themselves from competitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Limited-Edition Cup Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shade-akanbi.md) - [Accordion-Style Coffee Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accordion-paper-cup.md) - [Matcha-Inspired Drink Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/costa-coffee-cups.md) - [Machined Aluminum Sake Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sake-cups.md) - [Pastel-Hued Winter Tumblers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-winter.md) - [Premium Ultra-Modern Sake Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sake-cup-2.md) - [Custom Apron-Wearing Tumblers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-stainless-steel-bottle.md) - [Inclusive Cafe Drinkware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-cup-tumbler-no-filter.md) - [Anime-Themed Coffee Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mug-tumblers.md)