# New Year Cafe Collections Starbucks Japan Year of the Horse Merch Marks the Lunar New Year By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2025-12-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-year-of-the-horse References: [soranews24](https://soranews24.com/2025/12/29/starbucks-japan-ready-to-get-year-of-the-horse-started-with-adorable-drinkware-and-plushies) & [starbucks.co.jp](https://www.starbucks.co.jp/seasonal-goods/?nid=wh_00#brightnewyear)  This new [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-new-years-collection) [Japan Year of the](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragon-figurines) Horse merch has been shown off by the brand as a series of items that are perfect for helping consumers to mark the Lunar New Year in a fun, charming way. The product range features a variety of items like coffee mugs and carriers that each put a playful horse-inspired design in focus as a nod to the Year of the Horse. The items also feature pops of red and gold to showcase an attention to prosperity in the year ahead. The Starbucks Japan Year of the Horse merch also includes teddy bears and keychains that each feature the toys dressed up in horse-inspired costumes. The various items are on offer now at participating locations in Japan and online. Image Credit: Starbucks Japan ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.8/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 58% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Kitchen](https://www.trendhunter.com/kitchen) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Cultural-themed Merchandise:** Leveraging cultural symbols and astrology in merchandise allows brands to engage diverse consumer markets with themed collectibles. - **Festive Retail Collaboration:** Partnering with culturally significant events like the Lunar New Year enables brands to create limited-edition products that drive consumer interest and seasonal sales. - **Playful Product Design:** Incorporating whimsical and culturally resonant design elements into everyday products captures consumer attention and enhances emotional connection. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Giftware Industry:** Customizable and culturally themed merchandise opens opportunities for brands to capture festive seasons with unique, sentimental gifts. - **Lifestyle and Home Goods:** The demand for special edition home goods during festive occasions creates space for brands to diversify their product offerings with culturally relevant designs. - **E-commerce Platforms:** Online sales channels are critical for distributing limited-edition and culturally themed merchandise to a global audience, enhancing accessibility and convenience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Gifting-Ready Cafe Merch Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-holiday-merchandise.md) - [Kawaii Cafe Merch Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-x-hello-kitty.md) - [Zodiac-Inspired Coffee Mugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-year-mug-snake.md) - [Lunar New Year Cognacs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hennessy-year-of-the-horse.md) - [Subtly Seasonal Cafe Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-reserve-roastery-tokyo-christmas.md) - [Dusk Floral Coffee Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakura-drinkware-collection.md) - [Romantic Cafe Accessories Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-valentines-day.md) - [Pastel-Hued Winter Tumblers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-winter.md) - [Seasonal Cafe Merch Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-lucky-bag.md)