# New Year-Themed Plush Toys These Year of the Dragon Plushies are Launching at Disney Store Japan By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2023-12-07 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragon-plushies References: [soranews24](https://soranews24.com/2023/12/07/year-of-the-dragon-pooh-disney-japans-plushies-gets-early-chinese-zodiac-changeover) & [shopdisney.disney.co.jp](https://shopdisney.disney.co.jp/special/eto/?start=0&sz=12.0)  These Winnie the Pooh Year of the Dragon plushies are being launched as a series of cute toys perfect for consumers to pick up as an offering for a friend or loved one to celebrate the New Year in Japan. The plush toys feature Winnie the Pooh himself as well as additional characters from the franchise wearing dragon-themed costumes to pay homage to the [Chinese zodiac custom](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shimada-koen). Formally called the Eto Pooh 2024 collection, the plush toys are being launched alongside the Year of the Dragon [Tsum Tsum plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-doll) as a smaller version for fans to pick up. The Winnie the Pooh Year of the Dragon plushies are being sold now at the flagship [Disney Store](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urupocha-chan) in Japan and at the Tokyo Disney Resort with a wider launch to Disney Store Japan locations taking place Friday, December 8, 2023. Image Credit: Disney ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 19% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Year of the Dragon Plushies:** The launch of Year of the Dragon plushies featuring Winnie the Pooh and other characters pays homage to the Chinese zodiac custom and offers consumers cute New Year-themed toys. - **Eto Pooh 2024 Collection:** The release of the Eto Pooh 2024 collection offers fans a range of plush toys with dragon-themed costumes, providing a unique and collectible item for the New Year. - **Year of the Dragon Tsum Tsum Plushies:** The introduction of Year of the Dragon Tsum Tsum plushies as a smaller version provides fans with a more affordable and adorable option to commemorate the New Year. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Industry:** The launch of Year of the Dragon plushies and the Eto Pooh 2024 collection presents an opportunity for the toy industry to capitalize on the popularity of New Year-themed collectibles. - **Retail Industry:** The wider launch of Year of the Dragon plushies at Disney Store Japan locations creates a chance for the retail industry to drive foot traffic and sales during the New Year season. - **Entertainment Industry:** The collaboration between Disney and the Chinese zodiac tradition through the Year of the Dragon plushies showcases the innovation potential within the entertainment industry to create unique merchandise tie-ins. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fluffy Plush Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urupocha-chan.md) - [Centenary Character Goods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winniethepooh-1.md) - [Plush Toy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urupochachan.md) - [New Year Cafe Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-new-years-collection.md) - [Cafe New Year Ornaments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragon-figurines.md) - [Festive Cartoon Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanrio.md) - [Lunar Celebration Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragon-collection.md) - [Educational Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slumberkins.md) - [Dragon-Inspired Personal Care Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragoninspired1.md)