The Year of the Horse

VOL.32

January 2026

The Year of the Horse

The Year of the Horse

This month’s theme is Umadoshi, the Year of the Horse in Japan.
Japan follows a traditional system called the twelve zodiac animals, where each year is linked to one animal. Around New Year, many people talk about that year’s zodiac as a simple, fun way to reflect on hopes and intentions for the months ahead.
The horse is often associated with strength, forward momentum, and an energetic spirit. Through the horse-inspired items in this box, we hope you’ll enjoy a small glimpse of how Japan welcomes a new year—with meaning, conversation, and a sense of fresh direction.

What's in this box

  • Sugar Confection

    Sugar Confection

    Wasanbon is a traditional Japanese sweet made from fine sugar, known for its delicate appearance and gentle sweetness. Each piece includes a small fortune slip, allowing you to discover what the year may hold.

  • Sweet Beans Snack

    Sweet Beans Snack

    Lucky Cherry Beans are made by soaking broad beans in clear spring water from Shimabara, then frying them until crisp. They are coated with a gently cooked syrup of sugar (wasanbon), ginger, and starch syrup, creating a mild sweetness with a subtle warmth.

  • Red Bean Paste & Custard Pudding

    Red Bean Paste & Custard Pudding

    This red bean paste pudding features an auspicious design inspired by the zodiac animal of 2026, the Horse, a symbol of energy and good fortune in Japan. Smooth red bean paste is paired with mild custard, creating a gentle, familiar flavor.

  • Baumkuchen on a Votive Plaque

    Baumkuchen on a Votive Plaque

    This playful baumkuchen is inspired by ema, the wooden plaques used for wishes at Japanese shrines, and the horse, this year’s zodiac animal. Crisp on the outside and moist within, it offers a satisfying texture along with a lighthearted design rooted in tradition.

  • Deep-Fried Wheat Snacks

    Deep-Fried Wheat Snacks

    This simple treat uses wheat grown in Hokkaido for a light, airy texture. Yasai karinto mix combines four types—potato, adzuki bean, spinach, and pumpkin—using Hokkaido wheat, sugar, and vegetables for a refreshing finish.

  • Rice and Vegetable Snack

    Rice and Vegetable Snack

    This snack is made from rice and vegetables grown and prepared by farmers who work closely with their ingredients from the start. It offers a pleasant crunch and a mild seasoning that lets the natural flavors come through. Light and easy to enjoy.

  • White Peach Agar Jelly

    White Peach Agar Jelly

    This fruit yokan preserves the refined flavor of white peaches, capturing their gentle sweetness and fresh aroma. When you take a bite, the smooth texture of the yokan melts in your mouth, releasing the fruit's clear, transparent taste.

  • Rice Crackers with Yuzu Granulated Sugar

    Rice Crackers with Yuzu Granulated Sugar

    Crunchy rice crackers made from Miyagi Prefecture's Miyagikogane, slowly baked in a baking oven. Enjoy the aroma of Shikoku-grown yuzu citron and the gentle sweetness of Japanese granulated sugar.

  • Japanese Black Tea

    Japanese Black Tea

    Wakocha is a Japanese-style black tea known for its gentle character and low astringency. Its soft, natural flavor makes it easy to enjoy on its own, offering a calm and comforting cup. Each tea bag carries the message “With gratitude,”

  • Soft Mochi with Orange Peel

    Soft Mochi with Orange Peel

    This soft mochi sweet is made with amanatsu, a Japanese citrus known for its bright aroma and gentle bitterness. The peel is carefully candied, finely cut, and kneaded into chewy rice dough, creating a balanced contrast of sweetness and citrus freshness.

  • Salted Shrimp Snack

    Salted Shrimp Snack

    This rice karinto is made using rice grown by the maker themselves, allowing the natural character of the grain to shine through. From cultivation to production, every step is carefully handled, with each batch prepared by hand in their own factory. Light in texture and simple in flavor.

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Japanese Snack Box

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