YumeTwins

New Year is a significant time in Japanese culture, and YumeTwins is celebrating with a wonderful assortment of items both cute and cultural in their New Year’s Wish box.

This month’s booklet is absolutely packed with all kinds of wonderful information about new year in Japan, which tie in neatly with the contents of the box.

YumeTwins Exclusive Cinnamoroll Kagami Mochi Plushie

This is a very special item indeed. YumeTwins have partnered with Sanrio to produce than amazing exclusive plushie especially for new year. As well as cuteness, there is a lot of symbolism in this plus, including the double mochi, representing dual looking back and ahead, and the orange on his head, which in Japanese sounds like the work for ‘generations’ and signifying the importance of family connection.

Hello Kitty Illuminated Crystal Ball

This beautiful illuminated ornament comes in several possibilities here, each of which give an insight into Japanese culture and folklore. My Cherry Blossoms ornament is the symbol of new beginnings and hope, which is very appropriate for new year!

YumeTwins Original Ema Decoration

This is another item that represents a traditional Japanese practice. This is a lovely kawaii twist on the ema, which is a plaque that people write a wish on when they make their first visit to a shrine in the new year. With this one you can actually make your own special wish, write it on the back, and hang it up to remind you all year.

Ghibli Laquer-style Bowl & I Love Japan Animal Magnet

These last two items are a cute way to celebrate love of Japan. The little bowl has one of two designs from the famous Studio Ghibli, one of Japan’s most beloved exports, and is perfect for small bowls of ramen. The magnet, with its smiling shiba dog and delicious Japanese meal, will look great on the fridge!

Our score: 9.8/ 10

The standout item this month is definitely the plushie. I love how the design reflects Japanese traditional culture yet maintains the gorgeous kawaii cuteness that YumeTwins does so well! I also think the kawaii ema is a lovely thing to do, and again, gives great insight into Japanese culture. I really learned a lot from the booklet this month, it was really fascinating to read about ll the things people enjoy doing at this time of year, and there are also lots of lovely pictures to give you a real visual sense too, especially all the colour and excitement of the street and landscape. I think YumeTwins is very effective at mixing aspects of traditional culture with the modern kawaii aesthetic, and this is a wonderful start to the new year!

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