Chinese consumers are taken aback by a recent boom in popularity of Japanese-made horse figurines with sorrowful faces. These charming yet melancholic trinkets are being rapidly sold all across China. The craze, although emerging without any evident reason, has caught fire through the sharing of these unique toys on social media platforms. It appears collectors are not only attracted to the unique artistic aspect of these figurines but also find their sad faces endearing.

Japan has a rich culture of creating unique figurines and collectibles, and these sad-faced horse figurines are one such amusing creation. In Japan, these types of figurines and collectibles not only constitute a massive market but are also linked to popular culture and hobbies. It reflects the love for the "Kawaii" or cute culture, and even the sad emotions are seen as adorable.

In the United States or Europe, collectibles markets do exist, although they may focus more on action figures, movie memorabilia, or sports-related items. The sentiment evoked by these Japanese figurines might be analogous to the "ugly-cute" trend seen in many Western nations, with items gaining popularity more for their uniqueness than traditional beauty.