The Chinese zodiac sign (ETO) for 2016 is HINOE SARU.

Monkey means "going away" and is believed to bring good luck, such as "all troubles will go away. It has also a history of being cherished as a "messenger of the gods. The "Masaru" monkey at Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture) is said to be a symbol of protection against evil, as it means "the devil goes away" or "victory over evil.

Sweets in the shape of such a lucky monkey are now available at various stores. Here are some of them that you can use as souvenirs. How about bringing a souvenir for the New Year? All prices include tax.

Mameya Kanazawa Mankyu "Kin no Kastella - Zodiac Sign of the Year - Shin" (1,350 yen)

Cut out the shape of a monkey.
Cut out the shape of a monkey.

Kanazawa Mankyu, famous for its "gold kastela" with a single sheet of gold leaf applied, offers an ingenious product that takes the shape of a monkey when cut out. The "Golden Castella: Zodiac Sign of the Year, Shen" has a complicated shape cut out by a French-made cutting machine. It is available in stores and by mail order.

Godiva " Nouvelanet Collection" (6 pieces from 1,728 yen)

Annual collection of zodiac sign motifs
Annual collection of zodiac sign motifs

This is the famous chocolate brand's limited collection for the year-end and New Year holidays. The chocolates, including a limited-edition monkey-shaped piece, are packaged in a chic box with an illustration of a monkey. The collection will be available at department stores and Godiva specialty stores nationwide until January 5.

Chateraise " Gasho Cake Osaru no Choco Mousse" (432 yen)

Cute round eyes!
Cute round eyes!

Confectionery store Chateraise has come out with a cake that has been cutely finished. The cake is made of chocolate sponge and chocolate mousse, and is served with fruit.

Rihga Royal Hotel " Congratulations, that it is" (10,800 yen)

Realistic reproduction down to the hairline!
Realistic reproduction down to the hairline!

Congratulations, that is," a cake for 4 to 6 people, is sold at Gourmet Boutique Melissa in Rihga Royal Hotel (Kita-ku, Osaka City). The surface of the cake is said to be sprayed with chocolate to express fluffy fur. Only three cakes per day are available for pre-order, and reservations will be accepted until January 28.

In addition, "monkey sweets" are available at various stores. Why not bring a souvenir with a monkey motif to wish you a happy new year?