Souvenirs featuring Year of Horse hit San Francisco's China town

Spring Festival shopping is underway across the United States, with businesses in San Francisco’s Chinatown stocking up on festive products as people prepare to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest in the United States and the oldest in North America. Chinatown Kite Shop has been there for 52 years.

Albert Chang, aged 93, is the owner of the shop since 1972. He said the shop has specially prepared a variety of choices for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

"Well, Chinese New Year red envelopes. We got some Year of the Horse here. Behind you are the big ones, small ones," Chang introduced.

The store also made special designs to bring in the Pegasus-themed kites in anticipation of the Year of the Horse.

In San Francisco's Chinatown, there are also younger store owners, like Vincent Fung. Fung, who runs a store called Buddha Exquisite, said it's been a turbulent year for business. But he's very hopeful for what the Year of the Horse may bring.

"Horse is a good animal, I believe, because we have the saying called 'Ma Dao Gong Cheng', which is success in the Year of the Horse. For last year, it was snake -- it was a little animal that some people are offended by. But horse is a very, very good one, just like dragon and tiger. Those are the good products to sell especially for foreigners," Fung said.

With the Super Bowl being held in the San Francisco Bay area, Fung is hopeful for an influx of tourists who may be attracted by friendly-looking horse products.

Mexican Americans Joanna and Julissa Curiel are shopping for Year of the Horse items for their mother, who always gives them red packets during the Spring Festival. The sisters are also attracted by the Chinese culture and the beautiful souvenirs.

"I think that's the beautiful part, especially about the Bay Area. There're so many different cultures. You kind of get to learn from them," said Julissa Curiel.

As frequent international travelers, the Curiels said their first trip to China is definitely on the horizon, believing that learning about its traditions will help get them prepared.

Souvenirs featuring Year of Horse hit San Francisco's China town

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution