Get your wheels spinning with this collection — your hamster wheel, that is!
Hamsta World is a digital collection of kawaii hamsters that sing and dance from Netherlands-based company Happy Ink. Hamsta World creator Saskia Keiser was inspired by a real hamster that brought joy to her and her family, along with Japanese design and the Japanese phonetic spelling of hamster.
The full Hamsta World franchise revolves around a group of funny furballs known as “Da Hamstas,” and Hamsta World currently has more than 1 billion views on GIPHY and 132,000 likes on TikTok. It has become especially popular abroad, most notably in Amsterdam and Shanghai, gaining digital fame through sing-a-long parody videos of popular songs on YouTube and other (adorable) digital content highlighting Da Hamstas’ range of personalities.
Now, lifestyle brand FYE is bringing Hamsta World to North America for the first time at New York Comic Con (NYCC), launching a collection that includes T-shirts, keychains, swimsuits, notebooks, food items, and more
With this new product line, fans who don’t partake in the NFT universe can show off their Hamsta World fandom. The items are packed with bright styles and an array of colors, which Hamsta World creator Saskia Keiser told The Pop Insider she particularly enjoys, “I love all the colors of the rainbow. So all the hamsters are in all colors of the rainbow.”
The collection also includes FYE’s legendary licensed food, with Hamsta World sodas and even an adorable Hamsta World Boba Tea Kit. From fashionable to functional, the FYE x Hamsta World collection also offers an assortment of hamsta-tastic merch, such as an AirPods case, a limited-edition watch, backpacks, stickers, and more. FYE also released some NYCC exclusive Hamsta World items, including a pin set, a convention mug, a long-sleeve T-shirt, and a watch.
Keiser says that her favorite item from the collection is the plush, “I would definitely expect Hamsta World fans to go nuts for the plush because I really love them,” she says. “They’re so fluffy and I love the paws — I mean, they’re so cute.”
While Hamsta World has achieved massive success overseas, its introduction to the United States (and our closets) marks a memorable change to Hamsta World’s creator. “I can’t wait to meet all the U.S.A.-based fans, and I’m really, really excited to bring Hamsta World to the States,” she says.
Those attending NYCC in person can visit FYE’s at booth No. 1119 to see the new collection. Fans who can’t make it to the convention this year can still check out all the cuteness at fye.com.
