This is the year the main Mapex logo changed to the new "M" Type. As a result, the Black Panther badge changed to the New Logo Tall Rectangle at one point, but it's not reflected in the catalogue shots yet.

To be fair, it's not just the snare shots - there's only one kit shown with the new logo on the front head. 

Also, the year that the legendary Black Panther Titanium was released in Japan. 

Notes: 

• The Retrosonic joins the Black Panther kit range. This was available in one configuration only (22"x16", 12"x8" and 16"x16" - no snare provided) and included a snare stand to hold the high-tom as there's no mount on the shell. The high-tension tube echo the original full-length Mapex lugs.
• Interestingly, although the Orion series was dropped from the catalogues in 2010, the Japanese price list still has a full section for 2012 Orion Series Drum Sets.
• The Japanese price list also includes the Elm Special Edition, the 14"x5.5" Phosphor Bronze Hammered and the Mayan from 2009, in addition to the Japan only BPST4550SSH model. In addition, there are 13 Mapex/Beyond Shimano Custom editions listed, but I'm struggling to match them accurately in the database. 
• This appears to be the last year that Mapex produced any catalogues for, or even featuring Black Panther kits. There are some for the Saturn series but nothing for Black Panther or the later Design Lab kits. At least that I can find.