Japanese Dobi Offers "Spa" Service for Stuffed Animals

In a heartwarming display of dedication to cherished possessions, a Japanese laundry service is providing an extraordinary "spa" experience for beloved stuffed animals. Masakazu Shimura, a cleaning expert with three decades of experience, meticulously tends to each plush toy, treating them with the care one would give a newborn baby. His gentle steam baths and careful brushing have transformed weary Pokémon and faded teddy bears into objects of renewed joy.

The viral videos showcasing this detailed care at Cleaning Yonmarusan have captured the attention of people worldwide, propelling this niche luxury fabric care service into the global spotlight. Shimura's expertise extends beyond toys; he has a proven track record in cleaning everything from shirts to camping tents. This deep understanding of fabric allows him to handle delicate plush materials with exceptional precision, ensuring each toy is restored with the utmost attention.

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While washing these dolls by hand, I carefully feel the type of material and assess its condition before gently rubbing it.

Shimura is one of twelve certified cleaning specialists at Yonmarusan, a regional network based in Yamanashi, west of Tokyo. While the company has long offered toy cleaning services, its business has boomed recently due to social media's reach. This surge is fueled by the younger generation's passion for plushies and the broader culture of collecting cute items in Japan. The service now cleans over 10,000 plush toys annually, a dramatic increase from about 1,200 a decade ago.

"Some customers from abroad are willing to fly to Japan just to have their plush toys cleaned," said Hisako Mori, the firm's Public Relations Manager. "During the cleaning, they will travel around Japan. At the end of the trip, they will stop by to pick up their toys before returning home." This dedication highlights the deep emotional connection people have with their plush companions, a sentiment that resonates strongly within Japanese culture and is now being shared globally.

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Some customers from abroad are willing to fly to Japan just to have their plush toys cleaned. During the cleaning, they will travel around Japan. At the end of the trip, they will stop by to pick up their toys before returning home.