DistantNews
Support us
'Squishies' Gain Massive Popularity Among Japanese Youth, Offering Tactile Comfort
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

'Squishies' Gain Massive Popularity Among Japanese Youth, Offering Tactile Comfort

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Squishy toys, known as 'mallang-i' in Korea, are experiencing immense popularity among Japanese elementary school students and even adults.
  • These soft toys, made from materials like urethane and silicone, offer a tactile, analog experience that provides psychological comfort and stress relief.
  • Experts suggest the popularity stems from the toys' texture, which resembles human skin, and the calming effect of their slow-rebound motion, offering a contrast to the digital age.

Soft, squishy toys known as 'squishies' are captivating the attention of Japanese elementary school students and adults alike, offering a tactile antidote to the digital world. These toys, often made from urethane or silicone, are characterized by their ability to be squeezed and their slow return to their original shape. Their popularity has surged, with many children owning multiple squishies and even requesting them as rewards.

I can't live without squishies.

— Akari, a second-grader living in JapanA young student expresses her strong attachment to squishy toys.

In Japan, the trend has seen shops stocking a wide variety of squishies, shaped like desserts, animal paws, and other cute designs, with prices ranging from 300 to 2,600 yen. The appeal extends beyond children; adults are also drawn to the novel sensory experience. Media reports suggest that in an era dominated by smartphones and digital devices, the simple act of touching and manipulating these analog toys provides a fresh and engaging experience.

Almost all of my friends have one.

— A fourth-graderA student highlights the widespread popularity of squishies among her peers.

Experts attribute the widespread appeal of squishies to their potential for psychological comfort and therapeutic effects. Horita Shugo, a professor at Meiji University and author, notes that in today's stress-prone society, 'healing toys' like squishies resonate well. He posits that the soft texture, reminiscent of human skin, may unconsciously evoke feelings of security associated with early childhood experiences, such as contact with a mother's skin.

In modern society where stress is easily accumulated, 'healing toys' like these are a good fit.

— Horita Shugo, Professor at Meiji UniversityAn expert explains the appeal of squishy toys in the context of modern stress levels.

Furthermore, the slow, deliberate motion of a squishy returning to its original form is believed to have a calming effect. Horita suggests that this analog experience offers a unique stimulation in our digitally-focused lives, making the toys particularly appealing. However, he also cautions that the trend might be temporary, predicting that the popularity could wane within a year as people naturally seek new stimuli. Concerns have also been raised regarding safety, with reports of squishies causing burns when heated and some products containing harmful substances, prompting investigations by consumer safety organizations.

The soft, slow-rebounding texture is similar to human skin, which can provide psychological stability.

— Horita Shugo, Professor at Meiji UniversityAn expert discusses the tactile qualities of squishies and their potential psychological benefits.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog