What are fumos? You may have heard anime and plushie fans refer to them online or at conventions. They’re a specific type of high-quality plush toy that have gained popularity, especially among anime and video game fans.
Fumo Origin:
Fumos originated in Japan and were initially created for characters from the Touhou Project, a popular series of bullet hell shooter games. The term “Fumo” is derived from the Japanese word “ふもふも” (fumofumo), which is an onomatopoeia for something soft and fluffy.
Fumo Characteristics:
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Design: Fumos have a distinctive chibi (small and cute) style with simplified features. They typically have large heads, small bodies, and stubby limbs.
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Quality: Known for their high-quality materials and construction, Fumos are often more expensive than typical plush toys.
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Sitting pose: Most Fumos are designed in a sitting position, which is part of their characteristic look.
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Accuracy: Despite their simplified design, Fumos aim to capture key features of the characters they represent, like hairstyles or outfits.
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Size: Standard Fumos are usually around 20cm (8 inches) tall, though sizes can vary.
Popularity:
While they started with Touhou Project characters, Fumos’ popularity has led to the creation of similar-style plush toys for characters from other anime, games, and media franchises. Sometimes, people use the term “Fumo” more broadly to describe plush toys with a similar aesthetic, even if they’re not official Fumos.
Collectibility:
Fumos have become highly collectible items. Official releases are often limited, which has led to a thriving secondary market among collectors.
Cultural Impact:
Fumos have developed their own subculture, particularly online. Fans create memes, photos, and videos featuring their Fumos in various settings or situations, contributing to their ongoing popularity.
Availability:
Official Fumos are primarily sold in Japan, often through limited releases or lottery systems. This limited availability has contributed to their desirability among collectors worldwide.
Bootlegs:
It’s more likely than not that if you are looking for an authentic Touhou fumo online… you’re only going to be buying knock offs! While some people don’t mind this, they just want a cute fumo to have of their own, it’s important to know as a collector that to get a real Touhou fumo you need to be buying from trusted sellers!
The Fumo Phenomenon: A Look at Popular Characters
Fumos, the adorable chibi-style plush toys originating from Japan, have captured the hearts of collectors and anime enthusiasts worldwide. While they began with characters from the Touhou Project, their popularity has led to a wide array of characters being immortalized in this unique plush form. Let’s explore some of the most popular Fumos and what makes them so appealing.
Touhou Project Fumos
The Touhou Project, a bullet hell shooter game series, is where Fumos got their start. Some of the most sought-after Fumos come from this franchise:
- Reimu Hakurei: The shrine maiden protagonist of the series. Fans often consider Reimu’s Fumo the quintessential Fumo. The plush form perfectly captures her red-and-white outfit and her iconic detached sleeves.
- Marisa Kirisame: The witch character is another fan favorite. Her Fumo, complete with a tiny witch hat and broom, is a popular choice among collectors.
- Cirno: This ice fairy character’s Fumo, with its light blue hair and adorable wings, is particularly beloved and has spawned numerous memes in the Fumo community.
Beyond Touhou
As Fumos gained popularity, other characters received the Fumo treatment:
- Hatsune Miku: The virtual idol’s Fumo version, with its long teal twintails, is a hit among Vocaloid fans.
- Nero Claudius (Fate series): This Saber-class servant from the Fate franchise has a popular Fumo, complete with her iconic red dress and blonde hair.
- Kaguya Shinomiya (Kaguya-sama: Love is War): The elegant Kaguya in Fumo form, with her long black hair and school uniform, is a favorite among fans of romantic comedy anime.
- Milady Fumo: The iconic Milady Fumo is a popular collectible for fans of the New Internet. Only 100 were ever sold while some extra Milady Fumos may be found in the wild through other means.
- Kittykaki: Designed in the Fumo style, this plushie features a Kitty maid with blue hair and an adorable style. 500 total first editions were made and there are still some Kittykaki left to buy at Happy UFO!
Fumo Memes
If you’ve ever been online, you’ve probably seen some humorous memes featuring fumo like plushies!
todo: list some funny ones here
What Makes These Fumos Popular?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of these Fumos:
- Character Recognition: They represent beloved characters from popular franchises.
- Quality and Detail: Despite their simplified design, Fumos capture key character traits effectively.
- Cuteness Factor: The chibi style amplifies the adorable aspects of each character.
- Collectibility: Limited releases make certain Fumos highly sought after.
- Versatility: Fans enjoy posing and photographing their Fumos in various scenarios.
Fumos are plush toys which offer a unique way to celebrate favorite characters. Their ongoing popularity ensures that we’ll likely see even more characters join the Fumo family in the future!
