Plushie Photos and Puzzled Feelings: A Japanese Trend Takes Hold
A new social trend is taking hold in Japan, where people are taking photos of their plush toys in real-world settings. This “nuikatsu” craze combines collecting plushies with capturing their “best lives” in pictures, and one reporter has recently become an unlikely participant.
Nuikatsu: Beyond Snuggles and Squeezes
The term “katsu” refers to lifestyle activities, and “nui” is short for “nuigurumi,” or stuffed animals. P.K. Sanjun, a Japanese-language reporter, recently got into this trend. It involves more than just owning plushies; it’s about documenting their adventures.
P.K. was invited into the nuikatsu world by friends he met playing Pokémon GO. Naturally, their plushie companions were all Pokémon. P.K. has a fondness for the Pokémon character Pansage, because of its laid-back attitude and aversion to clothing.
A Dinner Outing and a Photo Shoot
When P.K. and his Pokémon-loving pals met in Osaka and decided to enjoy some okonomiyaki, a nuikatsu photoshoot immediately followed. Encouraged by his friends, P.K. used his photojournalism skills.
P.K. snapped a photo that was impressive for a newcomer. However, he admitted that it was an unusual experience, and the reaction he got from his friends made him feel a little self-conscious about the activity.
Self-Consciousness and the Nuikatsu Question
P.K., who has been a father for many years, felt a surge of youthful energy, but also some mixed feelings. Most of his friends are younger, which led P.K. to feel a bit awkward. He even felt like he looked “creepy” in a picture.
It’s hard to picture P.K. feeling awkward, since he’s participated in wrestling matches and dressed up in a bear suit. Yet, smiling while taking photos of stuffed animals in public is a line he is unsure about crossing. The global plush toy market is projected to reach $12.1 billion by 2028 (Source 2022).
Moving Forward
P.K. recommends trying nuikatsu at least once. He is unsure if he will continue the practice, however. He is curious if others think he should be allowed to enjoy himself while taking pictures of Pansage.
