Looking For Labubu in Japan
The ugly-cute monster accessory taking Japan by storm
Here’s how I caught the Labubu bug, and set out to nab my own!
I first became aware of the mischievous imp-like character known as Labubu in a Vanity Fair interview with K-pop superstar Lisa. From then on, I started to notice the furry little monsters clipped to handbags around Tokyo, realizing Labubu had already found a fan base in Japan. And the more I saw them, the more I wanted one.
But what exactly is Labubu? Why is it so popular? And what happened when I finally tried to get my hands on one?
What Is Labubu?
© Photo by Pop MartHong Kong-born artist Kaising Lung created Labubu as part of a story series called The Monsters. Inspired by Nordic folktales from the Netherlands, where Lung grew up, Labubu mixes kawaii (cute) softness with a razor-toothed grin.
In 2019, Lung teamed up with Chinese retailer Pop Mart to produce a series of collectible Labubu dolls and accessories. Pop Mart specialises in ‘blind boxes’, meaning buyers don’t know exactly which Labubu they’ll get until they open the packaging.
Why Is Labubu So Popular?
It turns out I wasn’t the only one to learn about Labubu from Blackpink’s Lisa. The character exploded in popularity in spring 2024 when Lisa began posting photos of her Labubu collection on Instagram. Other celebrities, including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa’s bandmate, APT singer Rosé, quickly followed suit.
Once people started buying into the Labubu trend, they became hooked on the blind box format. New releases and the chance of finding rare ‘secret’ Labubus kept even repeat buyers coming back for more. Since then, the hype has only continued to grow.
Where To Find Labubus in Japan
© Photo by iStock: Robert WayLabubus are available at official Pop Mart stores and Robo Shops (essentially fancy vending machines) around Japan—with the concentration of shops in Tokyo and Osaka—but only intermittently. Fans often line up outside stores for more than an hour before opening time to nab one.
Pop Mart also holds semi-regular Labubu product launches and pop-up stores around Tokyo. Guaranteed access is only available by lottery, so it’s a matter of luck. Details of events and how to apply for tickets can be found on the official Instagram page.
Still Seeking A Labubu To Love
© Photo by X: @POPMARTJapan
© Photo by X: @POPMARTJapanI recently began my own Labubu search by entering the ticket lottery for the ongoing Labubu Mini Market at Tokyo Solamachi. Although I tried to aim for a less busy weekday slot, I didn’t have any luck.
Next, I dropped by Pop Mart’s refurbished Shibuya Parco branch after work on the store’s opening day. By then, there were still a few Labubu vinyl figurines available, but not a single plushie.
For me, lining up in the summer heat outside the flagship Harajuku Pop Mart is out of the question. I also haven’t had a chance to scope out any of the Robo Shops dotted around Tokyo, to see what’s in stock.
I could always skip the hassle and buy a marked-up Labubu from a reseller like Tokio Mania. But I’m not ready to resort to that quite yet. After all, first-hand Labubus only costs ¥2,255 at Pop Mart. And as my fellow Labubu-hunters know, half the fun is the thrill of the chase.
So for now, my Labubu hunt in Japan continues…
Have you jumped onto the Labubu bandwagon? Where do you recommend buying a Labubu doll in Japan? Let us know in the comments!
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