By a Long-Time Labubu Collector & Enthusiast
I still remember the moment I realized Labubu had transcended her origins. I was walking through an anime convention—something I'd done dozens of times—when I spotted a cosplayer in an elaborate Labubu costume surrounded by fans requesting photos. Nearby, a vendor sold custom anime labubu keychains alongside official One Piece merchandise.
Labubu had officially invaded the anime world.
The crossover between Labubu and anime culture feels natural now, almost inevitable. Both worlds celebrate distinctive character design, passionate fandom, and the joy of collecting. But the journey from art toy to anime icon involves fascinating twists, surprising collaborations, and a community that bridges two massive fanbases.
In this deep dive, I'll explore how anime labubu became a phenomenon, the creative genius behind the characters, and what this trend means for collectors and anime fans alike.
Introduction
Overview of Anime Labubu
What exactly do we mean by anime labubu? The term encompasses several overlapping concepts.
First, it refers to Labubu's inherent anime aesthetic. Created by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu's design draws on visual languages familiar to anime fans—expressive eyes, simplified features, emotional readability. She fits naturally alongside characters from Studio Ghibli or Sanrio.
Second, anime labubu describes official collaborations between Pop Mart and anime franchises. The Pop Mart x One Piece series represents the most prominent example, featuring Labubu and friends reimagined as beloved characters from the long-running series.
Third, the term covers fan creations—custom figures, fan art, and cosplay that merge Labubu with anime aesthetics. The Etsy marketplace overflows with anime labubus created by talented artists who see connections between these worlds.
Rise of the Trend
The anime labubu trend didn't emerge overnight. It built gradually as both Labubu's popularity and anime's global reach expanded simultaneously.
Several factors accelerated this convergence. Social media algorithms noticed that anime labubu content performed well, so they showed it to more users. TikTok creators discovered that anime-themed Labubu videos generated high engagement. The feedback loop strengthened with every post.
Collectors who loved both anime and Labubu naturally created content bridging their interests. Their passion resonated with audiences who felt the same way, building communities that celebrated the intersection.
The Creator Behind Labubu
Background of the Labubu Creator
Understanding labubu creator Kasing Lung illuminates why anime connections feel so organic. Lung's artistic journey began in Hong Kong but took a formative turn when his family moved to the Netherlands during his childhood.
This cross-cultural experience shaped his visual vocabulary. He absorbed European fairy tales and Nordic folklore alongside the Asian pop culture influences he'd grown up with. The combination created something genuinely unique—characters that felt familiar across cultural boundaries.
Lung's professional career started in illustration and design, but he found his true calling when he began developing original characters. Labubu emerged from this creative exploration, along with the wider "Monsters" universe including Tycoco, Zimomo, and Mokoko.
Creative Inspirations
Lung draws inspiration from sources that resonate deeply with anime fans. Studio Ghibli films, particularly the works of Hayao Miyazaki, influence his approach to character design and world-building. The way Ghibli creates creatures that feel both magical and believable finds echoes in Lung's monsters.
Traditional folklore provides another wellspring. The monsters in Scandinavian stories aren't always terrifying—they're often mischievous, misunderstood, or simply different. This nuanced view of "monstrosity" aligns with anime's tendency to create complex, sympathetic characters who don't fit simple categories.
Lung has also cited Sanrio characters as influences, particularly Hello Kitty's ability to convey emotion through minimal design. Labubu's expressive power despite (or because of) her simple features reflects this design philosophy.
Anime Labubus in Pop Culture
Representation in Merchandise
The merchandise landscape for anime labubus has exploded in recent years. Official collaborations now sit alongside fan creations, creating a diverse ecosystem of products.
The Pop Mart x One Piece collaboration stands as the most prominent official crossover. This series reimagines Labubu and friends as characters from the beloved anime—Labubu as Luffy, Tycoco as Chopper, and other transformations that delight fans of both properties.
Showcase USA and other retailers have made these collaborative figures accessible to American collectors, further blurring the line between anime merchandise and Labubu collecting.
Beyond official releases, the custom market thrives. Etsy sellers offer anime labubus inspired by everything from Demon Slayer to Sailor Moon. These creations range from simple accessories to complete figure overhauls, demonstrating the depth of fan creativity.
Collaborations with Other Franchises
The success of One Piece collaborations has naturally led to speculation about future partnerships. Which anime franchise should Labubu visit next?
Studio Ghibli seems an obvious candidate. Labubu's aesthetic aligns perfectly with the Ghibli sensibility. Imagine Labubu as Totoro, or Tycoco as one of the soot spirits. The potential for charming designs seems endless.
Sanrio collaborations would create fascinating character interactions. Labubu meeting Hello Kitty, or Cinnamoroll befriending Tycoco, would delight collectors who already see connections between these worlds.
Shonen Jump properties offer different possibilities. Labubu as a Naruto character, or reimagined in Dragon Ball Z style, would appeal to collectors who love action-oriented anime.
CBR's reporting on rare Labubus selling for extraordinary sums—including a $150,000 figure—demonstrates the financial stakes involved in these collaborations. Limited crossovers create instant collectibles with lasting value.
Stuffed Animals Labubu: The Adorable Phenomenon
Design and Features
The stuffed animals labubu category deserves special attention in any discussion of anime Labubu. Plush versions of the characters capture something essential about their appeal—they're meant to be held, carried, and loved.
Labubu plush toys typically feature soft, huggable materials that contrast with the vinyl figures many collectors start with. The pointed ears remain, but rendered in fabric they feel approachable rather than edgy. The signature grin translates beautifully to plush form, maintaining its character while gaining tactile warmth.
Size variations accommodate different preferences. Keychain-sized plush attaches to bags, accompanying collectors through daily life. Larger versions become bed companions or couch fixtures. The stuffed animals labubu category has something for everyone.
Collectibility and Demand
Demand for Labubu plush has skyrocketed alongside the broader Labubu boom. Limited releases sell out instantly, driving collectors to secondary markets where prices multiply.
The plush format appeals to collectors who might not typically seek vinyl figures. Anime fans who love character merchandise find Labubu plush fits naturally alongside their existing collections. The soft texture and portable size make these figures more integrated into daily life than display-only vinyl.
Rarity patterns in plush releases mirror those in vinyl. Secret variants, holiday exclusives, and collaboration pieces command the highest prices and generate the most excitement when discovered.
Community and Fandom
Online Communities and Social Media
The anime labubu community thrives across multiple platforms, each serving different functions in the ecosystem.
Reddit's r/labubu hosts detailed discussions about anime-inspired releases, including threads where members share their custom creations and debate which anime characters would make good Labubu adaptations.
TikTok provides the visual showcase that anime Labubu content demands. Creators film unboxings of collaboration figures, display their custom pieces, and share anime-themed collection tours that generate millions of views.
Instagram offers the polished presentation many collectors prefer. Carefully composed photos of anime labubus alongside anime merchandise create aspirational content that drives desire and discovery.
Facebook groups facilitate the trading and selling that keeps the community functioning. Members alert each other to new releases, offer authentication help, and arrange trades that complete collections.
Events and Conventions
Anime conventions have become unexpected hubs for Labubu activity. Collectors who might never meet otherwise connect at these events, sharing their passion in person.
Vendors at anime conventions increasingly stock Labubu merchandise, recognizing the overlap between their customer base and the Labubu fandom. Anime labubu items sell well at these events, introducing the characters to new audiences.
Cosplay represents the ultimate expression of anime Labubu fandom. Seeing a full-size Labubu costume at a convention—complete with rainbow teeth or anime-inspired accessories—demonstrates how deeply these characters have penetrated fan culture.
YouTube coverage of these events, like the video content exploring Labubu's anime connections, extends their reach beyond attendees. Virtual participants experience the excitement through creators who document the scene.
Conclusion
The anime labubu phenomenon reveals something important about both collecting and fandom. We don't just love individual characters—we love seeing them connect, interact, and belong to larger worlds.
Labubu's anime appeal isn't accidental. Kasing Lung created characters with the visual language and emotional depth that anime fans recognize and appreciate. The collaborations that followed simply made explicit what fans already sensed: Labubu belongs in the anime universe.
Whether you collect official One Piece collaborations, commission custom anime labubus from Etsy artists, or simply appreciate the anime aesthetic in standard releases, you're participating in a beautiful convergence. Two passionate fanbases have found common ground in a mischievous monster with a unforgettable grin.
The trend shows no signs of slowing. As Labubu's global popularity grows and anime's reach expands, their intersection will only become richer. New collaborations will emerge. New fans will discover both worlds. New connections will form.
And somewhere, at an anime convention, a Labubu cosplayer will pose for photos while a vendor sells anime labubu keychains to delighted collectors. The circle continues.
Sources
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CBR. (2025). Labubus Invade the Anime World as Rare Labubu Sells for $150,000.
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Etsy. (2025). Anime Labubu [Marketplace listings].
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Pop Mart Official. (2025). LABUBU Collection [Search results].
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Reddit. (2025). Anime Labubu Inspired Boxes: Has Anyone Bought? [Post]. r/labubu.
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Showcase USA. (2025). Pop Mart x THE MONSTERS: Labubu One Piece Anime Series Figurine Blind Box.
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Wikipedia. (2025). Labubu.
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YouTube. (2025). Anime Labubu Content [Various videos].
