History of the Anime Body Pillow
, by Dirk van den Berg, 1 min reading time
The term 'Dakimakura', a staple in the anime and manga fandom, has its roots in Japan. These large, huggable anime body pillows typically bear the image of a beloved character from anime, manga, or video games on both sides. But how did these much-loved pillows come about?
The term 'Dakimakura', a staple in the anime and manga fandom, has its roots in Japan. These large, huggable anime body pillows typically bear the image of a beloved character from anime, manga, or video games on both sides. But how did these much-loved pillows come about?
Tracing back to around 1990, the first dakimakura was brought to life by a company named Cospa. Initially, these pillows showcased characters from the wildly popular anime series of the time, such as Dragon Ball and Saint Seiya. However, the true surge in dakimakura popularity didn't happen until the mid to late 90s. With the advent of the internet and the boom in online shopping, anime enthusiasts worldwide found it easier to purchase dakimakura and have them delivered to their doorstep.
As dakimakura's popularity skyrocketed, manufacturers started to experiment with different sizes and designs, leading to the inception of life-sized 150x50 cm and 160x50cm dakimakura that double as body pillows. Along with this evolution in size, the character designs also began to diversify, presenting characters in a variety of outfits or poses.
With the rise of streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Funimation in recent years, dakimakura has gained substantial popularity among western anime fans, allowing them to discover new series and characters with ease.
Furthermore, material choices have also expanded, with options such as peach skin, velvet, polyester, and the super soft 2-way tricot. Each material type offers a unique feel and level of comfort, catering to different personal preferences.
From its humble beginnings in the 1990s in Japan to its global recognition today, the dakimakura anime body pillow has undergone a remarkable evolution. If you're an anime or manga fan, or an avid gamer, we invite you to explore our collection and find a high-quality dakimakura that resonates with you. Who knows, your next favorite character might just be waiting to offer you comfort and companionship! Share your favorite character and material choice with us in the comments below!