Foreword from ZenPlus
Seen some delightfully cute Shinada Global otters on social media this year, but don't know where or how to get in on the adorable fun?
Our kawaii culture expert Grace co-authored this ultimate guide to the Shinada Global fandom (and family!) to help you find your way.
You'll be a master of Shinada Global and its ever-popular Mochi series of plushies in no time!
Contents
- Foreword from ZenPlus
- Fostering a Shinada Global family
- About the Mochi plushie series
1. Mochi Dog
2. Mochi Cat
3. Mochi Pig
4. Mochi Hedgehog
5. Mochi Cat -Naoru-
6. Mochi Otter
7. Mochi Bear
8. Mochi Penguin
9. Mochi Sloth
10. Mochi Frog - What's hot in the Mochi plushie series
- Welcome to the Shinada Global family
- About the author
- Other articles you'll enjoy
Fostering a Shinada Global family
Shinada Global is based in Tokyo, and since opening its doors in 1997 it has dedicated itself to one clear goal: to put a smile on millions of faces around the world. Given the surging popularity of the company's adorable plushies, it's obviously done a great job so far!
And yet, despite being such a household name in recent years, there's still something uniquely intimate about Shinada.
For starters, its social media team has engaged with many (if not most) media under the #shinadaglobal hashtag on Instagram, either by giving posts a like or sharing them to its own set of Instagram Stories -- a clear indication of just how much the company appreciates the community's creativitiy and passion.
Then there's the official Instagram's own content, which often pairs kawaii Shinada Global toys with everyday facets of Japanese culture like food, drinks, and even famous landmarks.
But perhaps most significant of all is quite simply the fact that the company is so receptive and considerate when it comes to us fans! As recently as last month (October 2022), Shinada Global and ZenPlus conducted a survey to find out what kinds of products we the community hope to see in the future. I don’t know about you, but I love being a part of the official design process and supporting a company so devoted to their own fanbase. Unfortunately this kind of customer involvement is more the exception than the rule nowadays, which makes things the whole situation even better.
The long and the short of it? The company isn't just putting smiles on faces; it's fostering a warm, tight-knit Shinada Global family.
About the Mochi plushie series
The Mochi line of plushies is a collection of animal toys that:
- Are purposefully under-stuffed for maximum squishiness
- Are filled with beans at the bottom so they can sit up without any help
- Are just so adorable!
Aside from the obvious physical appeal, there's also the benefit that these Mochi plushies have on your mental health as well -- namely, the peace of mind you get in having such a soft, squishy buddy by your side at all times. Need a reliable friend to turn to while out and about? The mini, S, and M variants are just the right size to take along on any outdoor adventure. Want a sense of security as you lounge around at home? The XL, XXL, and XXXL options make the perfect hug buddies.
Fans of collecting will be happy to know that there's nearly a dozen unique animals in the Mochi plushie series.
Read on to find out what made animals made the cut!
1. Mochi Dog
In a nutshell
- Colors: Black (Kuroshiba), brown (Akishiba)
- Sizes: Mini, S, M, L, XL
- Released: 2017
Closer look
This cute plushie represents the dog native to Japan and is marketed as having a “gentle face” for the ultimate kawaii look.
We love the different color palette on each variant: the brown one has a cream-colored snout and belly, while the black one has tan accents instead.
2. Mochi Cat
In a nutshell
- Colors: Black, siamese, calico, kutsushita (black with white paws), bicolor (black, gray, pink, blue, orange)
- Sizes: Mini, S, M, L, XL, XXXL
- Released: 2017
Closer look
Mochi Cats rank right up there with otters in terms of popularity and variety of colors on offer.
Even if you're a dog person, it's pretty hard not to love these fabulous felines.
Mochi Cats also have the distinction of being the only animal with a humongous XXXL size -- coming in at 170 cm, or about 5 ft 7 in!
3. Mochi Pig
In a nutshell
- Colors: Black, pink
- Sizes: Mini, L
- Released: 2018
Closer look
The pig is a symbol of good luck in a lot of places around the world.
This plushie features a pink nose and a fluffy big belly which is squishy to touch, also marketed by Shinada Global as having “friendly” eyes to help with your worries.
4. Mochi Hedgehog
In a nutshell
- Colors: Brown, ivory
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Released: 2018
Closer look
Given how popular hedgehogs are as pets for any age group, it was only a matter of time before they'd get the Shinada Global treatment.
Don’t worry -- the quills on their back are a lot softer than the real thing!
5. Mochi Cat -Naoru-
In a nutshell
- Color: Red
- Sizes: L
- Released: 2019
Closer look
This cheeky kitty is actually a collaboration with Hiromu Takahashi from New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Who knew a cat mischieviously poking its tongue out could be so charming!
6. Mochi Otter
In a nutshell
- Colors: Brown, gray, pastel (lavendar, mint), fruit (banana, blueberry, peach), aquarium pink
- Sizes: Mini, M, L, XL, XXL
- Released: 2019
Closer look
This kawaii otter features a thick tail, small paw pads, and large mouth, with an adorable facial expression.
Mochi Otters exploded in popularity across social media in 2021-2022, so chances are they're what attracted you to the Shinada Global fandom in the first place.
The otters are also my own personal favorite, so you can imagine how happy I am to have the full set of colors in my collection. Believe me when I say that once you start, you'll find it hard to stop!
7. Mochi Bear
In a nutshell
- Colors: Brown, white
- Sizes: M, L
- Released: 2020
Closer look
Described as both bold and fluffy, this cute bear would be a much better companion than a real one.
8. Mochi Penguin
In a nutshell
- Colors: Black, gray, pink, blue
- Sizes: Mini, M, L
- Released: 2021
Closer look
Antarctica isn't exactly the warmest or fuzziest place on Earth, but obviously the Shinada Global penguins didn't get the message!
Just like all the other animals in the Mochi plush series, these little waddlers will warm your heart with their perfect squishiness and "hugability."
9. Mochi Sloth
In a nutshell
- Colors: Gray, brown
- Sizes: L
- Released: 2022
Closer look
Shinada Global plushies are the perfect companion for any occasion -- costume parties, road trips, grocery shopping, you name it.
But given their cuddly nature and the fact that they're just so relaxing to be around, it's little wonder they also make amazing nap partners too.
And of course, if it's a comfortable day in bed or on the couch you're after, what could be a better partner in crime than a kawaii Mochi Sloth?
Rilakkuma might have to watch out!
10. Mochi Frog
In a nutshell
- Colors: Green, light blue, pink
- Sizes: Mini, L
- Released: 2022
Closer look
Mochi Frogs are a new addition to the Shinada Global family -- but with their large belly and flexible hands, they're already a community fan favorite.
What's hot in the Mochi series
As is the case with any fandom, everyone is bound to have their own individual favorites -- and that's totally okay.
But what if you just can't decide which characters or variants to go with?
While we're in no place to shape your personal preference, what we can do is let you know the general vibes running through the community -- especially when it comes to causes the most buzz!
Mochi Otters
Without a doubt it's the otters that get the most attention across Western social media. The #shinadaglobal hashtag on Instagram is full to the brim with fans showcasing their otter family, the daily escapades they go on together, and the cute little outfits that people buy (or make!) for them.
The great thing about Shinada Global otters (and the fandom as a whole) is that age is irrelevant when it comes to interest and ownership. For example, recently my own mother -- who is not a plushie collector by any means -- has added a lavender otter to her Christmas list, purely because it matches the color of her car and would make the perfect backseat passenger! (I actually did the same with the banana-colored otter and my own yellow ride.)
Brighter colors
It's typically the brighter plushie colors that get the most heads turning (and the most people talking) within the collector community. The aforementioned banana, peach, blueberry, and aquarium pink variants generated an especially large response upon release.
Yes, those palettes are a far cry from any real otter you'll ever see in the wild -- but what does it matter when that radiant glow has the ability to brighten any room (and your mood) at any time?
Welcome to the Shinada Global family
Shinada Global is at the forefront of the kawaii plush toy wave taking over the world right now -- and given how much the company lists to its fans and strives to implement their ideas, it looks like bright things will continue for quite a while yet.
Interested in starting (or expanding) your Shinada Global collection? Whether it be the Mochi series explored in this guide or the host of other product lines that the company offers, there's plenty of resources online to help you along the way:
- Official Shinada Global website
- Shinada Global plush toy collection on ZenPlus
- Various social media communities and pages: Facebook, Reddit, and more
Everyone in the fandom is so warm and friendly, and will no doubt welcome you with open arms! At the end of the day, we’re one big family with a mutual love of kawaii plushies -- and there’s plenty to go around.
About the author
Grace is a 25-year-old plush collector from England, UK who has been collecting plushies since she was a small child. You can see more of her collection on her dedicated Instagram account, @icedplushies.
Other articles you'll enjoy
For more Shinada Global coverage, check out the articles below:
- Shinada Global: Otters That Ought To Make You Smile
- Mochi Otter Fashion: The Art of Plush Clothing
- Shinada Global Otters: Love at First Squish
Thanks for reading!
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