Japan’s Viral ‘Mirumi’ Bot Becomes the Unlikely Fashion Trend of 2026

Japan’s Mirumi bot, a furry robotic bag charm from Yukai Engineering, has stormed social media as 2026’s breakout fashion trend. The gadget is based on a sloth bear and is tilted with its head, nods at a pat, and reacts to touch, released on January 21, 2025, debuting at CES 2025, and launched on Kickstarter. It can also be clipped to bags or belts in either pink, beige or grey (priced at $114), and it outperforms the 2025 trend of Labubu, which has interactive “emotional tech” in its reels of realistic movements. Mirumi finds a place in Gen Z because of its ability to incorporate a combination of cuteness, AI, and wearable style in response to the needs of wellness.

Mechanics Behind Mirumi

The Mirumi bot uses sensors for subtle movements: head tilts signal curiosity, nods respond to affection, and low battery prompts sad glances.​

Rise as Fashion Trend

Post-Labubu, Mirumi captivates with folklore-inspired Yokai design, turning accessories into “happiness ambassadors” for daily wear.​

Global Social Buzz

Viral clips show it “watching” owners, sparking memes and pre-order frenzy across TikTok and Instagram fashion circles.​

Writer writer

Recent Posts

Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign launches globally with ‘Eco-Heritage’ focus in London

Malaysia has officially kicked off its global promotional drive for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign at the "Destinations: The…

January 27, 2026

Vietnam Logistics Day Proposed for May 6 to Promote Sector Role

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), has officially proposed designating May…

January 27, 2026

Govt Proposes May 6 as Vietnam Logistics Day to Promote Sector Role

Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) proposes designating May 6 as Vietnam Logistics Day, marking a historic nod to…

January 27, 2026

‘Keep Chasing Your Passions’: Faiz Basha Set to Represent Singapore at Winter Olympics

Singaporean alpine skier Faiz Basha is poised to make history as the Republic's first snow sport athlete at the Milano-Cortina…

January 27, 2026

The Nihilist Penguin: Why a 2007 Documentary Clip is the First Viral Meme of 2026

The Nihilist Penguin from Werner Herzog's 2007 documentary Encounters at the End of the World has exploded as 2026's inaugural…

January 27, 2026

Netflix announces crackdown on “password sharing” for mobile-only plans in Asia, sparking social media backlash

Netflix has officially expanded its restrictive password sharing policies to include mobile-only plans across key Asian markets, effective immediately. In…

January 26, 2026

This website uses cookies.

Read More