Get ready for the ultimate cuteness overload! Dragon Ball DAIMA is joining Bandai Namco Nui’s popular “Chibi Plush” series, hitting stores in Japan in late January 2025!
This adorable collection will feature a variety of characters from DAIMA, including mini versions of Son Goku and Vegeta. The Dragon Ball official website couldn’t resist getting an exclusive peek behind the scenes, so they infiltrated Bandai Namco Nui Co., Ltd. for an interview with Ms. Oishi, the mastermind behind the planning and development of these plushies. He shared his passion for the project and the attention to detail that makes these plush toys so special!
Ms. Oishi, who oversees everything from planning to production for the “Chibi Plush” series, has been a Dragon Ball fan since childhood—her favorite character is Bulma from the early days. Here’s a glimpse into the making of these irresistibly cute toys:
What Makes the “Chibi Plush Toy” So Special?
These plushies stand about 14-15 cm tall and feature a unique sitting pose, making them perfect for your desk, your bag, or even as adorable photo props. Whether you’re out and about or relaxing at home, these mini plushies bring joy wherever they go. Their sturdy design, with beads in the bottom, ensures they sit upright with ease.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Plushies
The creation of each “Chibi Plush Toy” starts with a detailed design, followed by fabric selection, and careful planning of all the little details. Mr. Oishi and his team constantly exchange ideas and revisions to ensure each plushie faithfully captures the essence of the characters. The process includes hand-sewing small parts, with some more delicate sections even being glued by hand to ensure the perfect result.
Capturing the Dragon Ball Spirit
When designing the plushies, the team focused on replicating the signature expressions of the characters—especially important for a beloved series like Dragon Ball. For example, Son Goku’s spiky hair needed a special technique called “bag sewing” to balance the sharpness of the original with the plush’s softness. Even the smallest details, like the shape of Bulma’s eyes and the unique baby-like features of Goten and Trunks, were carefully crafted to capture the charm of these characters.
Bonus Features: Hooks for Extra Fun
If you want to take your Chibi Plush on the go, check out the “Chibi Plush Mascot with Plastic Hook.” It features a handy hook so you can attach your plushie to your bag or keychain. The hook is designed in the iconic orange of the Dragon Ball series for that extra touch of fandom flair.
Crafting With Care for the Fans
When the Chibi Plush project was greenlit, Ms. Oishi was thrilled but also nervous. Dragon Ball has a massive global fanbase, and he wanted to make sure the characters were accurately represented while still being cuddly and cute. The plushies strike the perfect balance of charm and character authenticity, making them a must-have for fans.
Caring for Your Chibi Plush
Once you get your hands on your very own plushie, be sure to care for it! If it gets dirty, a quick wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick. And here’s a fun tip: you can change the plushie’s expression by gently rubbing its face. Whether you prefer a sharp, serious look or a soft, round face, a little touch-up will make your plushie feel even more personal.
A Message From Ms. Oishi
Mr. Oishi hopes that when you bring home a Chibi Plush, it brings you comfort and joy. He encourages fans to take their plushies out on adventures and snap some photos! He’d love to see your memories shared with these cute companions, whether it’s a trip or a moment that reminds you of your love for Dragon Ball.
So, get ready to add a little extra cuteness to your life with Chibi Plush! These cuddly characters are waiting to bring you some Dragon Ball magic in 2025!
Chibi Plush Toys – Coming Soon in January 2025!
Release Date: Late January 2025
Produced by: Bandai Namco Nui Co., Ltd.
Price: ¥2,420 each (tax included)
Adorable Lineup:
- Son Goku (mini)
- Vegeta (mini)
- Bulma (mini)
- Piccolo (mini)
- Majin Buu (mini)
- Kaiōshin (mini)
- Trunks (mini)
- Son Goten (mini)
Want to see more? Visit the official shop website for all the details!
Official Shop Website
Chibi Plush Mascots with a Hook – Perfect for On-the-Go!
Release Date: Late January 2025
Produced by: Bandai Namco Nui Co., Ltd.
Price: ¥1,650 each (tax included)
Charming Lineup:
- Son Goku (mini)
- Vegeta (mini)
- Bulma (mini)
- Piccolo (mini)
- Majin Buu (mini)
- Trunks (mini)
- Son Goten (mini)
Grab these handy little plushies with hooks and take them everywhere! Check out the official shop website for more info!
Official Shop Website
