Going To Japan To Hunt For Labubus? You may be disappointed when you get there.

While Labubu may have originated in Asia, the United States has arguably become its true playground—embracing the quirky plush elf with a fervor that outpaces Japan’s more subdued reception.

When I touched down in Tokyo, I was ready to dive headfirst into the Labubu craze. My cousin's girlfriend asked me to find clothing for her daughter's Labubus or any limited edition Labubus. I imagined shelves lined with accessories, themed cafés, and maybe even a Labubu pop-up or two. But to my surprise, Labubu felt more like a niche curiosity than a cultural staple. Sure, you could find the occasional Pop Mart blind box tucked into a corner of a toy store, but Labubu-themed accessories? Practically nonexistent. No bucket hats, no crossbody bags, no cosplay-ready outfits. It was a quiet presence—almost like Japan had moved on while the rest of the world was just catching up.

Meanwhile, back in the United States, Labubu has gone full viral. From TikTok shoutouts to celebrity cameos, the mischievous plush elf has become a pop culture darling. Lizzo even rapped about her Labubu, dressing it up in matching Pride outfits and posting it across social media. Football mascots have donned Labubu costumes, and collectors are shelling out hundreds—sometimes thousands—for rare chase figures. It’s not just a toy; it’s a fashion statement, a meme, a lifestyle.

So why the disparity?

Japan, despite being the birthplace of many iconic character trends, tends to cycle through pop culture phenomena quickly. Labubu, created by Kasing Lung and popularized by Pop Mart, had its moment in Japan but never reached the saturation levels of characters like Rilakkuma or Gudetama. It’s still available—especially through online platforms like Remambo—but it’s treated more like a collectible than a cultural icon.

In contrast, the U.S. has embraced Labubu as a full-blown aesthetic. The “ugly-cute” appeal resonates with American audiences who love offbeat, expressive characters. Labubu fits right into the maximalist, meme-friendly, personality-driven style that dominates U.S. youth culture. It’s not just about owning a Labubu—it’s about styling it, photographing it, and giving it a persona.

For Geeky Global Treks readers, this is a reminder that pop culture isn’t always strongest at the source. Sometimes, the biggest fans are halfway across the globe, remixing and reinterpreting a trend into something entirely new. If you’re planning a Labubu-themed adventure, you might find more inspiration in New York or Los Angeles than in Tokyo.

And if you’re hunting for accessories? Pack them before you fly.  The clothing movement for Labubus are mainly an American thing.  

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Have you spotted Labubu in unexpected places? Drop your sightings in the comments or tag @GeekyGlobalTreks with your plush elf adventures!