A new wave of digital collectible culture is sweeping across the globe, and at its heart is a tiny, furry robot from Tokyo named Mirumi. This interactive charm, designed to be attached to bags and straps, is rapidly gaining viral fame, positioning itself as the potential successor to the once-ubiquitous plush toy craze led by characters like Labubu.
What is Mirumi? The Adorable Robotic Companion
Launched on 3 December 2025, Mirumi is far more than a static accessory. Developed by Tokyo-based robotics company Yukai Engineering, it is a sophisticated mini-robot wrapped in soft fabric. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and equipped with proximity and motion sensors that allow it to detect movement, closeness, and touch.
Its magic lies in its subtle, organic behaviour. Unlike constantly active toys, Mirumi behaves intermittently, mirroring childlike reactions. It gently moves its head, glances around curiously, responds when petted, and shyly looks away if approached suddenly. The official @mirumi_tokyo Instagram account describes it as a companion that sparks "unexpected joy" when its shy gaze meets yours, much like a human baby catching your eye on a crowded train.
The product was first unveiled to a global audience at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. Following this, the creators initiated a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for pre-orders, which is set to run until 22 January.
Market Impact and Social Media Frenzy
Mirumi aims to disrupt a collectibles marketplace with few direct competitors by blending cutting-edge robotics with emotional appeal. Following its launch, social media platforms erupted with excitement from users worldwide.
One user exclaimed about its cuteness and demanded more influencer content, while another creatively envisioned a "chronic illness" version, stating it could make self-care feel like a treat by combining the functions of a health app with the comfort of an emotional support animal and childhood nostalgia. Comments like "I need that friend" and "I need this little cotton candy!!" flooded posts, highlighting its instant emotional connection. Some backers also inquired about the guarantee of receiving their pre-ordered "reward" from the Kickstarter campaign.
Price and Availability for Indian Consumers
Positioned as a luxury novelty item rather than a mass-market product, Mirumi carries a premium price tag. It was introduced at a base price ranging between ¥7,000 and ¥9,000 in Japan.
For Indian consumers, the adorable robot is expected to be available in a price bracket of ₹6,000 to ₹9,000. However, as reported by exchange4media.com, the final retail cost including delivery and import duty is estimated to be significantly higher, landing anywhere between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000. This places Mirumi as a high-end collectible for Indian enthusiasts looking to own a piece of this emerging internet-driven culture.
By merging technology with innate human affection for companionable objects, Mirumi is not just a toy but a signifier of where interactive collectibles are headed next, making a quiet yet profound entry into markets like India.
