# Anime Dakimakura: The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Body Pillows

Anime Dakimakura: The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Body Pillows

For anime enthusiasts around the world, dakimakura (抱き枕) represent more than just ordinary body pillows – they’re a cultural phenomenon that blends comfort with fandom. These oversized pillows featuring printed anime characters have become increasingly popular among collectors and fans alike.

What is a Dakimakura?

A dakimakura, literally translated as “hug pillow” in Japanese, is a type of body pillow featuring anime, manga, or video game characters. These pillows typically measure 150cm (about 5 feet) in length and 50cm (about 20 inches) in width, making them perfect for hugging while sleeping.

Modern dakimakura come in two main components:

• The inner pillow (usually filled with polyester fiber)
• The removable outer cover featuring the character artwork

The History of Anime Dakimakura

The dakimakura phenomenon began in Japan during the late 1990s, initially featuring popular anime characters from series like Neon Genesis Evangelion. What started as niche merchandise has grown into a substantial industry, with new designs released regularly featuring characters from current anime hits.

Early dakimakura covers were relatively simple, but modern versions showcase:

• High-resolution digital printing
• Two-sided designs (often featuring different outfits or expressions)
• Premium fabric options like 2-way tricot

Types of Dakimakura

Anime body pillows come in several varieties to suit different preferences:

Official Licensed Dakimakura

Produced by official merchandise companies with permission from anime studios. These tend to be higher quality but more expensive.

Doujin (Fan-made) Dakimakura

Created by independent artists, often featuring unique designs not available through official channels.

SFW vs NSFW Designs

While many dakimakura feature innocent, fully-clothed characters, some designs cater to adult collectors with more revealing artwork.

Why Do People Collect Dakimakura?

The appeal of anime body pillows extends beyond simple fandom:

• Comfort: The size and shape make them excellent for sleeping
• Collection: Many fans enjoy collecting covers of their favorite characters
• Emotional connection: Some owners appreciate having a physical representation of beloved characters
• Art appreciation: High-quality prints showcase beautiful anime artwork

Where to Buy Anime Dakimakura

Quality dakimakura can be purchased from several sources:

• Official anime merchandise stores (like AmiAmi or HobbyLink Japan)
• Specialty dakimakura retailers (such as Cuddly Octopus or Dakimakuri)
• Japanese auction sites (for rare or out-of-print designs)
• Anime conventions (often with exclusive designs)

Caring for Your Dakimakura

To keep your anime body pillow in top condition:

• Wash covers inside out in cold water
• Air dry or use low heat settings
• Store unused covers in a cool