Where to find the most iconic bag charm in Tokyo: from Rabubu to

Let’s be a reality – Bag Charms has been a major accessory in Japan for the past few decades, until the explosion last year. From the character plush on a school tote bag to the designer’s keychain that can be added to the luxury bag, the charm of the bag remains an infinitely adaptable canvas for self-expression.

On the other hand, the explosive popularity of bag charm around the world can be traced back to the unprecedented demand for Hermès Birkin bags as a status symbol, and the subsequent discourse of the original Birkin muse. The bohemian actress famously adorned her popular purse with jewellery pieces, scarves and of course charm. Inspired by her carefree and effortless approach to accessories, Zillennials has been “simplifying Jane Birkin” luggage with Gusto.

Now, “personalization” itself becomes an aesthetic. Is it a bit ironic to sell more things to us by the brand? …Yes, but admitting that will open up other worms about individual style declines under hyperconsumerism. Who cares if the charm of a bag is subversive or frivolous? They are very interesting! They make us happy!

So without further ado, this is a list of the cutest and most unique bag accessories in Japan, and some places you might find them. Happy decoration!

Mother

You may have encountered this naughty creature on Tiktok over the past few months. The heroine is known for her toothy smile and rabbit ears and originated in Hong Kong. As part of the Nordic myth-inspired series “Monsters”, illustrator Kesin Lung brought her into reality in 2015. Over the years, Labubu has established a follower of worship, especially after becoming a blind box collectible. K-Pop Girl Group Blackpink’s Rosé and Lisa both released on their Labubu accessories to further make the character famous.

Where to find Labubu in Tokyo

Can be found in Pop Mart branches – Harajuku, Shibuya Parco, Shibuya109 and Divercity.

Yayoi Kusama Charm

We all know and love Yayoi Kusama’s quirky pumpkin sculptures and charming unlimited rooms. Her artwork is Exhibition throughout Japanmany people travel to the country to appreciate them. If you are a fan of Kusama, you can find her a wide variety of merchandise in the museum store, such as her iconic red wig and cute mini kusama characters on her polka dot dress. Perhaps putting her on your schoolbag will inspire you to become more creative every day!

Where to find Yayoi Kusama charm in Tokyo

Yayoi Kusama charm can be found at the Roppongi Hills Art & Design Store, Yayoi Kusama Museum (temporarily closed) and Yayoi Kusama Store (online).

Food mini keychain

If you want a more quirky bag charm as a souvenir, consider looking for a food replica keychain. They come in a variety of styles, from surreal sweet potato chips to cartoon-like onigiri rice balls. You can find these in small gift shops throughout Japan as well as large souvenir shops such as lofts.

Where to find food mini keychain in Tokyo

Food mini keychains can be found on Kappabashi Kitchen Street, Loft, Don Quixote and Daiso.

Omamori

You can say Omamori Culture is one of the reasons why keychains are so popular in Japan. Omamori is also known as the Japanese Lucky Charm and is for sale in temples and shrines. They were originally carried with you and were attached to mobile phones, wallets, wallets, etc. Amulets with various goals, e.g. shoubaihanjou (Financial success), gakugyou-jouju (Academic Achievement), Enmusubi (Encountering and interpersonal relationships) etc. Not only does Omamori bring you luck, it also adds a subtle and beautiful touch to your bag. Read all about Omamori here.

Studio Ghibli Characters

For fans of Ghibli studios there: Japan’s Ghibli store comes with the cutest keychain for the most popular characters like Totoro, Ponyo, Susuwatari (from Spirited Issing Assip and Iship and My Neighbor Totoro).

Where to find Ghibli’s studio character in Tokyo

Studios can be found in Donguri Kyowakou (“Acorn Republic”; locations across Japan) and Donguri Kyowakoku in Kiddy Land Locations.

Monchichi

If you know, you know-this baby monkey has recently won a victorious comeback. Originally released by toy company Sekiguchi in 1974, Monchhichi is known for its cute ignorant expressions, freckles and pacifiers. Monchhichi-Kun (without ribbon) and Monchhichi-chan are boy and girl twins born on January 26, making it a true Aquarius icon.

Where to find Monchhichi in Tokyo

Monchhichi More.

Team Sanrio

These are your usual suspects: Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, Cinamoroll, etc. If you are any of these characters, you may have already planned to visit the Sanrio Puroland or Sanrio store. A good tip is that you can usually find Sanrio items even at 100-day stores like Daiso and Seria, and of course Don Quixote.

Where to find Sanrio team in Tokyo

Sanrio Squad can be found at Sanrio World Ginza (flagship store), other Sanrio stores and Kiddy Land locations.

Opanchu Usagi

The permanent desire and tears of the rabbit in a diapers make her the perfect melancholy companion for the water sign. She is by Illustrator Kawaisouni! Created and became popular on social media in 2022 via the author’s comics. Opanchu Usagi resonated with her fans because she has been taking L all the time, but the cutest way. she is fubin-kawaiiwhich means “poor but cute”.

Where to find Opanchu Usagi in Tokyo

Opanchu Usagi can be found in Kiddy Land’s location, Don Quixote, Loft and Tonky you Mart.

Sumikko Gurashi

This comfortingly inappropriate name means “living in the corner” and is ideal for those who want to always protect peace. Although Sumikko Gurashi characters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, they have cute shy poses, slightly anxious expressions and desires that belong. My personal favorite is Ebifurai no Shippo (the rest of the tail of shrimp tempura), who is “too bad to eat, not finished.”

Where to find Sumikko Gurashi in Tokyo

Most character stores will have Sumikko Gurashi – such as Olympia, Hakuhinkan Toy Park Ginza and Kiddy Land Harajuku. In Tokyo Station Ichibangai, B1F also has a designated Sumikko Gurashi store.

Miscellaneous Gachapon Capsule Toys

Gachapon Referring to the famous Japanese vending machine capsule toys. Toy machines date back to the 1960s, and even today, toy machines have a follower, with new products released about every month. Many of these products are keychains, ranging from character collaboration to miniature versions of food, household items and other random items. The most exciting part about Gachapon is that you don’t know which specific item you’ll receive before opening the capsule, which is a fun activity in itself. Read more about Gachapon here.

Where to find Gachapon capsule toys in Tokyo

Gacha is found throughout Japan, but the Akihabara Gachapon Hall, Shinjuku Yodobashi camera (West Exit) and Ikebukuro Sunshine City Gashapon department store are the best attractions in Tokyo.

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