
Sometimes, anime merchandise gets an unfairly bad rap. Anime figurines aren’t all busty or bikini-clad, for example. Some are actually quite tasteful, built more to show off the characters’ cool costumes or awesome poses than their knockout figures.
Heck, even anime-themed hug pillows, perhaps the skeeviest sector of anime paraphernalia, isn’t 100 percent submissive-looking girls with half their clothes peeled off. For example, this cube-shaped Love Live cushion isn’t even suggestive, it’s just plain weird.
The blocky gal is the handiwork of Twitter user Utsusora Kuu. Measuring 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) to a side and weighing in at 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds), the felt-covered cube is a freakishly disturbing testament to its creator’s affection for high school idol singer Umi Sonoda.
If you’re picking an anime crush, you could do a lot worse than the pretty and proper Miss Sonoda, who counts kendo and calligraphy among her hobbies. But rather than one of the many images of Umi practicing the traditional arts or honing her singing talents, Utsusora instead chose to recreate the idol wearing an expression of paralyzing fear.
▼ Thankfully, and, sadly, surprisingly, the underside is just flesh-colored, and does not feature a bloody stump where the head was removed from the shoulders.
Utsusora explained the impetus that led him to fashion this morbid interior decoration. “I really wanted to make a stuffed version of Umi….Now I can pet her as much as I want!”
▼ Ordinarily, this is where we’d shout, “Run, Umi!” but the poor girl doesn’t have legs!
And we haven’t even come to the strangest part of all. Despite Utsusora’s obviously strong desire for Umi’s company, he apparently never noticed that her eyes are not green.
Do this mean we should add “colorblind” to our profile of Utsusora? Maybe, but for now, we’ll stick with the two descriptors we know for sure are accurate, “obsessed” and “pretty good at arts and crafts.”
Source: Jin
Top image: Twitter
Insert images: Love Live, Twitter, Niwasoku (edited by RocketNews24)





Cotton Wife and Cotton Husband aren’t huggy pillows, they’re life partners for the lonely!
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa