
Mochi rice cakes, made from glutinous rice, come in all shapes and sizes. They’re soft and filling, and they can be enjoyed as a dessert or a meal, depending on how they’re prepared. What’s not to like, right?
And now it looks like someone’s created these insanely adorable animal-shaped cakes out of mochi…but wait, is that what they really are? Would you believe us if we told you these are actually soft toy figures that look and feel like mochi? Well, whatever they are, these little critters are sure to elicit delighted squeals of “kawaii!”
Indeed, these cute little fellas are toy figures produced by creative designer Ushihito, hand-made using a urethane resin so they look and feel as soft to the touch as fresh mochi!
▼ The toy comes in two variations. One is in the shape of a seal — doesn’t the picture just make you want to reach out and touch it to see how soft it feels?
▼ Here’s the plump form of the seal seen from behind. The silhouette is simply adorable, and we love the detail on the fins!
▼ There’s also a java sparrow version of the toy, just as plump and soft as the seal. That pink beak certainly catches the eye!
▼ Yup, talk about a cute behind!
▼ You can see in Ushihito’s tweet how soft the toys are. Who wouldn’t be tempted to poke the little guys?
むにむに pic.twitter.com/RP6QDeZhcI
— 牛人@カプセルトイ発売中🐈 (@ushihito) April 12, 2015
The toy figures are being sold online through Japanese bookshop and novelty store chain Village Vanguard for 1,000 yen (US$8) each, and apparently we’re not the only ones who think the figures look almost cute enough to eat. The stock that was available when they were released this week quickly sold out, although it seems more will be produced and they’ll hopefully be back in stock in the near future.
Now, please excuse us as we go back to daydreaming about the delectable sensation of poking our fingers into something with the consistency of fresh, soft mochi.
Source: Village Vanguard online shop, Twitter (@ushihito), via Biglobe News
Top image: Village Vanguard online shop
Insert images: Village Vanguard online shop (1, 2)





Turn heads under the cherry blossoms with a sakura hat from Japan
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Flock to Tomarigi, the viral app that lets you perch in over 1,000 spots throughout Japan
Japan’s birth rate rose for the first half of the year for the first time in over a decade
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
7-Eleven Japan goes viral for chilled soba that’s “too salty to eat”
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
First Pokémon anime movie since 2020 announced, brings new characters and staff to the series [Video]
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】