I was struck by a video made by The School of Life called “The Importance of Soft Toys.” The video outlined that the majority of people grew up forming an attachment to a soft toy, finding comfort in Dakimakura. We often hug them when we go to sleep or seek solace from the soft toy when we may have needed it the most.
The School of Life proposes that soft toys offer comfort and security, becoming a refuge during stress. We often confide in them, providing a space for gentle and loving self-talk. This emotional attachment turns the soft toy into a security object, fostering mindful skills. As adults, some carry these skills into their lives, letting go of the soft toy.
The Art of Finding Comfort in Hug Pillows
With this in mind, I considered Dakimakura (Hug Pillows), life-size pillows featuring a 2D print of one’s favorite character or celebrity. These pillows often display a clothed character on one side. Fipping it reveals an image of the character undressing or fully naked in a sexually alluring pose.
They are known as a Dakimakura in Japan or a hug pillow in English. Like a normal pillow they are very hug-able and super soft to fall into. You are able to change the pillow case, so you can have a different Dakimakura for any day of the week.
There are also pillows that are made like sex dolls for sexual intercourse, so you are able to have intimate relationships with the pillow. Hugging a pillow retains warmth, offering a comforting sense of companionship for a sounder sleep.
What makes Dakimakura different?
Dakimakura stands out in an anime collection, differing from books, DVDs, bed sheets, and figurines. While some see it as a collector’s item, others view it as a representation of their dream anime partner, even bringing the pillow on journeys. The interesting thing is that many Dakimakura owners also have real-life partners who accept this unique addition to their lives.
This leads me to the notion that some people use Dakimakura as a relationship aid for when they are not romantically involved with someone. Like most TV shows, movies, sex dolls and even pornography most things made are pretty unrealistic in nature. You can find an anime character that will suit your personal tastes.
Dakimakura
They come in all body sizes, shapes and builds and can have different haircuts, eye colours, skin tones, groin sizes and breast sizes! Just as how different people are, anime characters are even more so as they can be exaggerated!
Anime characters can also have a full assemble of personality traits from someone who is a crazy, loud mouthed, happy go lucky, intense character. Others who are angry yet protective or ones who are plain sweet. When it comes to anime, the sky is the limit.
If you couldn’t think of having someone more perfect, you are able to adapt your sexual fantasies in your own mind to change to how you wish the ideal relationship would be. The Dakimakura will be able to self-talk to you just how you may have always needed someone to.
Author: Elaine is a blogger from Oh Zone Adult Lifestyle Centres & Adult Smart Online
Understanding Dakimakura
When it comes to the world of otaku culture, one item has managed to gain widespread recognition and a significant place in the hearts of many fans – the dakimakura. This Japanese body pillow, often adorned with anime characters, is much more than a simple cushion for sleep. It is a symbol of fandom, a piece of decor, a source of comfort, and even a collector’s item.
Dakimakura, a term derived from Japanese, translates to “hugging pillow”. The word is a combination of “daki” meaning “to embrace” and “makura” indicating “pillow”. This large pillow, comparable to the size of a human body, is a common item in Japan and is often associated with anime and manga fan culture.
Dakimakura pillows have become an integral part of the Japanese otaku culture, a term often used in relation to anime and manga. These pillows are not only used for physical support and comfort, but they also serve as emotional support objects. Often compared to security blankets or favorite stuffed toys, providing a sense of companionship and comfort to the users.
Beyond otaku culture, dakimakura has permeated various facets of Japanese society, serving purposes in decor, companionship, and combating loneliness.
The Birth and Evolution of Dakimakura
Dakimakura, as we know it today, started to intertwine with otaku culture in the late ’90s and early 2000s. During this time, pillow covers featuring printed images of anime characters started to gain popularity. These covers often depicted fictional personas in life-sized designs, allowing fans to get up close and personal with their favorite characters.
The year 2015 brought a new evolution to the world of dakimakura with the introduction of “talking” pillows, an innovation that added an interactive dimension to these comfort objects.
Beyond Anime and Manga
While the depiction of anime and manga characters is common on dakimakura, the range of designs is not limited to these genres. Dakimakura can also feature characters from video games, real-life photos of people, and even suggestive images. It’s not uncommon to see dakimakura featuring life-size pictures of characters in suggestive poses, often referred to as “love pillows”.
The Art of Dakimakura
Dakimakura is a unique blend of creativity and passion. You’ll find that the designs on the pillowcases are often intricately detailed with vivid colors and lifelike portrayals of characters. Beyond aesthetics, these designs express fandom and enable fans to connect with their favorite characters.
Understanding Dakimakura
Dakimakura pillows come in two main sizes, either 160 cm (63 in) or 150 cm (59 in) in length, with a width of 50 cm (20 in). The specific dimensions of dakimakura are important for maintaining the authenticity of the product and ensuring the correct fit for the pillow covers.
Besides being a comfort object, dakimakura has also emerged as a popular collector’s item. With a wide variety of designs and characters available, fans often indulge in collecting different dakimakura covers. It’s a fun and exciting way to express one’s love and admiration for various anime and manga characters.
Taking care of a dakimakura involves regular washing of the pillowcase with cold water and mild detergents. Air dry the case and avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or fabric softeners that can damage the material.
Meet Sexpert, our full-time sex blogger! With a background in women’s lifestyle blogs, she brings expertise to Adultsmart and runs Good Girl Guide too.