Size Matters

Fumofumo san come in many different sizes. The LL size, which is roughly around one meter tall is my favorite. I believe this is the most perfect and balance size that accentuated the characteristic long arms of these lovely stuffed animals.

Here are all the possible fumofumo san sizes and their approx. measurements:

S - 10 cm
M- 20 cm
L- 35 cm
1L- 50 cm
ML- 70 cm
LL- 100 cm
Fumo King (フモ王) - 140 cm

Not every fumofumo san are made into all the available sizes. In fact, only the most popular ones- frog, rabbit, cat and monkeys (also see post on Who is Your Favorite Fumofumo San.) get the privilege. This is a very effective way to reuse old design while giving the customers a new experience. Who doesn't want to collect them all?

The ML and King sizes of frogs and others appeared in Fall 2009, seven years after their first launch.

Usually, new fumofumo san only comes in three different sizes. The LL (100cm), L (35 cm), and M (20 cm). There are however exceptions when only size was made or as much as five different sizes were available at launch. So what determines these variables? Cost? Market research? Design issue (i.e. if it looks good at that particular size)? Or other reasons?

fuku (ふく) in LL, L, and M.

Let's consider the LL size (~100 cm). First of all, the cost of the LL size is 5000 yen, a reasonable price for a stuffed animal of this size and quality, but it is definitely not an everyday purchase. Secondly, a LL size fumofumo san do take up some space. If you have a double size bed, you may allow two or three of them on your bed, but in fumofumo san's major market - Japan, where living space can be scared, how many fumofumo san can they allow?

In my opinion, the M and L size is perfect for gifts exchange among children since it only cost around 580 yen and 980 yen, and it goes well with the Japanese tradition of gift giving. While the LL size, like I said before, is the best among of all the sizes. For anyone who wants to understand how charming these stuffed animals are, you definitely needs to hug one of the big guy.

What sizes of fumofumo san do you like the best?

(images are taken from http://www.shinada.net/)