Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
HighlightsPop Mart's Labubu monster dolls, priced around $40 and sold in blind boxes, have gained international popularity, featuring prominently among celebrities like Rihanna and Cher, and contributing to a positive image of Chinese cultural exports. The rise of Labubu and other Chinese brands is attributed to the influence of social media platforms like TikTok, which have helped shift perceptions of China's image among young Western consumers. Experts suggest that while plush toys alone may not enhance China's political power, they do foster a growing interest in Chinese culture, particularly among younger generations, as evidenced by the enthusiasm for Labubu in various countries.
Small, fuzzy and baring sharp teeth, Chinese toymaker
Pop Mart
's Labubu monster dolls have taken over the world, drawing excited crowds at international stores and adorning the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna and Cher.
Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of
Chinese cultural exports
gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a "cool" China even in places associated more with negative public opinion of Beijing such as Europe and North America.
Labubus, which typically sell for around $40, are released in limited quantities and sold in "blind boxes", meaning buyers don't know the exact model they will receive.
The dolls are "a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate", interior designer Lucy Shitova told AFP at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person sales of Labubus have been suspended over fears that fans could turn violent in their quest for the toys.
"Now everything goes viral... because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different."
While neighbouring East Asian countries South Korea and Japan are globally recognised for their high-end fashion, cinema and pop songs, China's heavily censored film and music industry have struggled to attract international audiences, and the country's best-known clothing exporter is fast-fashion website Shein.
There have been few success stories of Chinese companies selling upmarket goods under their own brands, faced with stereotypes of cheap and low-quality products.
"It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation," the University of Maryland's Fan Yang told AFP.
Pop Mart has bucked the trend, spawning copycats dubbed by social media users as "lafufus" and detailed YouTube videos on how to verify a doll's authenticity.
Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years.
"It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable," Yang said.
-
TikTok
effect -
Through viral exports like Labubu, China is "undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners," said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting.
Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image "similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo".
Video app TikTok -- designed by China's ByteDance -- paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally.
Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP that "TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China".
TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population.
The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital "refugees".
A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu.
-
Labubumania
-
Cultural exports can "improve the image of China as a place that has companies that can produce globally attractive goods or services", CFR's Kurlantzick told AFP.
"I don't know how much, if at all, this impacts images of China's state or government," he said, pointing to how South Korea's undeniable soft power has not translated into similar levels of political might.
While plush toys alone might not translate into actual power, the United States' chaotic global image under the Trump presidency could benefit perceptions of China, the University of Maryland's Yang said.
"The connection many make between the seeming decline of US soft power and the potential rise in China's global image may reflect how deeply intertwined the two countries are in the minds of people whose lives are impacted by both simultaneously," she told AFP.
At the very least, Labubu's charms appear to be promoting interest in China among the younger generation.
"It's like a virus. Everyone just wants it," Kazakhstani mother-of-three Anelya Batalova told AFP at Pop Mart's theme park in Beijing.
Qatari Maryam Hammadi, 11, posed for photos in front of a giant Labubu statue.
"In our country, they love Labubu," she said.
"So, when they realise that the origin of Labubu is in China, they'd like to come to see the different types of Labubu in China."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 minutes ago
- Time of India
Your playlist reveals a lot about you
Whether you're swaying to soulful Sufi, headbanging to rock, humming along to pop, or losing yourself in the intricacies of classical or hip hop, your music choices are far more than mere background noise. Your go-to genres could well be a window into your personality, emotions, and state of mind. On World Music Day, experts weigh in on what your listening habits might be telling you about you. Your playlist reflects your personality There's no one-size-fits-all rule, but certain genres are often tied to common personality traits. 'Heavy genres may appeal to those in emotionally intense life phases,' expresses Kiara Jain, a lifestyle coach, adding, 'Whereas instrumental music may be preferred by people who are more agreeable and calm. Pop fans, on the other hand, are often highly social and extroverted.' Supporting this view and citing a 2020 Delhi University study, Kshama Dwivedi, a Bhopal-based psychologist, says, 'Extroverts frequently favour fast-paced, high-energy music like Bollywood or Punjabi tunes, while introverts lean towards softer, more introspective sounds like ghazals, classical music, or instrumentals.' The psychology behind musical choices From soothing ghazals to bold rock anthems, the music we choose says far more about us than we often realise. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Kshama adds, 'It can reflect our emotional states, social selves, internal struggles, and phases of life… The tunes we choose are also influenced by our mood — uplifting beats when we're low, mellow tracks when we wish to reflect.' The experts state that sad music doesn't always intensify sadness—it can help people process complex emotions. Listening to sad songs isn't merely a passive experience; it can be a therapeutic one… Research in music therapy shows that sad music can provide emotional release, validation, and even comfort, especially when people struggle to express those emotions outwardly Saarika R, a psychologist A 2019 study from IIT Bombay suggests that listening to melancholic music can boost emotional well-being. It provides emotional support and a sense of understanding Kshama Dwivedi, a psychologist Music reflects the mind A carefully curated playlist can lift your spirits, offer emotional comfort, and even reveal key aspects of your personality. 'Music holds a unique power to evoke emotion, memory, and healing,' says Saarika R, a Bangalore-based psychologist. Explaining it further, she shares, 'From a psychological perspective, our listening patterns — whether it's playing the same track on repeat or curating late-night playlists — can offer deep insight into our mental state and emotional needs. ' According to Saarika, repetition in music listening is often linked to emotional resonance. 'When individuals return to a particular song, they are often reconnecting with the emotions tied to it. This is especially evident in how nostalgic tunes — like the Doordarshan jingle or the Hamara Bajaj ad — can transport a listener back in time, allowing them to momentarily relive past versions of themselves,' she adds. Changing playlists reflect a changing you As we grow, our music preferences shift, often reflecting internal changes. 'Shifts in music preference can reflect changes in life stages, personality, or emotional growth,' Saarika explains. 'A transition from high-energy music to more introspective genres may indicate a psychological shift — perhaps a period of reflection, healing, or maturity.' Kiara Jain, lifestyle coach, agrees. 'When a teenager is in their rebel phase, aggressive lyrics in hip hop or rap may help them form their identity. As they grow older, they may prefer the softer tones of country or jazz, which suit their calmer lifestyle.' Your social life shapes your soundtrack While personality plays a key role, our social surroundings and upbringing also shape musical preferences. Kiara shares, 'Our environment plays an important role. Cultural expectations around being mature may lead people to opt for instrumental music in public, while privately their taste may be entirely different.' Friendship and peer groups, too, can influence our playlists. 'If a friend introduces you to a particular genre and constantly listens to it, you may end up developing a taste for it as well,' Kiara adds. WHAT RESEARCH STUDIES REVEAL - A study of 70,000 people across 36 countries found that shared music preferences reflect personality traits and enhance romantic compatibility, especially among empathetic and open individuals - 'Music at the very beginning stages of dating or meeting someone can help the 'getting to know you' process,' says David Greenberg, a research associate at the University of Cambridge, to The Guardian - According to a three-part study conducted a few years ago, close to 75% of listeners believe their Spotify Wrapped or Apple Music Replay reflects their personality, with many viewing it as a digital diary and even factoring it into dating decisions. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Adnan Sami opens up about his father's influence and the impact of his loss on his music career: 'He was like my other self'
Khan is a multi-talented artist known for his singing, composing, and piano skills. He effortlessly blends Indian and Western musical styles, performing in languages like Hindi, Urdu, English, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Honoured with the for his exceptional musical achievements, he shared in an interview that the loss of his father led him to pause his career for a significant period. The Challenges Behind the Break In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Adnan opened up about the reasons behind his extended break from music and his eventual return. He said, 'There were just so many things happening at the same time. Whether it was my citizenship, the weight loss, or some personal problems I was going through, everything seemed to collide at once. Then my father passed away, and that hit me the hardest. He was such an integral part of my life, a real driving force. I don't think anything affected me as deeply as losing him. He knew me so well, he was like my other self; he was incredible. He would often laugh and say, 'Look, you're not going to like this,' and I'd insist, 'I like it,' and he'd reply, 'I'm telling you, I know you better than you know yourself.'' This profound loss deeply impacted him, shaping his journey back to music. A Father's Role as Critic and Guide The singer reflected on his father's role in his musical journey, saying, 'And sure enough, six months later, I'd go back and admit, 'Okay fine, you were right.' He was always the first person I wanted to play my music to. He was my security blanket and my most honest critic. If something sucked, he'd say it. If it was terrible, he'd tell me. And if it was good but could be improved, he'd guide me. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He was a great gauge for me.' He described the overwhelming feeling of loss, adding, 'It's strange, you spend a lifetime fearing the moment they'll be gone. And then one day, you're suddenly confronted with that very reality you've dreaded your whole life. And in that moment, you just think—now what?' Adnan Sami's Journey Meanwhile, Adnan recently talked about his collaboration with legendary singer Asha Bhosle for the song 'Aao Na' featuring Eisha Singh and Avinash Mishra. He shared that he is working with her on an independent song after 25 years since the release of 'Kabhi To Nazar Milao.' Talking about his work front and achievements, the ace singer received the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020. He has sung several songs, including 'Mujhko Bhi Toh Lift Kara De', 'Tera Chehra', 'Kabhi To Nazar Milao', 'Tu Sirf Mera Mehboob', 'Kuch Pyar Bhi Kar', among others.
India.com
2 hours ago
- India.com
Not just a businessman, Sunjay Kapur also shined in academics, completed graduation from..., had net worth of Rs…
Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor's ex-husband, Sanjay Kapur, a well-known Indian businessman, passed away in the United Kingdom at the age of 53. This unfortunate incident occurred when he suffered a heart attack during a polo match. His funeral was held on June 19. In light of this, Karisma Kapoor has traveled to Delhi with her children, Kian and Samaira. Kareena and Saif Ali Khan were also seen accompanying her. Sunjay And His Assets Worth Billions Sunjay Kapur was the son of Rani Kapoor and the late Surinder Kapoor, who were pioneers in India's auto component industry and founded the Sona Group. From a young age, Sunjay was identified as the heir to the family legacy. He joined the family business in 2003 and successfully expanded it on a global scale. According to Forbes, his net worth at the time of his death was $1.2 billion (approximately ₹10,300 crore), surpassing that of many A-list Bollywood actors. Sunjay Kapur worked diligently in the business world, which led to his position as Chairman of Sona Comstar. He was also well-educated; reports from Bollywoodshaadis indicate that he completed his early education at Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. He then attended Doon School in Dehradun and later pursued higher education abroad, obtaining a graduate degree in Business Administration from London. Sunjay Kapur's Marriages While Sunjay Kapur built a strong reputation in the business sector, his personal life often attracted public attention. He was married three times. His first marriage was to Mumbai-based fashion designer Nandita Mahtani, which ended in 2000. In 2003, he married Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in what was considered one of the most lavish celebrity weddings of that time. They had two children together, a daughter named Samaira and a son named Kiaan. However, their relationship ended in 2016, surprising many. Despite their separation, Sunjay and Karisma remained committed to co-parenting their children. In 2017, Sunjay married Priya Sachdev, who had a daughter named Safira Chatwal from a previous marriage. The couple welcomed their son, Azarius, in 2018.
