Chiikawa vs Labubu: Which One Do You Like More?

Labubu and Chiikawa are now beloved characters passionately chased by character-crazed fans worldwide. Like celebrities, they also receive many high-profile collaborations with brands and events. These things partly paint the picture of their fierce yet balanced rivalry. Let’s dive deeper to explore this fascinating topic!

What is Labubu?

Labubu is a funny little monster-like character from Hong Kong, created by artist Kasing Lung. She has big ears, wide eyes, and nine sharp teeth that form a cheeky smile. Even though she looks a bit scary, she is kind-hearted and always wants to help!

This character first appeared in Kasing Lung’s storybook series The Monsters in 2015, which was inspired by Nordic fairy tales. Later, Pop Mart in China turned her into a toy in 2019, and that’s when her adventure in the toy world began! These toys are usually sold in blind boxes, so you never know which one you’ll get until you open it. 

Over the years, more than 300 Labubu figures have been released, including special themed versions like Coca-Cola Labubus and One Piece–style Labubus. Collectors love the thrill of finding rare editions; some toys have sold for thousands of dollars. Labubu became famous when Lisa from BLACKPINK was seen with a Labubu keychain in 2024. Since then, celebrities like Rihanna and David Beckham have joined, making Labubu a global star.

Labubu isn’t alone! She has many friends from the Monsters tribe, like Zimomo, the leader, Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, and her skeleton boyfriend, Tycoco. Each character has its own style, from fluffy designs to colorful costumes. Even giant Labubus are taller than kids; mini versions can hang from your bag. No matter the size, the mix of cuteness and mischief makes them extra special!

What is Chiikawa?

This tiny white cutie with a round face was created by Japanese artist Nagano in 2020. The name comes from Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu, which means “something small and cute”. At first, Chiikawa was just a short webcomic on Twitter, but its sweet, funny stories quickly won millions of fans. In 2022, it even got its own anime series on TV and YouTube.

The world of Chiikawa is full of grassy fields, forests, and shops where small creatures live their daily lives. These tiny friends go on adventures, weed gardens, hunt monsters, and sometimes enjoy yummy foods together. The stories are short and easy to follow, but each one is filled with warmth and humor. 

Chiikawa has two best friends, Hachiware, a kind blue-and-white kitty, and Usagi, a silly pink bunny full of energy. Together, they meet many other characters, from friendly pals to scary monsters. Sometimes they face challenges like exams or tough jobs, but never give up. Their teamwork, kindness, and funny antics make every adventure exciting!

Chiikawa has also become a star outside of comics and anime. In Japan, you can find toys, clothes, and even trains decorated with Chiikawa characters. Pajama parties, cafes, and fun events also make fans feel part of this happy world!

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How is the cuteness battle between Chiikawa and Labubu?

Around the world, both characters have won fans, yet in different ways! Chiikawa charms people with soft, warm stories, while Labubu surprises with its cheeky smile and mischief. In many countries, Labubu became a fashion trend and a collector’s dream, while Chiikawa kept shining with anime, comics, and events.

In Japan, the picture looks different. People here line up for hours to take photos with Chiikawa pillars or visit Chiikawa cafes. Tickets for Chiikawa Park are sold by lottery because the crowds are so big. Shops with Chiikawa themes often run out of goods on the first day, showing how much people love these tiny characters. The mix of sweet feelings and small daily struggles makes Chiikawa feel close to real life, which Japanese fans enjoy.

Even though Labubu is famous overseas, it has a harder time in Japan. Pop Mart opened stores, vending machines, and even Uniqlo made Labubu T-shirts. Still, resale toys often go unsold because fans here prefer other characters. The kimokawaii (creepy but kawaii) style feels familiar, not fresh, in a land filled with Pokémon, Sanrio, and hundreds of mascots. Japanese fans perhaps want more than just mystery boxes; they want stories and emotions that reflect their lives!

Which collectible character do I personally prefer?

Labubu and Chiikawa are really kawaii, and each has its own special charm. The former has that cheeky and mischievous smile, while the latter has soft and gentle cuteness that feels warm. 

I already have a small collection of Chiikawa-themed items at home. Every time I look at them, they make me smile. The characters are tiny, funny, and full of silly emotions, just like little pets. And I love how they remind me of cozy and cute anime moments. Also, Chiikawa feels close to me because the characters are simple and “chill chill”, which makes them comforting. I enjoy how they bring sweet feelings, almost like having cute pets around. 

Labubu is cool, too, but I only really noticed it because Lisa from BLACKPINK loves it. Since I’m her fan, that made me curious. Lisa’s keychain and her love for Labubu helped make it famous, and I think that’s super fun. Still, when I choose for myself, Chiikawa truly melts my heart.

Why is the growing rivalry between these characters noteworthy?

The growing rivalry is interesting because it shows how people connect with different types of cuteness everywhere. Fans feel a strong bond with the characters that match their mood or personality.

This rivalry is also noteworthy as it reflects how culture and storytelling shape how characters are loved. Chiikawa’s everyday adventures feel warm and relatable, while Labubu’s edgy, quirky style excites global fans. It’s a reminder that cuteness is not one-size-fits-all, and that personal taste plays a significant role in fandoms. In the end, these characters keep spreading joy in unique ways. Which of these two characters wins your heart more, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments!