Beyond The Box: The Stories Behind Your Favorite Blind Boxes

Blind Boxes. They’ve been around for quite sometime now, and yet, the craze only continues to expand within your favorite brands and across every nation. Tokidoki, Sonny Angels, Smiski, Peach Riot, Twinkle Twinkle, and so many more have taken over apartments, backpacks, cars, and technological devices. 

As a personal blind box collector myself, exceedingly too much of my money has been poured into the Little Prince Hirono Series. I just need the secret one, okay? But as collectors obsess over completing their sets, many of us lack the knowledge of why these specific series were created and what their backstories might be. 

Smiski

The word Smiski comes from the Japanese word sumi, which can be translated to nook or corner. These small spaces became the inspiration for Dreams Inc. when creating the mysterious green and blue creatures.

In Japanese folklore, it’s said that empty and dark spaces will become home to curious creatures that secretly live in the shadows. In turn, Smiskis were formed to bring a sense of comfort and magic into these small indoor corners, showing an array of introverted beings performing ordinary tasks like stretching, sitting, and doing work. I personally have one that holds my toothbrush, and it has, without a doubt, replaced the little mundane task of brushing my teeth everyday, with joy. 

Sonny Angels 

Starting in 2004, these little naked baby figures became one of the most popular collectibles in recent years, marketed with the slogan, “He may bring you happiness.”

The creator, Toru Soeya, invented these blind boxes for older adults, imagining companionship for the working women in Japan, and even imagining the doll as a “pocket boyfriend.” It was originally inspired by Kewpie, a historic line of cute baby dolls that now make mayonnaise. Now, these figures are made to provide moments of joy, being coined the term Sonny after the creator’s nickname, Sunny. 

Hirono

Created by Chinese artist Lang, Hironos blossomed from a deeper and more abstract inspiration. The word Hirono is inspired by a Japanese term meaning “wide field,” symbolizing the emotional depth and personal experiences the character represents. 

Lang used his own childhood and personal upbringing as a basis for his art. Oftentimes, his series will be rooted in memories, raw emotions, and deep ideas, reflecting the mental and ethical struggles of modern living. Hirono’s design comes across as awkward and melancholic, embracing the idea of perfection. I’ve grown to feel fond of this character and his reflection of society (which might be why they’ve taken over my bookshelf). 

Skullpanda

Exploring the concept of “non-absoluteness,” Skullpanda was created by a former artist and designer, Xiong Miao, exploring life’s uncertainties. 

These genderless dolls with stylized makeup have recently been the trend, turning into fluffy keychains and collabing with famous brands. The character itself represents freedom alongside endless possibilities, universes, and identities, reflecting various emotional states for fans to collect. 

Labubu 

The infamous Labubu, sparking a global frenzy that made so many obsessed with blind boxes in the first place, began in 2015 by artist Kasing Lung. 

It was originally set as a storybook character for an illustrated series called The Monsters, inspired by Nordic folklore. Growing up in Europe, the creator fell in love with all fairytales and forest spirits, feeling inspired to form his own pointy-eared creature with sharp teeth and a mischievous look. The project was meant to capture his inner playful and imaginative childhood for collectors who also didn’t want to grow up. 

More Than Just a Mystery Box .

Next time you find yourself face-to-face with a Sonny Angel on someone’s desk or a Labubu on someone’s backpack, take a moment to appreciate the story behind the figure. The reason why these characters have become such a global phenomenon is because of what they stand for. For some, blind boxes represent childhood, loneliness, happiness, uncertainty, imagination, and the complicated emotions of being human. 

If you’re someone who hasn’t explored the world of blind boxes, know there’s probably some series out there that would resonate with your passions and values, waiting to bring joy just by accessorizing your belongings. 

And, although it may be difficult, perhaps refrain from buying them all.

Unless, of course, it’s the secret one.

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