After "Labobo".. "Mirumi" Emotional Robot Rules the Fashion Throne in 2026
Variety

After "Labobo".. "Mirumi" Emotional Robot Rules the Fashion Throne in 2026

SadaNews - If you think the craze for small dolls stopped at the famous "Labobo", you have yet to be introduced to "Mirumi". With the start of 2026, a new trend has emerged that distinguishes itself from its predecessor by transcending the concept of rigid decoration to offer a "smart companion" experience that comes to life; this small fur-made robot not only decorates your bag but also interacts intelligently with your environment.

Not just an ornament, but a travel companion

"Mirumi" comes as an innovation from the Japanese company "Yukai Engineering", which drew its name from the Japanese verb "Miru" meaning "to look". This is the essence of its charm; it uses advanced sensors to detect movement and distances, allowing it to "look" at you with curiosity, tilt its head towards passersby, or even shyly avert its gaze if a stranger suddenly approaches, mimicking the behaviors of children or pets.

The idea of "Mirumi" was born in an internal company competition in 2024 and quickly garnered attention at the CES 2025 global tech show in Las Vegas.

Now, this robot has become the talk of the hour on social media platforms, with users rushing to reserve their own copies, considering that having a "little friend" that interacts with you is much better than just an app on a phone.

Technology that stirs emotions

Unlike robots designated for laborious tasks, "Mirumi" is designed to perform one function only: to bring joy. It aims to break the monotony of daily life in crowded places, such as airports or trains, with its spontaneous movements that encourage people to smile and interact. With its long arms, "Mirumi" clings to your bag to be your constant traveling companion, responding to touches and petting on its head, expressing satisfaction and gratitude with gentle nods.

This is precisely the goal pursued by the company's CEO, Shunsuke Okui, who wanted to create what evokes the spontaneous joy we feel towards pets, to be a "happiness ambassador" in crowded trains or the boring lines waiting.

Price and launch date

"Mirumi" is available in three attractive colors (pink, gray, and ivory), and its support campaign was launched on the Kickstarter platform with prices starting at around $122. If you're looking to attach your new companion to your bag, global shipping is expected to begin in April 2026.

 

Source: Various websites