Culture
Taito Survey: Plush Figures Stay in First Place Among Fans
Mascots and charms used as recognition symbols are, according to the Japanese survey, the most striking merchandise trend of 2026.
Small and medium-sized plush figures are once again the most popular fan goods for the third year in a row, according to a new survey by the Japanese company Taito. The results, published on October 28, 2026, also show that small recognition charms and mascots are perceived as a particularly defining trend of the year.
Plush Figures Lead the Ranking Again
Taito has conducted the survey for the fourth time. Among the 500 participants of the main survey, who collect fan goods of a favorite character or person, 40.4 percent named small and medium-sized plush figures as especially popular products. They are followed by key chains and straps with 26.2 percent and acrylic stands with 23.4 percent. These three categories have held the same places for three years.
In fourth place are recognition mascots and charms with 22.2 percent. In a separate question about which products were particularly on-trend in 2026, these small accessories reach first place. This distinguishes the current perception from the long-term favorite among the collectible items people actually prefer.
Where Fans Buy and Photograph Their Items
70.4 percent of the 500 respondents frequently use official stores or merchandise outlets for fan goods. Retail stores, online shops and secondhand marketplaces are mentioned by 36.6 percent. 25.2 percent each rely on crane machines or capsule vending machines. Multiple answers were possible.
The study also covers photographing fan goods: 44.0 percent have already photographed or filmed plush figures or other collectibles in locations of their own choice. Together with those who would like to try it, interest stands at roughly 60 percent.
Taito also points to a preliminary survey of 2,000 people aged between ten and 39. There, 45.2 percent said they have a favorite character or person whose products they collect. Among female respondents in their teens, the share was 75.6 percent.
A Survey on Japanese Fandom
The responses were collected from October 6 to 9, 2026 via an external survey panel. The figures therefore describe the groups examined and are not a statement about all anime fans in Germany.
Which different collectible products come to market is shown, for example, by the PalVerse figures for Jujutsu Kaisen or the Tomie and Hello Kitty collectible figure. Both examples illustrate the range hidden behind the general term fan goods.