It Was a Sensation in Korea Too..."Can't Live Without It" - Japanese Elementary Students Also Obsessed With This

Soft Texture Captivates Elementary Students
Experts Call It a "Healing Toy" for the Digital Generation

The soft and squishy toy called "squishy" is gaining huge popularity among Japanese elementary school students. Experts analyze that the toy's tactile sensation, which provides psychological comfort and helps relieve stress, is a key reason behind its popularity.

Squishies made of urethane or silicone are becoming popular among elementary school students in Japan. Toyama TV, Japan.

According to Toyama TV, Japan, on July 26, squishies—soft toys made of materials such as urethane or silicone—have recently become hugely popular among Japanese elementary school students.

Handheld Toy 'Squishy' Popular Among Japanese Elementary Students

Squishies are toys that slowly return to their original shape after being squeezed or pressed. Their uniquely soft texture and wide range of designs have made them a hot topic on social networking services (SNS) around the world.

In Japan, the price of squishies varies from 300 yen (2,700 won) to 2,600 yen (23,000 won). A fourth-grade elementary student shared, "I asked for one as a reward after a dental treatment," adding, "Most of my friends each have at least one." Another student expressed, "I can't live without it. It feels essential," showing a deep attachment to the toy.

Psychological Comfort & Stress Relief...The 'Healing Toy'

Key reasons for the popularity of squishies include psychological comfort, therapeutic effects, novel stimulation, and stress relief.

Shugo Horita, professor at Meiji University's Faculty of Law and author of "The Great Encyclopedia of Scientifically Proven Excellent Habits," stated, "In the modern environment, where stress easily accumulates, so-called 'healing toys' are a perfect fit. It's understandable that tools which help calm the mind are gaining popularity."

He explained that the soft and slowly recovering texture is similar to human skin and can provide a sense of psychological comfort. It can subconsciously evoke memories of familiar sensations, such as a mother's skin, from childhood.

The gradual return of the squishy toy to its original shape has also been cited as a factor that soothes the mind. Professor Horita stated, "Slow movements have a calming effect on people."

Squishy posted on SNS. Instagram

There is also an analysis that for a generation accustomed to digital devices, the analog experience of touching something with their hands offers fresh stimulation. Unlike the stimulation encountered through screens, the tactile sensation felt through the fingertips is perceived as new. This is also pointed out as a reason why squishies have gained popularity not only among children, but also among adults.

However, safety precautions must be observed when using squishies. In the United Kingdom, there have been cases where heating squishies in a microwave caused the contents to explode, resulting in severe burns to the face and chest.

Additionally, safety issues related to low-priced squishy products have been reported in the United Kingdom. Some counterfeit squishies were found to contain harmful chemicals such as benzene, with levels of the carcinogen exceeding the legal standard by up to four times in some cases. In response, some distributors have recalled the affected products. Benzene is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In Korea as well, there have been growing reports shared online of people experiencing abnormal symptoms such as hives or styes after touching squishy toys. The Korea Consumer Agency is reportedly conducting safety inspections of squishy products to verify the presence of harmful substances and to check the adequacy of ingredient labeling.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.