Fumo and Conventions: A Fan-Made Phenomenon
You may have seen them at conventions you attend or seen pictures of them on social media. If you're a fan of the Touhou Project then you already know what they are. Fumo are adorable, chibi style plush dolls featuring characters from the popular game series. Fumo have become a major part of the Touhou fan community, and are often sold at conventions, but more than likely you'll need to buy specific ones on online marketplaces. In this post, we'll take a look at Fumo and conventions, how a fan made phenomenon that transverses language barriers and has spread into other fandoms. Read until the end for a chance to win a 4-day badge for Anime Expo 2023, and SoCal Idolfest!
History of Fumo Plushes
The term "fumo" is a Japanese onomatopoeia "モフモフ" (mofumofu), which means "soft to the touch" and originated in the Touhou Project fan community as a slang term for plush dolls or keychains featuring Touhou characters. For a great intro guide to the Touhou Project I recommend this post by Touhoufest, a convention happening later this year in April in the Torrance Convention Center. The first fumo were created by fans as a way to express their love for the Touhou characters and show off their crafting skills. Fumo are manufactured and sold by the Japanese company Gift. ANGELTYPE, a former Touhou based circle designed and created Fumos. Over time, Fumo became more popular, with fans sharing patterns and tutorials online so others could create their own Fumos. Today, there are many independent artists who create and sell Fumo, often taking custom orders from fans. The heading is not a typo, Fumo are plushes so adding plush at the end is like saying plush plush twice.
Popularity at Conventions
Fumo have become a staple of the Touhou fan community at conventions. Many independent artists who create Fumo set up booths at conventions, where they sell their wares and take custom orders. Some booths bring Fumos as part of their merchandise line up while others only sell Fumo. Some conventions even have dedicated areas for Fumo, with artists displaying their creations in colorful and eye-catching displays. Even if there aren't dedicated displays, many fans take pictures of their Fumo while traveling and attending conventions.
Big or smol Remi?
— 🌹🦇 Kayla 🦇🌹 (@Mysticallala) August 26, 2020
This photo was floating around in the Touhou fumo community and it's still one if my favorites#東方Project #touhou #touhouproject #remiliascarlet #fumo #cosplay #animeexpo #dekaremilia pic.twitter.com/28DWro9DNL
One of the reasons Fumo are so popular at conventions is because its a effective way to show your love of a character or fandom. A fan's favorite Fumo becomes part of their convention attendee checklist. Official Touhou merchandise can be quite expensive, with official Fumo not being the exception. I recommend this buying guide for getting your own Fumo imported. While you may find official Fumo at conventions you are more likely to find bootleg ones or custom ones that are often priced more reasonably, making them accessible to fans with different budgets. Additionally, Fumo come in a variety of sizes, from small keychain-sized Fumos to larger, more detailed plushes, so fans can choose the Fumo that best fits their preferences and budget.
Buying Fumo
If you can't make it to a convention to buy Fumo in person, there are still many options for buying Fumos online. Independent artists who create Fumo often have online shops, where they sell their creations and take custom orders. Etsy is a popular marketplace for Fumo, with many artists offering unique designs and custom orders. Additionally, some Touhou fan communities have dedicated buy/sell/trade groups where fans can buy and sell Fumo.
The quality and accuracy of Fumo may vary widely depending on the maker. However, for many Touhou fans, the charm of Fumo lies in their handmade nature and unique designs. In conclusion, Fumo have become a major part of the Touhou fan community, and are a beloved fan-made item that can be found at conventions and online. Whether you're a seasoned Touhou fan or new to the series, a Fumo can be a fun and affordable way to show off your love for the Touhou characters.
Fumos always remind me of the worst smelling people I've ever encountered thus I cannot appreciate them at all.
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