Dakimakura usually called “hugging pillows” have gained a great amount of popularity among the fans of anime and manga in the whole wide world. These large, often body-length pillows have prints of popular characters, which means they also act as toys, souvenirs and home decorations. This guide will discuss how to properly and creatively incorporate your dakimakura or if you’re thinking about getting one into your home to become a valued and treasured possession.
What is a Dakimakura?
Now let’s first discuss in detail what exactly is a dakimakura bed comforter. Traditional dakimakura have their roots from Japan and the cushion comes in forms of cotton or polyester and it is available in different sizes. These sizes range from 150 cm x 50 cm (about 59 inches x 20 inches) to larger and smaller sizes. These types are usually decorated with two-sided prints of anime characters commonly in cute or kissing stances.
Why Use a Dakimakura?
- Dakimakura has a few uses It can be used as a pillow Dakimakura is also used as a body pillow. They can be:
- Comfort Items: Most of them can be easily hugged in their sleep or when one is so relaxed in a reclining position. They are petite and fluffy making them ideal for anyone who wants a friend for a snug evening.
- Decorative Pieces: Dakimakura are very useful since they can give the room a certain atmosphere related to one’s hobby or interests, and should be in bedrooms, gaming rooms, anime rooms etc.
- Collectibles: To collectors, dakimakura are collectibles that allow incorporation of special art works and character designs.
- Cosplay Props: They may be used as presences in cosplay; they add flourishing to the general outlook of the character depicted.
Unique Ways to Display Your Dakimakura
If you choose to show your dakimakura in a creative way it can become a centerpiece of your interior design. Here are some unique ideas:
1. Wall-Mounted Displays
- If you are limited on space than you might want to hang your dakimakura on a wall. You can achieve this with:
- Hangers: If you want to put it upright, you can use beautiful hooks, or wall hangers to hang dakimakura. This also saves considerable space and can be used to draw attention to the design of the object.
- Frames: If you wish to be a little more creative, then it is possible to frame the dakimakura. This method is good for dakimakura with some artwork as it will not fade away the artwork. As a montage, use shadow boxes in order to create a three-dimensional effect on the display.
2. Bed Styling
- Dakimakuras belong in one destination – your bed. Here are ways to incorporate it:
- Layered Look: If you want to add some personality, simply throw some more decorative pillows on top of your dakimakura. Pick a wallpaper that will suit your dakimakura bear, which means that the combination of colors should be quite similar.
- Themed Bedding: When choosing dakimakura ensure that they are in harmony with the themed bedcloths and blankets being used. This is even more helpful if your dakimakura bears the characters of a particular program.
3. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Everything you need to know about creating a pleasant reading corner in your room with the help of your dakimakura. Organize cushions, relax chair and proper lighting. Your dakimakura may be used as the backrest or the companion while, you are reading your favorite books or manga.
4. Photo Booth Setup
For fans who love taking pictures then ensure you have a photo booth with your dakimakura. Create a scene behind the character on your pillow, and begin to take fun photos. This setup is perfect for sharing on social media or by using in cosplay photography.
5. Use as Decorative Accents
Incorporate dakimakura into your home decor by:
- Couch Decor: Put your dakimakura on your couch as a fun addition. A position should be selected in such a way that it becomes responsive when one is in a reclined position.
- Chair Throws: It can be placed casually on the back of a chair or draped over a chaise loungeImplicit or explicit.
6. Themed Displays
However, if you have several dakimakura, it should be placed in thematic arrangements. Collection of cushions which contains characters of the same anime or show. Your collection will look inviting and can serve a functional purpose for storage; you can effectively accent with shelving units.
7. Seasonal Decorations
You should change your dakimakura depending with the weather or times of the year. And for Halloween, it is recommended to use pretty dakimakura with the characters of the night, and in winter – warm ones. Well, this not only means that your interiors will look different, and therefore more interesting, but it also gives that extra jolly vibe to the rooms.
Creative Uses for Your Dakimakura
Beyond displaying your dakimakura, there are numerous ways to use them in your daily life:
1. Sleep and Comfort Companion
Dakimakura is customarily used in a comfort purpose. cuddling with a dakimakura is likely to give a certain degree of strength.Consider the following tips for maximizing comfort:
- Choose the Right Filling: Support can range depending on what material is used for the dakimakura padding. Choose a fill material that you would prefer whether it is sham or rigorous.
- Positioning: Try out different sleeping positions as you work your way through your current sleeping position. Some individuals may embrace their dakimakura, others may put it between their legs, or place it on the back part of their body.
2. Travel Buddy
Moreover, dakimakura can be used as friends during traveling. When you are traveling, it could be either a dakimakura in a size smaller than your usual or a travel pillow in your favorite character. This can prove very useful during a long journey and it can make any journey feel a little bit of home.
3. Cosplay Enhancement
Dakimakura can prove useful when you are engaged in cosplay. They should be taken to conventions or photograph sessions as objects for display. For example:
- Character Interaction: Hold your dakimakura like it is the character that you know personally. This feature can add some additional interactive component to the picture.
- Outfit Inspiration: Your dakimakura should help you decide what sort of costume you want to wear when doing cosplay. This is where paper characters can guide you in choosing your costume colors and style of clothing to adapt.
4. Stress Relief
To soothe stress, hugging or cuddling with a dakimakura can be employed. If you are stressed and jacket and pants of your dakimakura stuff feels suffocating you can just hug your dakimakura and tries to relax. This small action may have an effect on nerves and helping to establish the state of relative calm.
5. Art and Creativity
If you like art, you should use your dakimakura as the point of creativity. It may be helpful to draw or paint the character, make fan art, or write stories based on the that character’s experiences. That can make you understand the character better and ‘get’ the art in its literal sense in a big way.
6. Gifts for Friends
Dakimakura are perfect for fans to buy for lover or friends. You may think it is useful to make a dakimakura set which consists of the dakimakura, derivatives, and a letter from you. It can be a very popular item friends with you who share your hobbies would love to get as a gift.
Maintaining Your Dakimakura
However, for your dakimakura to always be in the best condition; there are certain aspects that need to be followed. Here are some maintenance tips:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Machine Washable: In fact majority of dakimakura covers are washable using washing machines. In cleaning the dakimakura simple rules should be followed to ensure that the comforter is kept in its good state at all times.
- Spot Cleaning: Minor stainings can be wiped using a damp cloth with mild detergent and without the use of water. Do not rub it with chemicals that are likely to stain or fade the fabric, [footnote] There are certain chemicals that will damage the fabric.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Do not expose your dakimakura to direct sunlight since this will cause fading to occur on the product’s surface. Otherwise, do not use a warm sunny space, if possible, when it is not required it should be stored in a cool, dark place.
3. Fluff Regularly
If you want to keep your dakimakura shaped, remember to stuff it frequently. This will ensure that it remains soft and comfortable to lays on all the time it is being used.
4. Rotate Usage
If you have many dakimakura switch them more often. This can assist from being damaged through fades and damages while assuring that each receives the attention it deserves.
Conclusion
Dakimakura are not just mere stuffers and most of them are invaluable objects that are perfect for improving one’s cozy feeling, home appearance and even artwork. Below, one will find many ideas about how to make the best out of your dakimakura and utilize this wonderful creation of Japanese culture for your benefit. Failing to do this would only mean giving up on your dakimakura and ditching it to languish in somber obscurity for years on end.
Hence, by using this guide, you will be equipped with idea of the special ways, whereby one can show and apply his dakimakura, to arrive at the particular model that best suits its owner’s personality, hobbies and preferences. So in whatever stage or level of Love Live! collector you consider yourself, let your dakimakura remind you of the comfort it will bring into your life.
