Mochimochi Mascot Mania Sweeps X: Gintama and Touken Ranbu Editions Ignite Fierce Fan Trading

The "Mochimochi Mascot" series is generating significant buzz on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The announcement of new releases, particularly for the popular anime Gintama and the popular game Touken Ranbu ONLINE, has sparked active trading among fans, involving reservations, exchanges, and transfers.

New "Mochimasu" for Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames Draws Intense Attention with "Paako" Bonus

Pre-orders for the "Mochimochi Mascot Gintama: The Movie - Yoshiwara in Flames" series, scheduled for release in July 2026, began on February 20th at 10 AM at Animate, and from 1 PM onwards at other retailers. The series features 8 types, each priced at 990 yen (tax included). A box contains 8 mascots. The announcement that "Paako" would be an Animate-exclusive bonus for box purchases immediately garnered significant attention from fans.

On social media, numerous calls for exchanges and transfers involving popular characters like Okita, Gintoki, Hijikata, Kamui, Tsukuyo, Shinpachi, Kagura, and Abuto have been posted. An intense scramble is unfolding even before the release, with fans pre-ordering multiple boxes and making provisional arrangements to secure "Bonus Paako" or specific popular characters.

Touken Ranbu ONLINE vol.10 Also Sparks Scramble, with Popular Characters Including "Gokake Kanemitsu"

Similarly, "Mochimochi Mascot Touken Ranbu ONLINE vol.10" is also receiving tremendous support from fans. This lineup includes Sword Boys such as Chiyoganemaru, Kitanakinakiri, Chigane Maru, Koryu Kagemitsu, Fukushima Mitsutada, Jikko Mitsutada, Kashagiri, and Gokake Kanemitsu. Among these, "Gokake Kanemitsu," "Kashagiri," and "Koryu Kagemitsu" are particularly popular, with numerous requests for transfers at "retail price + shipping" or exchanges for specific characters.

Fans are scrambling to secure their desired characters by pre-ordering one or multiple boxes. There is active movement to complete collections by exchanging or transferring surplus mascots to others. Furthermore, posts expressing envy for unopened sets from previous releases, such as the "Samidare Gou and Murakumo Gou set," demonstrate the enduring popularity of Touken Ranbu Mochimochi Mascots, both new and old.

Expanding Appeal and Diverse Ways to Enjoy "Mochimasu"

The appeal of "Mochimochi Mascots" extends beyond Gintama and Touken Ranbu. In the past, complete sets from Haikyuu!!, rare mascots from FGO (Fate/Grand Order), and even seasonal "Kagamimochi Mascots" from Chiikawa have generated buzz, with their diverse lineup captivating fans.

Furthermore, many fans don't just collect these mascots but also enjoy decorating with them. Posts show fans affectionately arranging them, for instance, by adding "Pikmin-style" flower clips, finding unique ways to enjoy them. This indicates that they are more than just collectible items, fostering a rich culture within fan communities.

With their distinctive squishy texture and adorable designs, "Mochimochi Mascots" are expected to continue appearing in various works, charming many fans for years to come.

The context

Mochimochi Mascots: These are popular Japanese collectible plush keychains or miniature stuffed toys known for their distinctive "mochi-mochi" (squishy, bouncy, chewy) texture, resembling the feel of mochi rice cakes. They often feature chibi (super-deformed) versions of characters from popular anime, manga, and video games. Their collectibility stems from the appeal of the characters, limited editions, and the "blind box" nature of many releases, where individual mascots are sold in opaque packaging, making collecting a full set or specific rare characters an exciting challenge.

Gintama: A highly successful Japanese manga and anime series known for its unique blend of sci-fi, historical samurai drama, and absurdist comedy. It frequently parodies other anime and pop culture, often breaking the fourth wall. "Paako" is a popular gender-bent comedic version of the protagonist, Gintoki, making an exclusive bonus item featuring this character highly sought after by fans.

Touken Ranbu ONLINE: A popular free-to-play Japanese web browser game and media franchise. In the game, famous historical Japanese swords (Touken) are anthropomorphized into handsome male characters (Touken Danshi or "Sword Boys"). Players collect, train, and battle with these characters. The franchise has a very dedicated fanbase, particularly among women, who actively engage in merchandise collection and fan-driven trading for their favorite "Sword Boys."

Social Media X (formerly Twitter): This platform serves as a central hub for fan communities in Japan to discuss anime and game merchandise. It's a primary tool for organizing pre-orders, sharing information about releases, and especially for facilitating the exchange and transfer (譲渡 - joudo) of collectible items among fans to complete sets or acquire specific desired characters.

The "scramble" described in the article refers to the intense competition among fans to secure pre-orders, especially for limited-edition items or specific popular characters, often involving buying multiple boxes to increase the chances of getting desired items and then trading the surplus.