Blind Box culture refers to the growing global obsession with collectible mystery toys, small figurines, or items hidden inside sealed packaging so you don’t know which specific item you’ll get until you open it. This element of surprise taps into the same psychological thrill as gambling or trading cards, driving consumers to buy multiple boxes in pursuit of rare or limited-edition figures.
The term Blind Box comes from Japan and gained traction across Asia, particularly in China, before spreading globally. Today, you’ll find Blind Box displays in shopping malls, airports, online marketplaces, and even vending machines.
The Origins: Japan to China and Beyond
Blind Boxes first gained popularity in Japan through gashapon machines, capsule toy vending machines found in arcades and train stations. These low-cost toys, often based on anime or game characters, were a childhood staple and became collectibles among adults.
China took this concept and supercharged it. With companies like Pop Mart, 52TOYS, and TOP TOY, Blind Box shopping became a retail phenomenon. Pop Mart, in particular, revolutionized the model by mixing designer toys, limited editions, and drop culture, creating frenzy-worthy product releases that sold out in seconds.
Pop Mart: The Giant Behind the Craze
Pop Mart is the undisputed king of the Blind Box world. The brand exploded onto the scene with characters like Molly, Skullpanda, Dimoo, and most notably, Labubu. With influencer collaborations, seasonal releases, and exclusive regional drops, Pop Mart turned Blind Box shopping into a lifestyle.
Their strategy combines scarcity, exclusivity, and collectible storytelling. Fueling what is now known as the Blind Box economy. According to South China Morning Post, the Chinese Blind Box market was worth over 30 billion yuan (~USD 4.3 billion) in 2022 and continues to grow rapidly.
The Allure: Why Are Blind Boxes So Addictive?
Blind Boxes tap into emotional and psychological drivers like:
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Anticipation – The suspense of not knowing what’s inside.
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FOMO – Limited editions create urgency.
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Completionism – Many collectors aim to complete entire sets.
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Social Proof – Sharing Labubu unboxing on Instagram reels and TikTok has brought the hype to a whole new level. Building a loyal and hooked community along the way!
- Resale Potential – Especially when you cop a Secret Rare Labubu. You jump from the retail price to hundreds of USD in profit!
Add to that the dopamine hit from unboxing and trading, and you have a formula that keeps people coming back for more.
Labubu and the Blind Box Craze
Labubu, a mischievous little monster from The Monsters series by artist Kasing Lung, is one of the biggest Blind Box icons today. Originally a niche art toy, Labubu became a sensation after joining Pop Mart’s lineup. From seasonal releases to collabs like One Piece x Labubu or the energy-themed Big Into Energy series, Labubu’s quirky design and limited drops make every release a collector’s event.
Each Labubu drop is cloaked in secrecy until launch day—just enough details to tease fans, and just enough mystery to fuel hype. Rare versions—often referred to as “hidden” or “secret” figures—can resell for hundreds of dollars, feeding a secondary market similar to sneaker reselling.
Major Blind Box Brands You Should Know
Here are the top players dominating the Blind Box industry:
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Pop Mart – Home of Labubu, Skullpanda, Dimoo, and more.
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52TOYS – Known for MEGABOX and BeastBox series.
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Sonny Angel – Iconic mini-angel figurines that started the adult collectible craze in Japan.
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ToyCity – Creator of BOBO & COCO and other popular IPs.
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TOP TOY – Fast-growing competitor backed by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart’s former execs.
These brands constantly innovate with artist collabs, themed drops, and even NFTs, turning collectibles into a form of cultural expression.
Labubu and the Future of Blind Boxes
So the Blind Box culture shows no signs of slowing down. As more artists, designers, and brands join the movement, the market continues to evolve. What started as small capsule toys in Japan has grown into an international obsession—part fashion, part fandom, and part finance.
Labubu stands at the heart of this evolution. Its widespread appeal and creative versatility keep collectors—and even bots—on high alert for every drop. In a world where mystery meets art, Blind Boxes offer something deeply human: the thrill of surprise and the joy of the hunt.
NSB Vs. The Craze
For hardcore collectors and resellers, using a Pop Mart bot or a specialized Labubu bot like NikeShoeBot can be a game-changer. These bots are designed to automate the checkout process during hyped online drops, giving users a massive advantage over manual buyers. When limited-edition Labubu Blind Boxes drop, especially high-demand series like Big Into Energy, they can sell out in seconds. NSB and similar bots can help you secure dozens or even hundreds of units in a single release, ensuring you never miss a grail piece again. Whether you’re collecting for love or flipping for profit, bots like NSB feed both your passion and your wallet.
