POPMART Harajuku Store Report|What is LABUBU? What is Skull Panda? Waiting time, popular characters & blind box purchase experience Read in Japanese

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POPMART in Harajuku

We visited the POPMART Harajuku store in Harajuku!
Here is an in-depth report on the must-see contents for fans, including world-favorite characters such as LABUBU and Skullpanda, Harajuku-exclusive products, and even the experience of opening a blind box.

We visited in the evening, when the line was long despite it being a weekday. The report also details waiting times and tips for avoiding lines, how to purchase popular characters, and the appeal of Skullpanda, which we actually purchased.

This is a guide to the Harajuku store, useful for those new to POPMART.

What is POPMART Harajuku? A designer toy brand that is booming around the world

Have you recently seen the name "POPMART" on SNS or in grocery stores, or seen pictures of cute figures lined up in rows?

POPMART is a designer toy brand born in Beijing, China in 2010, and has been developing highly artistic character figures all over the world.

The most distinctive feature of POPMART's products is the "Blind Box" sales format, in which you can't tell which character is inside until you open the box.
The most unique feature of the blind box format is that you don't know which character is in the box until you open it, which gives you the thrill of picking out your favorite character or a secret one.

POPMART Harajuku Store Lineup and Entry Repo [Can't let your guard down even on a weekday

Queue even on a weekday evening

The day I visited was Monday around 5:40pm.
The line was longer at noon (after midnight), so I got in line in the evening, but I still had to wait for an hour.

☀ 昼間は日陰が少ないため、日傘は必須アイテムです。

Entry to the store is free, but popular items may be sold by lottery.
There are three floors of stores, but the most popular items are concentrated on the second floor; the LABUBU plush pendant was already sold out.

2nd floor
3rd floor
Click here to make advance lottery reservations for LABUBU and other popular items.

If you win the lottery, you can purchase LABUBU and other popular items

https://t.livepocket.jp/event/search?word=POPMART

What is LABUBU? The symbolic character of POPMART

LABUBU is a representative character of "The Monsters" series created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung.

  • Characteristics: Large ears, mischievous expression, and charming face.
  • Reason for popularity: When a new product is released, people inevitably line up to get their hands on it. Limited designs and international editions sell out immediately.
  • Collectability: Collector fever is high due to the development of designs that match the seasons and events.

LABUBU is the face of POPMART, and is always the most popular item at the Harajuku store.

What is Skullpanda? Skullpanda is the second most popular character after LABUBU.

Skullpanda is a popular series created by Chinese artist Lang.
Skullpanda is the second most popular character after LABUBU, and is also supported by adult fans.

  • Visual: A unique design combining panda ears and a skull-like face
  • World view: Mode, street, and slightly dark atmosphere
  • Reasons for popularity: Costumes and accessories that have been created down to the smallest detail. Artistry that can be displayed and enjoyed

Purchase Report|Get Skullpanda's Pastel & Punk

During my visit to the store this time, I bought two kinds of Skullpanda because LABUBU was sold out.

  1. SKULLPANDA L'impressionnisme series plush pendant
    • This is the second SKULLPANDA plush pendant. It features soft colors and delicate embroidery. Its compact size makes it the perfect accessory for outings.
    • Soft atmosphere with light colors and beautiful gradation of hair color and costume.
    • Shades easy to match with summer fashion.
  2. SKULLPANDA Winter Symphony series
    • SKULLPANDA's first plush pendant series! The punky girl is transformed into a fuzzy elf by the magic of winter!
    • Cool and strong, the colors are easy to match with winter coat fashions.

Priced at 2,860 yen per figure. The precision of the modeling and painting is "well worth the price," and Skullpanda in particular is recommended for adult collections.

SL JAPAN
4,980 yen (as of 2025/08/05 04:02 | Rakuten Ichiba)

SL JAPAN
4,480 yen (as of 2025/08/05 04:04 | Rakuten Ichiba)

Blind box opening experience [fun after buying in Harajuku].

When I got home and opened the box, inside the box was a plastic bag and a character card.
The child depicted on the card is inside, and the one I guessed was a cute light blue one.

  • Her eyes looking up are adorable.
  • Careful gradation painting of hair and costume.
  • The differences in expression and coloring between the individuals are also part of the fun!

The excitement and the element of trying your luck to see what will come out next is what makes the blind box so fun to play with. is the biggest attraction of the blind box.

Other popular characters

Molly: With blond hair and big eyes, she is the face of POPMART.

DIMOO: Fluffy hair like a cloud. She has a fantasy world view.

PUCKY: Healing design like a fairy.

CRYBABY: Tearful teenage girl-like character. Emotional expression is appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a line at POPMART Harajuku even on weekdays?

There are lines even on weekdays, depending on the time of day. On the day we visited, we waited in line for about an hour from 5:40 p.m. on Monday. The line was longer after noon on the same day, and the crowds vary depending on the time of day. Bringing a parasol is recommended during the day as there is little shade.

Can I enter the POPMART Harajuku store without a lottery?

Entry is basically free. However, some popular items such as LABUBU may be sold by lottery. Please check the official announcement before visiting the store for the latest sales method.

Are there any limited products at POPMART Harajuku?

Designs exclusive to the Harajuku store and Japan, and collaboration products for a limited time may be available. Since in-stock/re-stock and sales methods vary depending on the time of the year, we recommend checking official information.

What is the appeal of blind boxes? How to buy?

The appeal of blind boxes is that you don't know what's inside until you open the box. To purchase, simply select the series of your choice and pay at the cashier. A card is included in the package, which shows the character you have selected.

What is LABUBU? Why is it popular?

LABUBUBU is a character representing "The Monsters" by artist Kasing Lung. With large ears and a mischievous expression, new releases and limited editions tend to sell out quickly. It is also the most popular at the Harajuku store and was sold out when I visited the store.

What is Skullpanda?

Skullpanda is a series by artist Lang, with panda ears and a skull-like face, creating a mode, dark worldview that is very appealing. It is popular among adult collectors, and many visitors picked it up during the trial.

How did you feel about purchasing Skullpanda?

I bought two kinds of Skullpanda, pastel and punk. The accuracy of modeling and painting is high, and I was more than satisfied with the price (2,860 yen per figure). The gradation paint job and the upper eye expression are especially appealing and look great as interior decorations.

Are blind box secrets easy to win?

Although it depends on the series, the odds of winning a secret are generally low. Many fans collect them by purchasing more than one, and the excitement of the experience of opening the box is the reason for their popularity.

How do I know when to get in line? Avoid the lines.

Lines tended to be crowded around noon and relatively short in the evening. We recommend aiming for a time right after the store opens if you want to prioritize securing popular items, and aiming for a time when the crowds are calmer if you want to focus on avoiding lines.

What is the store's floor layout and shopping flow?

The store has three floors, with popular items concentrated on the second floor. Once you have decided on a purchase, you can line up in the checkout line along the stairs to pay for your purchase. There are many photo spots, so you can enjoy both shopping and taking pictures.

Summary|Experience the charm of LABUBU & Skullpanda at POPMART Harajuku

POPMART Harajuku is a rare spot where you can directly pick up LABUBU, Skullpanda, and other popular characters.
LABUBUBU is sure to sell out, and Skullpanda is second only to LABUBU in popularity and sells out quickly, so early arrival is recommended.

The experience of opening a blind box is the best way to try your luck and satisfy your desire to collect at the same time.
If you visit Harajuku, be sure to find your own favorite character at POPMART.

Related article: POPMART

POPMART Harajuku Store Information

Store Name: POPMART Harajuku Store

Address: 6-29-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Store URL: https://www.popmart.com/jp

Nearest station: 3 minutes walk from Takeshita Exit of JR Harajuku Station / 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station

Weekday Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:00

Holiday Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:00

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