The item represents a niche product category: a hugging pillow featuring imagery of the artist Tomose Shunsaku’s characters. These pillows are typically full-body sized and often display anime or manga characters rendered in the artist’s distinct style. Such items are generally categorized as merchandise targeted towards fans and collectors.
These specialized pillows can provide comfort and support during sleep, and for fans, offer a way to connect with and express their appreciation for the artist’s work. The creation and demand for such pillows are indicative of the growth of otaku culture and the increasing acceptance and commercialization of fan-created or fan-targeted products. They also provide a revenue stream for artists and associated businesses.