Just when we thought the Labubu obsession couldn't get any bigger, a fluffy little robot from Japan is threatening to steal the spotlight. Meet Mirumi, the wide-eyed, interactive bag charm that's already selling out overseas and is heading to Australia just in time for Christmas 2026.

Unlike the familiar furry monsters hanging from handbags and backpacks, Mirumi actually moves, reacts to people and appears to have a personality of its own. It's already making waves in the fashion and technology worlds, but with a price tag of around $285, will Australians be willing to splash out on the latest viral accessory?

What is Mirumi?

Created by Japanese robotics company Yukai Engineering, Mirumi is a miniature, furry robot designed to cling to handbags, backpacks and other accessories using its long, flexible arms.

Standing approximately 14 centimetres tall, the adorable creature has oversized eyes, a fluffy body and a surprisingly lifelike personality — traits that many have loved about the Labubu.

Mirumi responds to sounds by turning its head to investigate, reacts when someone touches it and even looks away shyly when it catches someone's attention. Its movements are inspired by the curious, sometimes bashful behaviour of babies.

The robot uses built-in sound and touch sensors rather than artificial intelligence, meaning there's no complicated technology for owners to navigate. Simply charge it using USB-C, attach it to a bag and watch it interact with the world.

Mirumi comes in pink, grey and ivory, with a limited-edition black version also released in Japan. A full charge provides approximately eight hours of interaction.
 

Mirumi is Already a Hit Overseas

While Mirumi is still relatively new to Australian shoppers, it's already attracted considerable attention internationally.

The robot first appeared at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2025 before launching through Kickstarter later that year. Its crowdfunding campaign attracted approximately ¥80 million in pledges, demonstrating strong demand before the product even reached stores.

When Mirumi officially launched in Japan in April 2026, the first 3,000 units sold out within a week.

Its popularity has since extended beyond the technology world, with appearances at Milan Fashion Week and a launch at the luxury London department store Harrods.

The brand's Instagram account had also attracted around 44,000 followers by September 2026, while international media outlets have begun comparing the quirky newcomer to the Labubu phenomenon.

Is Mirumi the Next Labubu Craze?

It's easy to see why people are comparing Mirumi to Labubu.

Both are fluffy, slightly unusual characters designed to be displayed on bags, and both appeal to the growing popularity of collectible accessories among teenagers and adults.

However, Mirumi has one significant advantage: it moves!

While Labubu's popularity has been driven by blind-box surprises, limited-edition releases and celebrity endorsements, Mirumi offers something different. Its ability to react to people makes it particularly entertaining to watch, giving it plenty of potential for viral TikTok videos and Instagram Reels.

Mirumi also combines two popular trends: playful bag accessories and interactive robotic companions.

Whether it can match Labubu's extraordinary commercial success remains to be seen. Unlike the comparatively affordable standard Labubu charms, Mirumi's premium price could make it a harder sell, particularly among younger collectors.

How Much Does Mirumi Cost in Australia?

Here's where the excitement might start to fade for some Christmas shoppers.

Mirumi is currently listed for approximately $285 AUD on Harrods' Australian website, with the product available for pre-order.

That's a considerable amount to spend on a bag accessory, even one packed with clever robotic technology!

With Australian families already navigating rising household expenses and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, spending nearly $300 on a novelty Christmas gift may be difficult to justify.

While Mirumi is undoubtedly more sophisticated than an ordinary plush charm, it doesn't offer much in the way of practical functionality. Its main purpose is to entertain, attract attention and bring a little amusement to everyday life.

For some shoppers, that novelty will be worth every cent. For others, the price could be the biggest obstacle preventing Mirumi from achieving Labubu-level popularity.

When is Mirumi Coming to Australia?

Australian fans shouldn't have to wait much longer.

Yukai Engineering has announced plans to expand Mirumi's international availability, with an Australian rollout scheduled for November 2026.

The timing places Mirumi right in the middle of the Christmas shopping season, potentially giving the unusual robot a significant boost as shoppers search for the latest gift trends.

However, confirmed Australian retail stockists, local pricing and exact release dates are still to be announced.

Shoppers considering purchasing Mirumi online should also be cautious of unusually cheap versions. The genuine Yukai Engineering product contains specialised sensors and motors, so look carefully at product descriptions and retailer credentials before ordering.

Will Mirumi Be One of the Most Popular Christmas Gifts of 2026?

Mirumi certainly has the ingredients for a Christmas hit: an unusual appearance, interactive technology, international sell-outs and a growing social media following.

Its November Australian launch could also introduce the robot to an entirely new audience just as Christmas wish lists are being written.

However, Mirumi is likely to appeal more to older teenagers, adults, technology enthusiasts and collectors than to younger children. The brand's UK distributor recommends it for ages 15 and over, describing it as a fashion accessory rather than a children's toy.

And while the international buzz is promising, there's not yet enough Australian sales data to suggest Mirumi will become the country's next must-have Christmas toy.

For now, it's one of the more intriguing gift trends to watch for Christmas 2026. Whether Australians embrace the little robot with the same enthusiasm as Labubu could come down to one simple question: is a fluffy, head-turning handbag companion worth almost $300?!

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is written by Aussie parents, for Aussie parents. Our editors are the same people doing the school runs, planning the weekend activities, and trying to stretch the family budget without compromising on the good stuff. We cut through the noise to bring you the best deals, products, activities and finds for Sydney families — the stuff that makes everyday family life a little easier, a little more fun, and a lot less expensive.

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