Is the 'Noodle Stopper' the next big trend after acrylic stands?

To put it simply, while it is possible that noodle stoppers (noodle stopper figures) could be the next big thing after acrylic stands, it is unlikely they will become a massive trend that replaces acrylic stands. The reason is simple: acrylic stands have

• low cost

• small size

• ease of display

• portability

• suitability for event merchandise

as overwhelming strengths. On the other hand, noodle stoppers have the drawbacks of being

• large

• expensive

• high manufacturing costs

• unsuitability for carrying around

as their drawbacks.

However, their popularity is definitely growing.

FuRyu's 'Noodle Stopper Figure' series has been running for over 10 years, and in recent years, many popular IPs such as Hatsune Miku, Demon Slayer, Hololive, and DEATH NOTE have joined the lineup. The series itself has also been revamped to enhance its collectibility. Furthermore, beyond their original purpose of holding down the lid of a cup of noodles, there is strong demand for them as 'sitting figures' for purposes such as:

• sitting them on the edge of a shelf

• displaying them on top of a monitor

• placing them on a desk

etc., making the demand for them as 'sitting figures' quite strong.

Rather than acrylic stands, the next trend is 'three-dimensional objects'.

What is interesting is that the otaku goods market is

Can badges
↓
Acrylic keychains
↓
Acrylic stands

is how it has evolved. What is needed next is

not flat, but three-dimensional

In that sense,

• deformed figures

• noodle stoppers

• figures that sit perched

• mini figures

are more natural as a progression.

In the case of underground idols

When limited to underground idols, they actually have a very strong compatibility with acrylic stands. For example, with acrylic stands, they are

• a few hundred to a few thousand yen each

• can be produced from photos

• low inventory risk

• can be produced in small quantities

However, for noodle stoppers, you first need to create a prototype. Creating a figure prototype for a single underground idol is quite high-cost. Therefore, it would be difficult unless it is a product intended for mass sales like anime or VTubers.

However, the idea is interesting

If it were to become popular in the underground idol industry, it wouldn't be the noodle stopper itself, but rather

an 'oshi figure that can be sat somewhere'

I think. Acrylic stands are flat. On the other hand, sitting figures are

• PC monitor

• bookshelf

• cup

• desk

and so on. The feeling that 'my favorite character is right there' is stronger than with acrylic stands.

Conclusion

Noodle stoppers are already popular products and have become a staple in the figure market. However, it is questionable whether they will become a mass-market item like acrylic stands.

Rather, I think it is more accurate to consider that the next big thing after acrylic stands will be 'three-dimensional, small figures that can be seated somewhere,' and noodle stoppers are one representative example of this trend accordingly.

Yes. Noodle stoppers are essentially small figures. While acrylic stands are 'printed items,' noodle stoppers are 'three-dimensional objects.' Therefore, they have the following characteristics:

• they have a presence whether viewed from the front or the side

• their expression changes depending on how the light hits them

• they provide a high level of satisfaction when displayed

However, their affinity with underground idols is subtle. The reason is simple: what idol fans basically love is 'photos of the person themselves.' For example,

• raw photos

• instax photos

• Bromides

• Acrylic stands

are essentially an extension of photo culture. Fans want to enjoy their real-life idols just as they are. On the other hand, a noodle stopper is a sculpted object. Even if you turn an underground idol into a figure,

"I want a photo of the person themselves"

might not be as strong a demand. In the case of anime or game characters, they are illustrations to begin with, so the situation is different. In fact, figures feel more like they have 'materialized.' However, real-life idols already have a physical existence.

Therefore, the excitement of turning them into a figure is not as great as it is for character works. There is also the issue of cost. Acrylic stands can be made with just a single photo. But noodle stoppers require

• 3D model creation

• prototype production

• molds

• color design

and more. It is quite a heavy investment for merchandise aimed at underground idols. Rather, what might have an affinity with idols is not the product name 'noodle stopper,' but

deformed figures in a sitting pose

For example,

• sitting on the edge of a stage

• sitting on a chair

• holding a cheki (instant photo)

• holding a microphone

These are cute mini-figures. In fact, such deformed 3D merchandise is gaining popularity among K-POP artists and VTubers. However, even so, looking at the underground idol market as a whole,

Acrylic stands
↓
Cheki
↓
Raw photos

the barrier is quite high. This is because fans find value in the 'reality of the idol themselves.' Therefore,the noodle stopper itself does not have a high affinity with idols, and even if there is a demand for 3D merchandise, it is likely that deformed figures or mascots will become the mainstreamis what I think.

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AI-generated, for reference only.