Japanese Laundry Service Revives Stuffed Toys
A Japanese laundry service is breathing new life into beloved stuffed toys. Masakazu Shimura, an experienced cleaning professional for over three decades, has given Pokemon plushies and other soft toys a thorough steam shower and gentle bubble scrub.
The meticulous care these toys receive at Cleaning Yonmarusan has captivated plushy fans on social media, leading to viral fame and customers from around the world.
Shimura’s expertise in cleaning everything from dress shirts to camping tents is put to use as he carefully assesses each toy’s material before washing it with utmost care.
The firm, which cleans over 10,000 soft toys annually compared to just 1,200 a decade ago, has seen a surge in business due to Gen Z’s adoration for plushies and Japan’s love for cute things.
Some clients even travel specifically to have their toys cleaned, enjoying the process while they explore Japan.
For some customers, specific scratches or scribbles on their toys are not just marks but hold precious memories. Shimura emphasizes that these items are seen as family members by customers.
The satisfaction of a happy customer is the ultimate reward for Shimura and his team.