Dakimakura

A Dakimakura (Japanese抱き 枕, dt " hug pillow ") is a special form of a cushion that has been developed in Japan. Although these pillows have a different shape, they have in common is that they are clutching while sleeping and not necessarily serve as a pillow.

In the Western world this term is understood in most cases a specific expression of this pillow understood. It has the shape of a neck pad and has about the size of a person. In addition, it is assumed that they are provided with a printed reference, the mostly depicting a female anime character. Here are repeatedly encountered variants that are printed on both sides, so that the subject is replaceable by turning the cover. Because of the frequency of the motifs in the style of manga and anime, these pillows are often sold in conjunction with these media or even distributed as promotional gifts.