Approximately 50% of Nuikatsu Users Respond 'Concerned About Others' Gazes.' Nuimap Releases Survey on 'Realities and Challenges of Nuikatsu' with 172 Participants
Hoshikaru LLC's Nuikatsu app 'Nuimap' conducted a survey on the realities and challenges of Nuikatsu among 172 users. Approximately half reported 'feeling self-conscious about others' gazes,' revealing psychological anxiety and unclear rules as major issues when enjoying Nuikatsu outdoors.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 18:40
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 10:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 12, 2026 at 10:40 (38 min after Collected)
Hoshikaru LLC (hereinafter, Hoshikaru) conducted a survey on the realities and challenges of Nuikatsu through its Nuikatsu app 'Nuimap.' This survey collected 172 responses via Google Forms, with recruitment conducted through Nuimap's official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The survey results showed that the most common concern among Nuikatsu experienced users was 'feeling self-conscious about others' gazes' (52.4%). This was followed by 'unable to take good photos' (40.5%) and 'unclear rules for each location' (39.9%), indicating that psychological anxiety and a lack of clear rules are significant challenges when enjoying Nuikatsu outdoors.
Image 1: Survey on 'Realities and Challenges of Nuikatsu' with 172 Nuikatsu Users
Background of the Survey
In recent years, 'Nuikatsu' (plushie activities) and 'Nuidori' (plushie photography), which involve taking plushies out to tourist spots, cafes, and hotels for photos, have become a widespread cultural phenomenon as part of 'Oshikatsu' (supporting one's favorite character/idol) and enjoying character/animal plushies.
However, there are also opinions regarding hygiene, consideration for others, and photography etiquette when bringing plushies into restaurants or public places. Particularly during the period this survey was conducted, critical opinions about Nuikatsu photos were spreading on X, which may have heightened anxiety among Nuikatsu users about engaging in activities outdoors.
The purpose of this survey was to clarify what activities Nuikatsu users are engaging in, what challenges they face, and what information and support they seek from restaurants and accommodations during such a time.
Survey Overview
Image 2: Survey Overview
Survey Name
Survey on the Realities and Challenges of Nuikatsu
Survey Organizer
Hoshikaru LLC / Nuikatsu App 'Nuimap'
Survey Method
Online survey via Google Forms
Recruitment Method
Recruitment of responses via Nuimap's official X account
Survey Period
May 7, 2026 – May 8, 2026
Valid Responses
172
About Respondents
Nuikatsu experienced users: 168 (97.7%)
Age: Primarily 30s to 50s
Gender: Majority female
Prefecture: Tokyo was the most common at 19.5%. Kanto accounted for approximately 50%, with responses from across Japan.
Notes on the Survey: This survey compiled responses recruited via Nuimap's official X account, thus including many experienced Nuikatsu users. Additionally, the survey period coincided with a time when opinions regarding hygiene and consideration for others concerning Nuikatsu photos were spreading on X, so the results may reflect the atmosphere on social media at that time. Percentages are calculated based on valid responses and rounded to one decimal place. Total percentages may exceed 100% for multiple-choice questions.
Survey Results Summary
Out of 172 respondents, 168 (97.7%) engage in Nuikatsu.
The most common Nuikatsu activities were 'Nuidori at tourist spots' (81.5%) and 'Nuidori at cafes/restaurants' (79.8%), indicating that these activities are linked to outings and dining experiences.
The most common concern in Nuikatsu was 'feeling self-conscious about others' gazes' (52.4%). This was followed by 'unable to take good photos' (40.5%) and 'unclear rules for each location' (39.9%).
These results suggest that Nuikatsu users are not just looking for 'instagrammable spots' but are also engaging in activities with anxieties such as 'Is it okay to take out my plushie here?', 'Is it okay to take photos?', and 'Am I bothering others?'
Image 3: Top 7 Nuikatsu Concerns (Multiple responses / n=168)
'Nuikatsu OK display' is most desired from restaurants and accommodations.
When asked about desired services and support from restaurants and accommodations for Nuikatsu, the most common response was 'display indicating Nuikatsu-friendly establishments' (68.9%). This was followed by 'installation of plushie photo spots' (56.3%).
On the other hand, plushie size
The survey results showed that the most common concern among Nuikatsu experienced users was 'feeling self-conscious about others' gazes' (52.4%). This was followed by 'unable to take good photos' (40.5%) and 'unclear rules for each location' (39.9%), indicating that psychological anxiety and a lack of clear rules are significant challenges when enjoying Nuikatsu outdoors.
Image 1: Survey on 'Realities and Challenges of Nuikatsu' with 172 Nuikatsu Users
Background of the Survey
In recent years, 'Nuikatsu' (plushie activities) and 'Nuidori' (plushie photography), which involve taking plushies out to tourist spots, cafes, and hotels for photos, have become a widespread cultural phenomenon as part of 'Oshikatsu' (supporting one's favorite character/idol) and enjoying character/animal plushies.
However, there are also opinions regarding hygiene, consideration for others, and photography etiquette when bringing plushies into restaurants or public places. Particularly during the period this survey was conducted, critical opinions about Nuikatsu photos were spreading on X, which may have heightened anxiety among Nuikatsu users about engaging in activities outdoors.
The purpose of this survey was to clarify what activities Nuikatsu users are engaging in, what challenges they face, and what information and support they seek from restaurants and accommodations during such a time.
Survey Overview
Image 2: Survey Overview
Survey Name
Survey on the Realities and Challenges of Nuikatsu
Survey Organizer
Hoshikaru LLC / Nuikatsu App 'Nuimap'
Survey Method
Online survey via Google Forms
Recruitment Method
Recruitment of responses via Nuimap's official X account
Survey Period
May 7, 2026 – May 8, 2026
Valid Responses
172
About Respondents
Nuikatsu experienced users: 168 (97.7%)
Age: Primarily 30s to 50s
Gender: Majority female
Prefecture: Tokyo was the most common at 19.5%. Kanto accounted for approximately 50%, with responses from across Japan.
Notes on the Survey: This survey compiled responses recruited via Nuimap's official X account, thus including many experienced Nuikatsu users. Additionally, the survey period coincided with a time when opinions regarding hygiene and consideration for others concerning Nuikatsu photos were spreading on X, so the results may reflect the atmosphere on social media at that time. Percentages are calculated based on valid responses and rounded to one decimal place. Total percentages may exceed 100% for multiple-choice questions.
Survey Results Summary
Out of 172 respondents, 168 (97.7%) engage in Nuikatsu.
The most common Nuikatsu activities were 'Nuidori at tourist spots' (81.5%) and 'Nuidori at cafes/restaurants' (79.8%), indicating that these activities are linked to outings and dining experiences.
The most common concern in Nuikatsu was 'feeling self-conscious about others' gazes' (52.4%). This was followed by 'unable to take good photos' (40.5%) and 'unclear rules for each location' (39.9%).
These results suggest that Nuikatsu users are not just looking for 'instagrammable spots' but are also engaging in activities with anxieties such as 'Is it okay to take out my plushie here?', 'Is it okay to take photos?', and 'Am I bothering others?'
Image 3: Top 7 Nuikatsu Concerns (Multiple responses / n=168)
'Nuikatsu OK display' is most desired from restaurants and accommodations.
When asked about desired services and support from restaurants and accommodations for Nuikatsu, the most common response was 'display indicating Nuikatsu-friendly establishments' (68.9%). This was followed by 'installation of plushie photo spots' (56.3%).
On the other hand, plushie size