What are Beans?

Kawaii Beans vs. Pop Beans

"Kawaii beans" are tiny, stylized, and chibi-porportioned collectible figures. The term "kawaii" is a Japanese word meaning "cute" and is primarily used in blind box communities to describe miniature desk toys, bag charms, or picket-sized characters and collectibles.

In the designer toy world, "beans" are ultra-miniature figurines that come in blind bags or blind boxes. Collectors often purchase a "bundle of beans" to trade or display on shelves, in glass jars, or clear bags. Most bean series have common figures, secret figures, special edition figures, and chaser figures. Non-common beans are highly sought after and can retain a high value to collectors.

Kawaii beans come in any number of characters and designs, and typically include any bean that is not created, marketed or distributed by the designer toy company, Pop Mart. 

"Pop Beans" are a specific type of kawaii bean that features characters developed and owned by Pop Mart. These characters are the sole intellectual property of the brand and are featured in several collectible series. Pop Beans also come in blind bags and feature common figures, secret figures, special edition figures, and exclusive figures that are only sold to specific market areas (such as Thailand). 

Pop Beans are considered the Cadillac of collectible kawaii beans and are appreciated for their high-quality, scarcity, and depth of series available. Secret and special edition figures can retain their value and sell well on the secondary market.

What Beans Should You Collect?

Kawaii beans are fun for all ages to collect and include a vast array of characters from easily recognizable ones such as those from the Harry Potter franchise, and Sanrio brand, to exclusive characters found in China, such as Lulu Pig.

Some collectors purchase beans of a certain color, character, or series, whatever the case, there are beans out there for everyone!