Hirono series proves that toys can hold emotion. These dreamy, melancholic figures from POP MART have captivated art toy collectors and Gen Z alike. Whether clipped onto keychains, displayed on shelves, or featured in social media posts, Hirono is everywhere. Fans eagerly share unboxing videos, sentimental interpretations, and meme edits. This proves that these figures are more than collectibles—they’re companions with stories of their own.
Photo from: POP MART Philippines
Each Hirono series consists of 12 standard figures and one hidden edition. Since the figures come in blind boxes, every unboxing is a surprise, adding to the thrill of collecting. With a hidden edition appearing only once in every 144 boxes, the chase element keeps fans hooked. But it’s not just the chase that makes these figures worth collecting.
Hirono, created by contemporary artist Lang, is a deeply complex character designed to capture life’s subtle fluctuations. Through Hirono, Lang preserves the fleeting emotions that define our true selves—love, joy, sadness, fear, kindness, cowardice, and more—giving collectors not only a figure but a piece of meaningful art.
The Emotional Depth Behind Hirono’s Design
Hirono Shelter is one of the highly sought-after products from Pop Mart. Hirono, representing the depth of human emotions, reflects the notion that a shelter can be a physical place to stay but also a way to hide from sadness and worries. Throughout this series, Hirono morphs into different forms, items, and environments, each seeking comfort and safety in a complex and often overwhelming world.
From bottom left to right, here are some of the meanings behind this collection:
CIRCUS
This Hirono represents fun and distraction but beneath the surface, it conceals the truth that sometimes we use joy and laughter to mask the sadness and chaos within.
FORT
This Hirono chooses to hide himself in a fort to protect himself and avoid any attack, even if it means being lonely.
WARRIOR
This Hirono illustrates how the battle to stay strong can leave us broken, carrying invisible wounds that others may never see.
POET
This Hirono hides behind the persona of a poet, concealing his flaws and true identity from others.
ALIEN
This Hirono adopts an alien disguise, feeling disconnected from the human world. It reflects the sensation of being out of place, as though not belonging anywhere or to anyone.
TRAFFIC CONE
This Hirono transforms into a traffic cone, symbolizing the boundaries he has set for himself. It also reflects how we might isolate ourselves, fearing that letting others get too close will see our true selves.
Why Gen Z Finds Hirono Relatable
Hirono’s appeal lies in its ability to reflect the collective emotional experiences of a generation coming of age in a world full of uncertainty. Themes like isolation, mental health struggles, and the quest for personal identity are deeply felt by this generation, especially how others perceive us, which affects us more than we often realize.
With its introspective nature, Hirono creates a comforting space where these feelings can be explored without judgment. Gen Z is known for valuing authenticity, and Hirono’s subtle yet profound messages resonate with this desire. The character’s vulnerability encourages young people to reflect on their own lives and find comfort in the shared experience of navigating a complicated world.