Hong Kong men embrace plush bag charms as comfort and self-expression

Plush keychains and character accessories have become increasingly visible on the bags of men across Hong Kong, with wearers describing them as sources of comfort and personal expression rather than childish decoration. Bryan Hui, a 31-year-old architect, carries a plush Chiikawa character on his black backpack while commuting and meeting clients. He said the character’s story appealed to him and that the charm made him feel comforted.

Hui owns nearly 50 Chiikawa plush toys at home. Hui said he began attaching character charms to his belongings in 2024 and initially worried about how people would judge him. He now leaves the accessory on his bag during work meetings and said professional ability should not be determined by whether someone carries a toy.

Wayne Chiu Tsz-wai, a 39-year-old property manager, began displaying charms two years ago after becoming interested in the same series. He said most reactions had been positive, although some people had told him men should not carry stuffed toys. Chiu said he generally ignored such comments because the charms made him feel good.

William Yu Shing-wai, a 39-year-old building surveyor and Pokémon fan, also attaches smaller character charms to his work bag. He said he had seen older men and retirees carrying them in public and therefore did not feel embarrassed or childish. Clinical psychologist Amos Cheung Chuen-yih said stereotypes around plush toys had weakened.

He said men increasingly saw the accessories as a form of self-expression and that soft toys could help people of any gender manage anxiety and improve their mood. Cheung also linked the appeal of soft toys to feelings associated with childhood care and protection. He said gender restrictions could still influence the characters men chose, but expected those limits to loosen as Hong Kong society became more open and inclusive.