ClipArt Korea
“Squishy” toys with a soft, squeezable texture are spreading like a must-have item among Japanese elementary school students. Though a simple toy that is pressed and kneaded by hand, its calming touch that eases the mind and reduces stress is cited as the secret behind its popularity. However, some point out that caution is needed, as harmful substances have been detected in certain products and there have been cases of burns from misuse.
According to Japan’s Toyama TV on the 27th, squishies made of soft materials such as urethane and silicone have recently gained great popularity among Japanese children.
A squishy is a toy that slowly returns to its original shape after a certain time, even when pressed hard by hand. Made in various shapes such as bread, fruit, animals, and characters, it has drawn steady attention on social networking services (SNS) thanks to its distinctive soft texture.
“Soft Texture Eases Tension”… Squishies Become ‘Healing Toys’
The price of squishies sold in Japan varies by product, ranging from about 300 yen (2,700 won) to 2,600 yen (23,000 won).
One fourth-grade elementary school student said, “After finishing dental treatment, I asked my parents to buy me a squishy as a reward,” adding, “Most of my friends each have one.” Another student showed strong attachment, saying, “I can’t do without a squishy. I don’t think I could live without it.”
Some analysts say the popularity is difficult to explain by cute design alone. The very act of repeatedly pressing and touching with the hands can influence easing tension and calming the mind, they say.
Horita Shugo, a professor at Meiji University’s School of Law and author of “The Encyclopedia of Scientifically Proven Great Habits,” explained that “it is a natural phenomenon for ‘healing toys’ like squishies to become popular in modern society where stress easily accumulates.” Professor Horita analyzed that “the soft and elastic texture of a squishy resembles human skin, which can provide psychological comfort.” He explained that it can unconsciously evoke the feel of a caregiver’s skin that one has felt familiar with since childhood.
The movement of a pressed squishy slowly regaining its original form, rather than abruptly, was also cited as a factor that enhances psychological stability. Professor Horita said, “Slow movement has the effect of calming a person’s mind,” adding that a sense of stability can also be felt in the process of watching a squishy gradually restore its shape after being pressed.
There is also analysis that for children accustomed to digital screens such as smartphones and tablet PCs, the experience of directly feeling texture with their fingertips acts as a fresh stimulus.
Unlike the act of pressing a screen, a squishy’s shape and texture change depending on the force or direction of pressing. This kind of analog sensation draws the interest not only of children but also of adults.
“Exploded After Being Put in the Microwave”… Toxic Substance Controversy
As popularity grows, voices are also rising that safety should be carefully checked in the process of using and purchasing products.
In the United Kingdom, a case was reported in which a child put a squishy in the microwave to warm it up, and the contents inside exploded, causing serious burns to the face and chest. Since squishies are not products for heating, they should not be placed in microwaves or ovens.
The chemical safety of low-priced products and counterfeits is also controversial. Harmful chemicals such as benzene were detected in some counterfeit squishies distributed in the United Kingdom. The benzene content in some products was confirmed to exceed the legal permissible standard by up to four times. Distributors subsequently recalled the problematic products.
Benzene is a substance classified as a “Group 1 carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organization, which judged that it can cause cancer in humans.
On domestic online communities, accounts have also been shared of hives appearing on the skin or abnormal symptoms such as styes around the eyes after touching squishies.
The Korea Consumer Agency is reportedly conducting a safety investigation to examine whether harmful substances are detected in squishy products sold on the market and the state of ingredient labeling.
Experts advise that, since these are products used by children, it is best to check whether they meet safety standards such as KC certification, as well as the manufacturer and ingredient labeling, and not to use products that give off an excessively strong chemical smell. They also point out the need not to put products in the mouth or heat them, and to wash hands cleanly after use.