Is Labubu Japanese or Korean
Labubu is neither Japanese nor Korean. It is a Hong Kong–based designer toy created by artist Kasing Lung. The brand is owned and distributed by Pop Mart, a Chinese company headquartered in Beijing, which manages global production, licensing, and retail. The character first launched in Hong Kong and has since expanded into international markets through company-owned stores and authorized partners, with its design and intellectual property rooted in Hong Kong and mainland China read more.
The misconception that Labubu might be Japanese or Korean often comes from its anime-like aesthetic and strong presence in Asian pop culture markets. However, its origin is traceable to Kasing Lung’s work in Hong Kong and subsequent commercialization by Pop Mart in China. The brand’s visual identity, character lore, and primary corporate ownership are all tied to Hong Kong and China, not Japan or South Korea read more.
Creator and Corporate Ownership
Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong–born illustrator, designed Labubu as part of his broader “Monster” series. Pop Mart acquired the rights to produce and sell the figure globally, positioning Labubu as one of its flagship designer toy brands. The company operates factories and supply chains primarily in China and manages global distribution from its Beijing headquarters, with regional offices in markets including the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia read more.
Pop Mart’s corporate filings and public disclosures confirm its role as the owner and operator of the Labubu brand. The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and reports revenue tied directly to Labubu and similar collectible toy lines. This corporate structure and IP ownership clearly place Labubu under Hong Kong and Chinese commercial control, with no Japanese or Korean corporate parent read more.
Design Origin and Global Market Presence
Labubu’s design originates from Kasing Lung’s illustrations developed in Hong Kong, with early prototypes and artwork created in the region before mass production. The character’s features, including its sharp teeth and mischievous expression, are consistent across all official releases and are protected under trademarks and copyrights held by Pop Mart and its affiliates in Hong Kong and China read more.
Globally, Labubu has ranked among the top-selling designer toys in markets such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia. Its popularity has driven significant revenue growth for Pop Mart, with the company expanding retail footprint and online sales channels. The brand’s market data and corporate reporting consistently identify its origin as Hong Kong and China, not Japan or South Korea read more.