Hirono Backstory & Characters: Meaning, Story, and Figures
Hirono isn’t just another collectible figure. It’s a story that blends art, emotion, and the parts of us we often hide. This is the backstory behind Hirono, the character that turned blind boxes into tiny mirrors of the soul.
What Are Hirono Figures?
Hirono is a character created by Chinese artist Lang. He’s not a superhero, not a villain but just a quiet boy with a big inner world. Hirono was born from Lang’s personal memories: feeling like an outsider, chasing dreams in Beijing, and raising his child to be wild and free. Through this one character, Lang gives shape to emotions most of us never say out loud.
In 2011, Lang became the Art Director and co-founder of Pop Mart, the company known for turning designer toys into emotional storytelling experiences. Pop Mart helped bring Hirono to life, starting with The Other One series in 2021, and has since released multiple series that explore different emotional themes.
So, what are Hirono figures? They’re small vinyl collectibles, but each one is a visual story. Every design, whether it’s Ghost, Protector, Fading, or Parasite, captures a feeling many of us have felt but struggle to put into words.
And what is the meaning of Hirono? At its core, Hirono is about being human. Every figure reflects something real: loneliness, self-doubt, courage, loss, or quiet hope. Even the name itself “Hirono,” derived from the Japanese word for “wide field” suggests openness, growth, and emotional depth.
These aren’t just toys. They’re tiny, honest reminders that feeling deeply is part of what makes us real.
The Hirono Story: Not Just One Tale
Unlike most characters, Hirono doesn’t have one single storyline. Instead, his story unfolds through different Hirono blind box series. Each one captures a slice of life, a state of mind, or a hidden feeling. Think of it like chapters in a diary—quiet, raw, and honest.
Let’s break down some of the most important series in the Hirono story:
Popular Hirono Series (and number of characters per set)
1. The Other One (12 figures)
Launched: October 1, 2021
The first Hirono series dives deep into emotional honesty. Characters like Amnesia, Ghost, Cuckoo, Monster, Marionette, and the rare Dreaming explore feelings like loneliness, fear, and self-discovery.
2. Little Mischief (12 figures)
Launched: August 19, 2022
A mix of playfulness and pain. Figures like Pretender, Manacle, Protector, Birdman, and Destroyer reflect themes of childhood, trauma, masks, and freedom.
3. City of Mercy (12 figures)
Launched: December 22, 2022
This series looks at forgiveness and personal purpose. Characters like Fallen Angel, Echo, and Insight explore what it means to heal while navigating a flawed world.
4. Mime (12 figures)
Launched: July 14, 2023
A quiet, emotional series about the invisible struggles we face. Figures such as Poem, Patience, and the secret figure Silent express reflection, stillness, and self-expression.
5. Reshape (12 figures)
Launched: December 29, 2023
Focused on transformation, identity, and rebuilding. Includes Healing, Parasite, Drowning, Fading, Burst, and Puppet—each one showing the raw process of personal growth.
6. Shelter (12 figures)
Launched: July 19, 2024
A series about emotional safety and finding peace in chaos. Popular figures include Candleholder, Sunny Doll, Birdy, and others that show how hurt and healing coexist.
7. Hirono x Le Petit Prince (12 figures)
Launched: October 25, 2024
A soft, philosophical collaboration inspired by The Little Prince. Figures like The King, The Rose, and The Little Prince highlight themes of innocence, friendship, and wonder.
8. Hirono x CLOT (12 figures)
Launched: December 13, 2024
A bold collaboration with fashion label CLOT. Characters like Yin-Yang, Kung Fu, Alienegra, and Silk Royale mix tradition with rebellion, exploring identity, transformation, and creative freedom.
9. Echo (12 figures)
Launched: April 11, 2025
A deeply poetic set that reflects memory, childhood, and emotion through surreal imagery. Figures like Journey in the Rain, Get Lucky, Hiding Behind You, and the secret Never Growing Up explore the echoes of the past that shape who we are.
Why Hirono Matters
In a market full of cute, cheerful collectibles, Hirono stands out for being real. It doesn’t ask you to be perfect. It reminds you that it’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to be searching. It’s okay not to have it all figured out.
That’s why Hirono isn’t just for collectors. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt too much and said too little.
Hirono Characters That Resonate the Most
Here are a few Hirono characters fans connect with deeply:
- Ghost – For those who feel invisible
- Amnesia – For those who carry pain quietly
- Protector – For anyone who needed comfort during chaos
- Fading – For people who’ve changed and aren’t sure what’s left
- Marionette – For those cutting ties and finding their own voice
Each figure tells a part of a bigger hirono story—one that’s deeply personal, yet somehow universal.
Final Thoughts
Hirono’s backstory isn’t just one tale. It’s a collection of honest moments, made visual. From The Other One to Reshape, every series and every character brings a feeling to the surface that most toys would never touch.
So if you ever wondered what are Hirono figures, now you know they are tiny reminders that you’re not alone in what you feel.
And that’s what makes them unforgettable.
FAQs
1. What is the Hirono Reshape about?
Hirono Reshape is a blind box series that explores the idea that people unconsciously reshape themselves over time. Each figure symbolizes emotional change, like healing, fading, rebuilding, or pretending. It’s about how we grow through pain, and how even invisible changes shape who we become.
2. What does Hirono represent?
Hirono represents raw human emotion. Through every figure, the character expresses hidden feelings like fear, sadness, resilience, or self-discovery. Hirono is not a superhero—it’s a symbol of the quiet battles we all face and a reminder that it's okay to feel deeply.
3. How many Hirono figures are there?
There are over 100 unique Hirono figures across 9 official series, including secret editions and collaborations. Each series contains around 12 figures, and every design tells its own story.
4. What are Hirono figures made of?
Hirono figures are made of high-quality vinyl. They’re designed as collectible art toys, meant to capture emotion and storytelling through their physical design, not just to look cute or trendy.
5. Why are Hirono blind boxes so popular?
Because each Hirono figure connects with real human emotions. Fans love them not just for the art, but because they feel personal. Every unboxing is a chance to reflect, relate, or feel understood.
6. Are Hirono toys just for collectors?
No. While many people collect Hirono for display, others keep them for emotional comfort, artistic inspiration, or personal reflection. They're art pieces as much as they are collectibles.