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Fran Lu

Chinese toymaker Pop Mart’s new blind box series, inspired by the Buddhist ritual instrument called muyu, or “wooden fish,” has become the latest sensation in China following the success of Labubu.
The series, titled Pucky Knock Knock, was launched in January and is priced at 99 yuan (US$14) per piece.
This plush toy keychain series showcases a charming and fluffy character that holds a wooden drumstick.
One can pull out the drumstick to knock on the toy’s head, producing the electronic sound of a muyu.

Muyu is a fish-shaped woodblock traditionally used by Buddhist monks as an instrument to maintain rhythm while chanting sutras.
Originating in China, it combines the Buddhist Ghanta bell and the fish, which symbolises the unblinking diligence of monks in their quest for the Buddha’s teachings.
In contemporary times, muyu has made its way into mobile apps, allowing users to collect merits and good luck whenever they desire.
These apps typically display an image of muyu on the screen, and by tapping the screen, users can hear the sound of knocking on a real muyu, often accompanied by messages such as “merit +1” to signify the accumulation of merits.
The electronic muyu apps are particularly popular with young people, who report finding tranquility in the meditative act of “knocking” on it.

Occasionally, users also humorously invoke the electronic muyu to reclaim their merits after indulging in dark humour.
The Pucky Knock Knock series, affectionately dubbed “the electronic muyu of Pop Mart,” includes six regular figures and one hidden edition.
The regular versions assist their owners in collecting cleverness, happiness, fate, luck, wisdom, and wealth, while the hidden edition aids in accumulating “success.”
The product has quickly sold out in the official store, with the hidden edition fetching three times its original price on the second-hand market.
The Pucky Knock Knock series is derived from the character Pucky, created by Hong Kong artist Pucky for the brand in 2018.
The excitement surrounding the series has established it as the successor to the brand’s beloved character Labubu on social media.
Some overwhelmed workers have stated that the Pucky Knock Knock helps them manage work-related stress.

“Whenever my boss irritates me at work, I take out my Pucky, knock on it, and gather one more merit, along with one less trouble,” shared a social media user.
Previously, other products have also gone viral for their stress-relieving qualities.
In 2024, green bananas gained popularity among workers due to the phrase “stop banana green” in Chinese, which sounds like “stop anxiety.”
They bought a bunch of green bananas to place on their desks, envisioning their anxieties fading away as the bananas ripened.
Another popular item is squishy toys, known affectionately as “nie nie” by their fans. These toys come in various designs but share a soft, squishy texture, earning the reputation of being “the best stress reliever.”
Meanwhile, spiritual practices are also embracing the digital age. In addition to electronic muyu, there are apps and devices that digitise practices such as incense burning, Buddhist chanting, and prayer wheel spinning.
Some individuals even set images of the God of Wealth as their mobile phone wallpaper.


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China new blind box series features cute muyu-inspired toys to help ‘gain merits’, reduce stress

Pop Mart’s Pucky Knock Knock new blind box series features cute figures inspired by muyu, appealing to youth interests in luck and temple visits. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote/ifeng

The Pucky Knock Knock series introduces an adorable character with a wooden drumstick. When users knock on its head, it produces the electronic sound of a muyu. Photo: Handout

Muyu, a fish-shaped woodblock traditionally used by Buddhist monks, keeps rhythm during sutra chanting. Photo: Shutterstock

The new toy muyu allows users to collect merits and invite good luck anytime, with excitement over the series positioning it as the successor to the beloved Labubu (above) on social media. Photo: Reuters/Mike Segar/File Photo

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People & Culture

In digital age, spiritual practices are evolving as various apps and devices now digitise rituals like incense burning, Buddhist chanting


In digital age, spiritual practices are evolving as various apps and devices now digitise rituals like incense burning, Buddhist chanting.


Pop Mart

Labubu

China new blind box series features cute muyu-inspired toys to help ‘gain merits’, reduce stress

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}In digital age, spiritual practices are evolving as various apps and devices now digitise rituals like incense burning, Buddhist chanting

In digital age, spiritual practices are evolving as various apps and devices now digitise rituals like incense burning, Buddhist chanting