Step into the magical world of Moomin, a beloved series about the adventures of chubby trolls with big round snouts! Created by Finnish artist Tove Jansson, these cute tales about Moomintroll and his family, the Moomins, have charmed readers worldwide. But did you know Moomin is huge in Japan? From cafes and plushies to entire theme parks, the Moomin magic has taken over the land of kawaii. Let’s explore why these cute trolls continue to steal the spotlight!
- Japanese name: ムーミン (Mū-min)
- Creator: Tove Jansson
- Country of origin: Finland
- Species: Trolls
- Number of books: 9
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Fun fact: The Moomins can’t be seen by human beings!
WHAT IS MOOMIN?
Moomin is a super cute series of books and comics about a group of funny, magical creatures called Moomins. Created by Finnish artist Tove Jansson, the story follows the adventures of Moomintroll and his family in their charming world. What started as books and comics has grown into a brimming kawaii franchise filled with movies, TV shows, and even theme parks! With heartwarming tales and lovable characters, Moomin has become a timeless favorite for people of all ages worldwide.
WHAT IS MOOMIN ABOUT?
Imagine a magical valley where surprises are waiting around every corner—that’s what the Moomin stories are all about! They take the readers on exciting journeys with Moomintroll, the main character, and his family who live in the peaceful Moominvalley.
“Oh, I love the forest and the sea, the rain and the wind, the sunshine and the grass and the moss. If they were all gone, I could never survive.--Moomintroll”
The Moomins face all kinds of challenges, from storms to helping unexpected visitors. At its core, the series is all about the adventures of everyday life and friendship.
WHAT ANIMAL IS MOOMIN?
At first glance, you might think that the Moomins are adorable little hippopotamuses with their round, white bodies and big, snuffy noses. But no—they’re actually trolls! Yep, despite looking like hippos with big round snouts, the Moomins are fictional creatures inspired by magical trolls from Scandinavian folklore. They aren’t the scary kind though. They’re super sweet and friendly!
What’s even more interesting is that, in their world, Moomins aren’t usually seen by humans. (You might see human-looking characters in the story, but no, they’re also a type of fictional little person.) Tove, the artist, said that the Moomins are not spirits or monsters, but are living beings that are close to us even if we can’t see them. So, while they look a bit like animals, the Moomins are special trolls with their own magical charm.
WHO CREATED MOOMIN?
Moomin was created by Tove Jansson, a Swedish-speaking Finnish writer and artist born in 1914. Tove came up with the idea for the Moomins when she was just a kid! One day, she drew a funny, odd creature on the wall after chatting with her brother, and that creature turned into Moomintroll!
The Moomin family is based on Tove’s own family, and many of the characters reflect her love of nature and her creative spirit. Tove wrote and illustrated nine Moomin books and even made Moomin comic strips for the world’s largest newspaper—London’s Evening News!
WHAT DOES MOOMIN MEAN?
There are actually two stories behind the meaning of the word “moomin,” as explained by Tove Jansson. First, Tove once said that her uncle made up the word “moomintroll” to scare her as a child. He told her that cold moomintrolls lived in his pantry and would rub their noses on her if she tried to sneak food. How spooky and silly! Another story Tove shared is a letter explaining that she had created the word “mumintrollen” in Swedish, adding the letter “m” because it sounds soft, just like the Moomin’s look.
THE MOOMIN BOOKS
Now, let’s explore the beginning of them all — the Moomin books. These are a magical series full of adventure and heart! The first book, “The Moomins and the Great Flood,” was written during the Winter War, a conflict between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1939-1940. Tove felt all the lovely colors had died during the war and she needed to write something with a happy ending. That’s why Moomin stories capture both sorrow and hope for a better future.
Although the reception was initially slow, the third book, “Finn Family Moomintroll,” became an international bestseller. Over the years, Tove wrote nine main Moomin books, like “Comet in Moominland” and “Moominsummer Madness,” plus five picture books. These stories have been translated into many languages, helping the Moomins reach readers around the world!
WHERE DO MOOMINS LIVE?
The Moomins live in a magical place called Moominvalley, a beautiful valley where fairies and other wonderful creatures live. It’s also home to Lonely Mountain, which rises up to the east and adds to the enchanting beauty of the place!
At the heart of Moominvalley stands the Moominhouse that Moominpappa built, sitting on a bridge that crosses a lovely river. The house is surrounded by lilac bushes to the north, and to the west, you can see the sea. If you walk down the pier, you’ll find a cute bathing hut. It’s the perfect home for Moomintroll and his family.
IS MOOMIN FINNISH OR JAPANESE?
Is Moomin from Finland, Sweden, or Japan? Where is Moomin from exactly? While Moominvalley isn’t a real place you can visit on a map, it’s based on the nature and islands of Finland, where Tove spent her summers. So, Moomin originated from Finland. But despite its Nordic culture, Moomin has a huge fanbase in Japan, so it’s no surprise that you might think it's a kawaii icon from Japan, just like Hello Kitty and Mofusand!
WHY DOES FINLAND LOVE MOOMIN?
Before we talk more about Moomin in Japan, let’s look into Finland’s love for Moomin first. The Finns love Moomin not just because the books originated from Finland, but because each story feels like a warm hug. The quirky characters won hearts and became a treasured part of Finnish culture.
Like the Moomins, Finns love spending time in nature, making them feel connected to the stories. Over the years, Moomins have inspired toys, TV shows, and even a theme park called Moominworld in Naantali and a museum in Tampere. It’s no wonder Finland treasures these lovable characters!
WHY DO THE JAPANESE LIKE MOOMIN?
Moomin may come from the West, but did you know that it’s more popular in Japan than in the US? That’s right! With a lot of Moomin shops, themed cafes, and even Moominvalley Park, Moomin’s presence in Japan can’t go unnoticed. The Moomin books were first translated into Japanese in the late 1960s, and Moomin cartoon series was aired in the 90s, but fans still love the charming stories and characters.
It’s easy to say that Moomin was very much welcomed in Japan because of the kawaii and minimalist design, but there’s actually a deeper reason behind this popularity. The Moomin books are special because everyone can enjoy them—kids love the charming stories while adults appreciate the ideas about life and freedom. Additionally, Moomin’s being multi-media (books, TV shows, and even Moomin merchandise) made it possible for the cute characters to spread cuteness everywhere in Japan.
THE MOOMIN ANIMATED SERIES
The Moomins have an exciting history in Japan! The first Moomin animated series aired in 1969, but it would look odd to any Moomin fan today. It was quite different from the original novel—the characters didn’t look the same, and the storyline included not-so-kid-friendly elements like violence and alcohol—a world very different from Tove Jansson’s original creations. This version wasn’t approved by Tove, so it stayed in Japan.
Then came the global sensation in 1990 which made Moomins famous worldwide. This version entitled “Tanoshi Mumin Ikka,” made with the help of Finnish, Dutch, and Japanese creators, stayed true to the magical spirit of Moominvalley. Did you know this series sparked a “Moomin boom” in Japan during the 1990s? People became obsessed with Moomin stationery and plushies!
THE MOOMINVALLEY SERIES
In 2019, the Moomins got a fresh remake with its latest series, “Moominvalley!” This British-Finnish animated family drama series brings the curious Moomintroll and his family to life again. Created using new techniques in 3D CGI, it’s a new way to enjoy the Moomin stories. Fun fact—it’s actually Finland’s most expensive television show, with a €20 million budget!
WHERE TO WATCH MOOMIN?
If you’re wondering where to watch Moomin, you’re in for a treat! You can find episodes and clips on the Moomin Official channel on YouTube, where you can enjoy the old series for free.
“Isn’t life exciting! Everything can change all of a sudden, and for no reason at all!”
For newer series like the Moominvalley, check streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime—it depends on your location. You might also find DVDs or Blu-rays of the classic shows if you want to build your own Moomin collection.
WATCH MOOMIN ON STAGE!
In addition to the TV series, several stage productions have also been made from the Moomin stories, including some that Tove herself was involved in. The earliest production was a 1949 theatrical version of “Comet in Moominland.” Since then, the Moomin stage plays have brought the magical world of Moominvalley to theaters all around the globe, including Finland, Sweden, Japan, and more.
One special show in Tokyo is “Moominsummer Madness,” a puppet play based on one Moomin book. The puppets are as tall as children and are moved by puppeteers, just like in traditional Japanese Bunraku theater!
LET’S MEET THE MOOMINS!
The Moomin stories are filled with so many unique and lovable characters, each with their own quirky personalities and adventures! Some are funny, others are a little more serious, but all of them add something special to Moominvalley. Let’s take a closer look at them!
Moomintroll (ムーミントロール)
Moomin for short, Moomintroll is the little boy of the family, interested in and excited about everything he sees and finds. He always tries to be good, but sometimes gets into trouble while doing so! Nevertheless, he’s still a kind and caring troll who loves nature and is a true friend. Although he can be sensitive, Moomintroll is brave and always looks at the positive side of any situation.
Moominpappa (ムーミンパパ)
Orphaned in his younger years, Moominpappa is a bit of a restless soul who left the orphanage when he was young. But now, he has settled down and is determined to be a responsible father to his family. Moominpappa sees himself as a great thinker, storyteller, and adventurer, and his family is always happy to indulge him!
Moominmamma (ムーミンママ)
The calm mother, Moominmamma takes care of the Moominhouse, although her housekeeping might seem unusual. She’d rather leave the dishes out in the rain than wash them herself! She wants everyone to be happy and acts as the mediator of the house, settling things when someone is wronged. Moominmamma always brings good food and whatever else may be needed in her handbag.
Little My (リトルミイ)
This mischievous little girl sometimes does mean things on purpose. Cynical and spunky, Littly My finds messiness exciting and is very down to earth, especially when others are not. She lives in the Moominhouse where she always waits for adventures and catastrophes!
Snufkin (スナフキン)
A lonesome philosophical traveler, Snufkin is Moomin’s best friend. He likes to play the harmonica and travel the world with only a few possessions so life wouldn’t be too complicated. Snufkin comes and goes as he pleases, is carefree, and has many admirers in Moominvalley. He’s also fearless and calm even in the most dire situations, and this has helped Moomintroll and the others a lot of times.
Snorkmaiden (スノークのおじょうさん)
This happy and creative girl is a dreamer whose imagination comes in handy on adventures. She is very resourceful and quick-thinking. Once, she rescued Moomintroll from a sea octopus with nothing more than a ruby looking-glass! She loves nice clothes and jewelry, and she thinks of herself as Moomin’s girlfriend. Her body changes to yellow when she’s happy, green when anxious, and purple when scared.
Mymble / Mimura-san (ミムラねえさん)
Little My’s big sister and Snufkin’s half-sister, Mymble is very imaginative—often found spinning stories and making up fantastical tales. Since she was young, she has been left in charge of her many siblings, but that responsibility was too much for her carefree spirit! She prefers her independent life in Moominvalley where she is free to do whatever she wants.
Snork (スノーク)
This diligent and ingenious man from the Snork tribe, a race similar to the Moomins, is introverted by nature and is always inventing things. The residents of Moominvalley always ask him for help in solving tricky problems. Like his sister, Snorkmaiden, he also changes color according to his mood.
Too-Ticky (トゥーティッキ)
A wise and kind neighbor that the Moomin family truly admires, Too-Ticky is a deep thinker and lives in harmony with the world around her. She doesn’t want to tell others how to live, but she’s always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Fillyjonks (フィリージョンクス)
The Fillyjonks family is all about routine, order, and discipline. They panic if things are jumbled up and they get frustrated if others don’t behave to their liking. That’s why their home is spotless and it often takes a crisis to set them free of their long lists of chores! Among them, Mrs. Fillyjonk is the most well-known in Moominvalley.
Sniff (スニフ)
A creature who also lives in the Moominhouse, Sniff likes to be a part of everything, but is afraid to do anything dangerous. He’s kind of materialistic and makes many plans to get rich, but he always fails.
Toffle / Cunit (クニット)
An easily frightened character, Toffle is scared of many things. He lives in the Moominvalley but he is very lonely, so he decides to go on an adventure to find a friend. On his journey, he rescued another lonely girl named Miffle.
The Muddler (ロッドユール)
This shy and scatterbrained character loves collecting buttons, even though he always loses them! He lives in a coffee tin, wears a pan on his head, and dresses in ragged clothes. The Muddler met his wife, Fuzzy, during an adventure with Moominpappa, and they are Sniff’s parents. He’s also the nephew of inventor Hodgkins!
Stinky (スティンキー)
A small, irate creature with a fuzzy body and two little antennae, Stinky often causes trouble for the residents of Moominvalley. He’s always up to some sneaky scheme, like a proud villain. Even though he’s a known criminal, the Moomin family is on good terms with him.
The Ancestor (ご先祖さま)
A small, furry gray troll with a large snout and a long black tail, the Ancestor doesn’t speak nor eat. Moomintroll releases it from a cabinet in the bathhouse and gets acquainted with it. The Moomins let it move into the Moominhouse and it built a small home for itself around the tiled stove.
The Lady of the Cold / Ice Princess (氷姫)
Also translated to Ice Princess, The Lady of the Cold is a mysterious character in the Moomin series, appearing only in “Winter in Moominvalley.” She is described as a strikingly beautiful woman, but she was actually never illustrated in the series. When you look into her eyes, you’ll freeze and turn into ice! Out of fear, most creatures stay away when she arrives.
Mr. Brisk (ブリスク)
This character is a sports enthusiast who loves cold weather and exercises above anything else. Aside from a wide smile, he also wears a wool sweater, a bobble hat, and tights. He also encourages the Moomins to do sports (even though they’re unwilling) like skiing, skating, and ice swimming.
Hemulens (ヘムレン)
The Hemulens all share certain traits: they like order, believe in duty, and feel that rules should be followed by the book. They also like collecting—plants, insects, stamps—anything! Most of them lack sense of humor, but they can be high-spirited.
Thingumy and Bob (トフスランとビフスラン)
Thingumy and Bob are two tiny, inseparable, secretive creatures who arrive in Moominvalley with a mysterious suitcase and a knack for keeping things hush-hush. They even have their own special language that they can only understand. While they have a habit of "borrowing" things that aren’t theirs, they’re not troublemakers at heart and usually return what they’ve taken if it’s dearly missed.
The Muskrat (じゃこうねずみ)
A serious and hairy philosopher who loves solitude and his prized book, the Muskrat often lounges in their hammock. Moominpappa accidentally destroys his home, so he has to move in with the Moomins. But the life in the lively Moominhouse often tests his patience, so he eventually moves to Sniff’s cave.
Emma the Stage Rat (エンマ)
When the Moomins were forced to move due to a flood, they met Emma. She’s an angry, wrinkled, and gray stage rat. At first, Emma doesn’t like the Moomins — she complains about the food they serve and gets upset when they don’t know anything about theatre. Later on, however, she becomes calm and patient with them.
Misabel / Misa (ミーサ)
A small and sensitive girl, Misabel feels very sorry for herself even when there’s no reason to. She got her temper from her parents who are also bad-tempered. She does, however, seem to like feeling miserable that when she got to play the role of Primadonna who meets a tragic end, she is the happiest she has ever been!
The Lighthouse Keeper (灯台守)
The Lighthouse Keeper lives all by himself on the island. That is, until the Moomins move in! He’s super shy and avoids other people. He even avoids the lighthouse because he’s terrified! But when the Moomins find out it’s his birthday, they throw him a party in the lighthouse. Surrounded by their warmth and kindness, he finally feels brave enough to become the lighthouse keeper again.
Ninny, the Invisible Child (ニンニ)
After being treated badly for a long time, Ninny became invisible. She comes to the Moomin family in the hopes that their care will make her visible again. At first, she’s so proper and polite that Moomintroll and Little My find her annoying to play with! But the Moomins each help Ninny and over time, she becomes visible again.
The Island Ghost (おばけ)
Trying its best to spook Moominpappa and the Moomins, the Island Ghost creates creaky stairs and a chilly, eerie atmosphere. However, they aren’t scared at all! It didn’t stop trying until it was invited to attend a special Ghost Council and was named “The Terror of Horror Island.”
The Groke (モラン)
The Groke may look scary, but she’s actually misunderstood. Cold and solitary, this creature is loneliness personified. She seeks warmth and light, but the ground freezes beneath her and her icy presence leaves others thinking sad thoughts.
The Hobgoblin / Flying Oni (飛行おに)
A magical, ruby-obsessed character with a magic hat for collecting rubies, the Hobgoblin travels the globe for the King’s Ruby and his search leads him to Moominvalley. The Moomins are a bit scared of him at first, but they quickly realize that anyone who loves pancakes can’t be all that bad.
Flower Horse (はなうま)
This talking horse is owned by the circus star, Primadonna. It has a black coat with a flower pattern, and it gladly offers advice to others.
The Hattifatteners (ニョロニョロ)
Also known as the restless wanderers of Moominvalley, the Hattifatteners are mysterious creatures who keep on moving towards the horizon. They look like mushroom stalks with paws and they grow from little white seeds.
Woodies (森の子どもたち)
Also called Children of the Forest in Japanese, the Woodies are twenty-four small lost or forgotten children. They were living in a guarded park against their will until Snufkin released them.
Toft (トフト)
A quiet, shy boy with big eyes and messy hair, Toft sometimes feels lonely and out of place. He lives alone under the tarpaulin of Hemulen’s boat and often tells himself stories about Moominvalley. One autumn, he decides to visit the valley, but the Moomins are gone and no one knows if they’ll come back. Toft stays in the Moominhouse to greet the Moomins when they return.
WHO IS MOOMIN DATING?
Moomintroll, the main character, is often seen with Snorkmaiden as his love interest. And, as we’ve mentioned above, Snorkmaiden sees herself as Moomin’s girlfriend! Throughout the books, Moomintroll’s feelings for Snorkmaiden are clear, and they share a sweet, gentle relationship. However, as with many of Tove Jansson’s characters, their relationships are not always simple or conventional, which adds to the unique charm!
For example, the friendship between Moomintroll and Snufkin is very special. They care about each other a lot, but they also give each other space to be free and do their own thing. Then there are characters like Little My and the Hemulen, who are so different that they sometimes argue but still manage to be good friends in their own way. These kinds of relationships show that people don’t have to be exactly the same to get along, which makes the Moomin stories feel real and heartwarming for everyone!
IS MOOMIN LGBTQ?
Speaking of unconventional, the Moomin stories have often been celebrated for their themes of acceptance, individuality, and love in all its forms. While the stories don’t explicitly label characters with modern LGBTQ+ terminology, many fans and scholars see strong LGBTQ+ undertones. Some fans even ship Moomin and Snufkin!
Tove Jansson herself was in a long-term relationship with her female partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, who inspired the character Too-Ticky in the Moomin series. Too-Ticky is a wise, gender-neutral figure who embodies themes of understanding and open-mindedness. The inclusive and universal messages in the Moomin tales have made the series a symbol of love and acceptance for many.
WHO IS THE MOST POPULAR MOOMIN CHARACTER?
Would you believe it if we told you that the most popular character isn’t Moomin himself, even though he’s the star of the series? Yes, according to a survey of Moomin fans in Japan, Moomin is just third. Instead, Little My is the crowd favorite! People love her fiery energy and adventurous spirit. Coming in second is Snufkin, the wanderer who enjoys freedom.
VISIT THE MOOMINS!
If you like to get a glimpse of the beautiful Moominvalley, fly to Japan and head over Moominvalley Park! It’s a Moomin theme park built in Hanno City, alongside a Metsa Village, a Nordic-themed outdoor activity area. The park is surrounded by forest and a lake, with locations inspired by Moominvalley. It’s like you’re being transported to the Moomin stories.
Guests can explore four floors of the Moominhouse and meet all the characters. There’s also an immersive theatre experience and other exciting activities. And of course, there’s a lot of exclusive Moomin merchandise up for grabs!
Another Moomin-themed park that’s also in Hanno City is the Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park. It’s a free park built in 1997 with permission from the artist Tove Jansson. The park used to be called Moomin Valley, but the name has been adjusted in recent years since the opening of Moominvalley Park and Metsa Village. It’s a smaller park, but fans can easily access it and enjoy the Moomin experience!
DANCING WITH THE MOOMINS
In Moominvalley, dancing is a way to share joy and have fun, no matter what’s happening. The Moomins love throwing parties with their friends, and there’s always room for a little dance! Even in tough times, like when a comet was coming, Snorkmaiden still wanted to enjoy a forest dance. These moments of happiness show us that you don’t need a big reason to celebrate—just dance and have fun with the people you love!
LET’S PLAY WITH THE MOOMINS!
Moomins have stepped into the gaming world with some features over the years! There was a PC game called “The Moomins and the Hobgoblin’s Hat,” and a Game Boy Color game called “Moomin’s Tale.” Nintendo DS also got a taste of Moomin fun with “Moomin Tani no Okurimono,” a game exclusive to Japan and China.
As for more recent games, there’s “Snufkiin: Melody of Moominvalley” released in 2024 for Steam and Nintendo Switch, which features Snufkiin on a musical quest. Fans can also enjoy Moomin-themed events in collaboration with games like “Sky: Children of the Light” and “Line Pop 2.” These games prove Moomiin Magic is perfect for players of all ages!
THE MOOMIN MUSEUM
If you’re more into “real” Moomin experiences, no problem! Why not try to visit a Moomin Museum to immerse yourself in a magical Moomin experience? The one and only Moomin Museum in the world is found in Tampere, Finland. It has a unique collection of thousands of objects that Tove Jansson donated in the 1980s. The most important item is the five-story Moomin House, over two meters high!
This museum opened in 2017 with a mission to provide a fun experience for people of all ages. It’s a modern museum where you can find Jansson’s original drawings and other 3D works by her partner, Tuulikki. All these art are displayed in a way that stimulates your five senses!
EXPERIENCE MOOMIN IN JAPAN
For those in Japan, good news! Japan is full of magical Moomin exhibits you’ll love! At Moominvalley Park in Hanno, the Kokemus Center has Japan’s first permanent Moomin exhibit. It features a gigantic, eight-meter diorama of Moominvalley, and even artworks from the Helsinki Art Museum in Finland.
There are also some pop-up exhibitions from time to time, like the “Convivial Life at Moomin’s Table” which presented Moominvalley’s rich culinary culture, and the “Moomin Comic Strips Exhibition” that featured 280 rare sketches by Tove and her brother Lars Jansson. Plus, there’s even an exhibition that toured around eight cities in Japan for two years! This was the “Moomin: The Art and the Story” featuring ver 600 of Tove’s original illustrations.
CELEBRATE MOOMIN DAY!
Did you know that Moomin has his own special day? Moomin Day is celebrated not just in Finland but also in Japan and Arabia! This special day honors Tove Jansson and her work. In Japan, Moominvalley Park hosts a whole week of fun and activities from exciting events to exclusive Moomin goodies. Even the park staff join the celebration, wearing Moomin Day T-shirts. There’s so much to enjoy on this day!
CELEBRATIONS AT MOOMINVALLEY PARK
Aside from Moomin Day, Moominvalley Park also hosts other special events and makes them Moomin-style. Every autumn, the park holds its Harvest Festival which lasts for around a month. Limited-time menu items and workshops are available during these events.
Even the Moomin characters get to have their special events at Moominvalley Park! There’s the “Little My Fair” that features the charm of the fiery Little My, and “Moominmamma’s Rose Fair” to celebrate Mother’s Day, which is also in conjunction with the Spring Festival.
MOOMINVALLEY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
Moomiinvalley Park also has a special winter event every year. During the day, you’ll find snowy decorations and fun outdoor play spots. You can even meet Moran, a special winter guest. As night falls, the park transforms into a dazzling Winter Wonderland with colorful lights and projection mapping. There’s an app with Sound AR narration that makes exploring even more magical—just don’t forget your earphones and download the app in advance. The grand finale? Stunning fireworks over the lake!
MOOMIN CARES FOR ANIMALS
Moomin isn’t just all fun, it’s also about caring. That’s why it had a collaboration with Zoetis Japan, a leading company in animal health. The “Human Animal Bond with Moomin” project kicked off in November 2024, celebrating the joy of living together with animals. Zoetis brought Moomin characters into veterinary clinics, making visits more cheerful while promoting the importance of pet health and well-being.
MOOMIN SPREADS KINDNESS
The spirit of caring doesn’t stop with animals—it extends to people too. Moomin by Arabia, a tableware brand featuring Moomin, teamed up with Red Cross for a special project that launched on Moomin Day in 2022. This beautiful collection of mugs, plates, and bowls featured Tove Jansson’s illustrations and celebrated the idea of “Mooments of Kindness.”
Each purchase donated 1 Euro to Red Cross societies worldwide, including the Japanese Red Cross Society, supporting compassion across cultures. It’s a perfect way to remind us that small acts of kindness can make the world a better place!
MOOMIN PROMOTES PEACE
In line with Moomin’s theme of kindness and caring, Moominvalley Park helped spread peace around the world with NAKED’s Dandelion Art installation. NAKED, a creative Japanese company known for its stunning art projects, created the Breath/Bless Project to connect people through peaceful art. The Dandelion Art is part of this global mission, with dandelions already spreading peace in places like Tokyo Tower and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Moominvalley Park is the perfect place for this magical experience!
WHERE TO ENJOY MOOMIN TREATS
If you’re a fan of the Moomins and delicious food, Japan has some wonderful spots to enjoy Moomin-inspired treats! The first Moomin Cafe opened in Tokyo Dome in 2003, and today, the Moomin Cafe in Karuizawa is a must-visit. It serves super cute Moomintroll-decorated lattes and sweet Hattifattener cakes. Outside Japan, Moomin Cafes have also popped up in places like Helsinki, Thailand, Korea, and Hong Kong, delighting fans worldwide.
For refreshing drinks, Moomin Stand, a drink stand chain, offers creative Moomin beverages during their special fairs. And did you know that there was a grand feast at the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo that’s inspired by Moominvalley stories? Their “Jungle Party in Moominville” had a lunch buffet that featured Scandinavian favorites and a sweets buffet with dishes served with exclusive Moomin tableware. These Moomin-themed dining experiences are sure to bring a smile to your face!
MOOMIN’S DELICIOUS COLLABS
Moomin also loves teaming up with food brands to bring even more joy to our taste buds. From sweet treats to savory snacks, there are plenty of yummy Moomin collaborations to enjoy. You can find Moomin-themed pastries at places like Family Mart, or from Japanese food brands like Bunmeido. How about some chocolate? Mary Chocolate, Daimaru Tokyo, and Saint Germain have delicious Moomin treats!
If you’re in the mood for something savory, try Moomin’s collaboration with Calbee’s Jagabee potato snacks and Yunohana senbei. Or, you can fill up your home’s pantry with goodies like Moomin fruit jam from Cybele, Pietro’s pasta sauce that comes in cute Moomin bottles, delicious mushroom soup from Hokto, and even Kewpie mayonnaise in a special Moomin-designed jar! What’s more, Moomin also had collaborations with drinks such as Meito Lemon Tea and UCC Coffee. There’s really a lot of Moomin treats to enjoy!
MOOMIN IN THE FASHION WORLD
Moomin isn’t limited to snack collaborations! It worked with Japanese fashion brands like Uniqlo, Shoo La Rue, and People Tree, bringing cute characters to life in stylish collections. Japanese favorites like Felissimo and Belle Maison also offered adorable Moomin-inspired items! Parents and kids can also coordinate their Moomin outfits with the collection from Ice Peak.
But it doesn’t stop there—Moomin has also teamed up with big international names like Adidas, Seiko, LeSportSac, and Strathberry to create exclusive designs that blend fashion with the whimsy of Moominvalley. Whether it’s cozy apparel or luxe accessories, Moomin’s collaborations are bringing a dose of fun to wardrobes all around the world!
SELF-CARE FOR MOOMIN FANS
It’s not surprising that Moomin will also have collaborations with skincare and cosmetics brands. After all, the Moomin stories promote well-being and self-love! That’s why brands like Lyko, Naturie, and Himawari have brought Moomin’s charm to beauty products, from lip oils to soothing skincare. House of Rose and Steamcream also offer Moomin-themed creams that make pampering yourself even more fun!
MOOMIN FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
Moomin's collaborations extend beyond fashion and beauty, reaching lifestyle brands and even tech companies! For instance, Moomin fans could once spot a Finnair aircraft painted with Moomin characters, flying to destinations like Dallas, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Moomin also teamed up with T-card in Japan, offering exclusive cards with cute character designs.
On the tech side, Moomin has collaborated with Vaio, Google Pixel, and Higher, bringing the magic of Moominvalley to gadgets and accessories. These unique collaborations make everyday life a little more kawaii!
START YOUR MOOMIN COLLECTION
Speaking of making your life more kawaii, well, you can do just that by filling it with super cute Moomin goodies from Moomin stationery to toys! The cute Nordic characters collaborated with big stationery brands such as Kamio, Stalogy, and Pilot for the cutest school and office supplies.
Not only that, but you can bring the magic of Moominvalley to every corner of your home with Moomin home products from Jibunmakura, Victorinox, and Pyrex. Or, why not get better at home organizing using a Moomin housekeeping planner? There are so many ways to get Moomin’s Nordic home charm!
WHERE TO BUY MOOMIN MERCHANDISE
If you're looking to buy Moomin merchandise, there are plenty of places to explore! In Japan, you can find Moomin items at official Moomin shops like Moominvalley Park and the Moomin Shop, as well as department stores. You can also find special Moomin collections from toy brands like Bandai and Takara Tomy, which release exclusive figures and plush toys that are perfect for collectors.
For international fans, Moomin products are available in countries around the world, from European shops to the U.S., and even through online stores like Blippo, which offers a wide selection of cute Moomin goodies!
So, was the long Moomin adventure enough to make you love the cute Moomin family? Which Moomin character can you best relate to? The super caring Moomintroll, the mischievous Little My, or the Lonely Toffle? Let us know in the comments below! As for us, we’ll just grab a hot drink and feel the heartwarming hug of the fluffy Moomins!