Before crowds lined up for blind boxes and limited-edition figures at Pop Mart SM Megamall, the spotlight turned to the artist whose work has quietly resonated with collectors around the world: Lang, the creator of Hirono.

Known for its introspective tone and emotional honesty, Hirono is not the typical cheerful art toy. The character captures fleeting, unfiltered emotions — sadness, courage, longing, joy — that people often keep hidden. Through subtle expressions and carefully crafted poses, Hirono reflects moments of vulnerability that feel deeply personal yet universally familiar. It is this emotional depth that has earned the character a devoted following, particularly among young collectors drawn to its sincerity.

More than just collectible figures

Lang’s work extends far beyond collectible figures. A multidisciplinary artist, he has built the Hirono universe through painting, sculpture, fashion design and animation, translating inner experiences into visual storytelling. His creations are often rooted in personal reflection, transforming quiet thoughts and emotions into tangible art. In addition to Hirono, Lang is also known for other characters such as Yuki, further showcasing his ability to create worlds that feel intimate yet expansive.

This artistic approach has resonated strongly with Filipino fans. During Lang’s first-ever visit to Manila, collectors arrived carrying Hirono pieces from early releases to rare limited editions, eager not only for signatures but also for a closer connection to the artist behind the character. The fan signing event, attended by 100 selected collectors, offered a rare glimpse into Lang’s creative process and underscored how deeply his work has connected with audiences in the Philippines.

Lang’s visit coincided with a major milestone for Pop Mart: the opening of its first permanent store in the country.

Located at the second level of Building A at SM Megamall, the 300-square-meter store marks the toy company’s official establishment in the Philippine retail landscape. Known globally as a leader in designer toys and art collectibles, Pop Mart has steadily built a local following through successful pop-up stores in SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati, and SM North Edsa. The Megamall location now serves as its flagship destination, offering Filipino fans a more immersive and expansive experience.

Curated designer items

Inside the store, visitors are welcomed into a curated world of designer collectibles, from signature blind boxes to sought-after limited editions and exclusive releases.

The store opening also followed another eye-catching moment: the unveiling of the first-ever 40-foot Pop Mart–themed Christmas tree at SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall. Created in partnership with the mall, the installation added a festive, playful touch to the holiday season and drew in fans and passersby alike. Open to the public until 11 January, the towering display reinforced Pop Mart’s growing presence in Philippine pop culture.

Together, Lang’s visit and the opening of the permanent store highlight a larger shift in the local collectibles scene. What was once a niche hobby has grown into a vibrant community, eager for creator-led experiences and global collaborations.