What is "dakimakura"

n. A type of long body-length pillow originating in Japan, which can be embraced or wrapped around one's body while sleeping.

A (from "to embrace or cling" and "pillow"), is a type of large pillow from Japan. The word is often translated in English simply as "hug pillow". In Japan, dakimakura are similar to Western orthopedic body pillows, and are commonly used by Japanese youth as " security objects".

In the West, "dakimakura" is associated with a love pillow. Love pillows are a subset of dakimakura usually portraying life-size pictures of anime characters. Some pillows may portray anime characters or pornographic film actors in suggestive poses.