Over Black Friday 2023, Sanshee started to expand its Persona 5 line of merchandise with plush items based on Makoto Niijima and Morgana. What’s fun is how both the Makoto collector’s plush and Morgana plush hanger tote bag ended up being quality items that allow someone to appreciate the characters in different ways.
In the case of the Makoto collector’s plush, it’s a fun item to display on a shelf, bed, or couch. Given it is about 10 inches tall, it’s not exactly something that could go on a shelf alongside figures. But it’s a cute display item. Especially since it is so intricate. While the hair is made of a really soft, typical “plush” fabric, I felt like the rest came across as more of a decorative doll.
Her outfit is rendered with more detailed than I expected, especially around her jumper’s straps and bodice. There’s some ruching to provide extra depth, and it actually is designed to look like there are buckles. The usage of different types of fabrics also helps it seem more authentic. But at the same time, I really appreciated how fun this chibi design is. Especially since it is identical to her pin.
With the Persona 5 Morgana plush hanger tote bag, it feels like getting to have a more practical sort of stuffed animal you can enjoy on a daily basis. The Morgana part is a soft rendition of the character with a zipper along the stomach. It’s soft, cute, and retains the proper proportions and look of the character even when empty. The Shujin Academy bag is a nylon type of tote. It’s sturdier than I expected, especially since the execution means there are a lot of points of contact for the straps along for added durability.
What I especially liked about the Persona 5 Morgana plush hanger tote bag, however, is that it’s one of those things where I didn’t feel like it could be a burden when actually using it. I have a similar sort of bag and plush combo, but the bag is attached. This means actually getting it back inside the stuffed animal always feels like a bit of a chore and as thought it won’t fit the way it originally did. But because the bag is its own entity and features the Shujin Academy logo, I somehow don’t have that stress. I can keep it separate and feel fine, using the Morgana accessory as an additional attached change purse or on the side as a completely separate accessory. It’s convenient. Also, as a fun detail, the scarf actually can cover up the zipper a bit, rather than being sewn in and around it.
But honestly, all three items are strong additions to the Sanshee lineup of Persona 5 items. It builds upon a collection that previously only included things like pins, shirts, and a mug. The resemblance to characters is strong. The build quality seems good. They’re also all executed in such a way that they’re recognizable without being mirror images of Makoto and Morgana, while still being fun.
The Persona 5 Morgana plush hanger tote bag is $27.99 at Sanshee, while the Makoto plush is $35.99 and pin is $12.99. Persona 5 is available on the PS3 and PS4, while Persona 5 Royal is available on the PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.
