Gijinka (萌え擬人化) known in English as Moe Anthropomorphism refers to the artistic trend of designing characters based off of inanimate subjects. Creating simple yet eye-catching designs, sporting symbols of what they humanise, Gijinkas usually take the form of cute girls although there exist masculine Gijinkas.
The phenomenon, tied to otaku culture, saw popularity on Japanese forums, notably 2Channel in the early 2000s, although some examples of personified electronics in particular can be traced to the late 90s. On our side of the internet, the trend was also popular on 4chan where such characters were appreciated and even created (Ebola-chan being a popular example)
Gijinka Girls & their Original Products
Biscuit-tan VS Japanese KFC Biscuits
Habanero-tan VS Bōkun Habanero Snacks
Karu-tan VS Calpis/Calpico drink
Heeko VS Hee Button from Trivia Fountain (TV show)
Me-tan VS Windows Millennium Edition
