Imagination Builds nations
We are a global storytelling and consumer brand platform—uniting character-driven wonder, collectibles, fashion, and human talent in a way the world has never seen.
About may 1st company
Where imagination becomes culture—and kindness becomes collectible.
Born from the spirit of May Day—the global symbol of renewal, dignity, and fairness— May 1st Company exists to create character-driven worlds that inspire wonder, representation, and human connection.
We don’t just design products.
We build stories you can hold, characters you can love, and ideas that travel across generations—from plush companions and fashion to digital collectibles and immersive experiences.
Every creation is rooted in a simple belief:
when creativity is guided by empathy, it has the power to heal, unite, and endure.
OUR UNIVERSES
- Shakabubu Universe – The Hug That Heals the World
- Product Innovation – Toys, fashion, tech, and future collectibles
- May 1st Press – An independent news agency and publishing house.
- May 1st Talent – Digital Ecosystem for Artistes & Creative Human Capital.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Wonder – Because joy is not optional
- Wellness – Emotional health matters
- Representation – Every child deserves to see themselves
- Resilience – Stories that help us grow stronger
Meet the Character
Shakabubu™ — The Hug That Heals the World
Shakabubu™ is a glowing, plush-like being with a golden heart that pulses with empathy. More than a character, Shakabubu is a gentle guide—helping children (and the child within us all) understand emotions, connection, and the power of kindness.
Created to model emotional intelligence through storytelling and play, Shakabubu transforms everyday moments into opportunities for healing, learning, and love. Every hug is a reminder: you are seen, you are safe, and you are not alone.
What Makes Shakabubu Special
- Golden Heart of Empathy – Gently glows to symbolize emotional connection and care
- Designed for Healing Through Connection – A comforting presence for calm, reassurance, and emotional learning
- Rooted in Emotional Literacy – Helps children recognize, express, and honor their feelings
- Part of a Larger Family – One of the Shakabubu™ characters, each representing a core emotional value
Why Shakabubu Matters
Shakabubu™ was created with a simple but powerful purpose: to bring emotional intelligence, compassion, and representation into the everyday lives of children across cultures and communities.
Together with the Shakabubu family—Papabubu, Mamabubu, Mina, Pina, Luna, and Milo—these characters model empathy, resilience, joy, and healing through friendship
Shop Now
Choose the Hug That Speaks to You
Every Shakabubu™ companion is designed to comfort, connect, and inspire. Whether you’re choosing a first hug, a special gift, or a meaningful collectible, each character carries the same promise of empathy, warmth, and belonging.
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Collectibles
Toy Line
Every Shakabubu™ toy is designed to comfort, connect, and inspire—turning everyday play into moments of joy, reassurance, and emotional growth. Whether it’s a first hug, a bedtime companion, or a collectible keepsake, each piece carries the heart of the Shakabubu universe.
Mamabubu™ Plush Toy — Teal Edition Soft Enough to Cuddle. Strong Enough to Comfort.
$34.99
Papabubu™ Plush Toy — Teal Edition Soft Enough to Cuddle. Strong Enough to Comfort.
$34.99
Streaming Series Preview
Step inside the Shakabubu™ universe—a heart-centered animated world where friendship, emotional growth, and kindness guide every adventure. Designed for children and families, this series transforms everyday feelings into magical stories that teach empathy, courage, and connection.
Sneak peek trailer
Get your first glimpse into a world built on hugs, heart, and hope. This short preview introduces Shakabubu™ and friends as they navigate emotions, friendship, and everyday challenges—with warmth, humor, and love.
Animation stills
A behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and care behind the Shakabubu™ universe. Explore vibrant scenes, expressive characters, and the visual language that brings emotional storytelling to life—one frame at a time.
Meet the cast
Every character has a heart—and a purpose. Meet Shakabubu™ and the companions who represent empathy, resilience, joy, and growth. Each one reflects real emotions children experience, modeled through gentle storytelling and play.
Bubu-sha
A special journey into the heart of the Shakabubu™ universe. Bubu-Sha explores the deeper themes of belonging, identity, and emotional healing—offering stories that resonate across cultures and generations.
Interactive World
The Shakabubu™ Interactive World is an evolving digital playground where storytelling, emotional learning, and imagination come together.
Designed as a companion to the Shakabubu™ universe, this experience invites children and families to explore gentle adventures, unlock hidden stories, and engage with characters in meaningful ways—at their own pace.
This world is currently in development, with interactive games, story paths, and surprises launching in phases. Each update expands the universe, adding new ways to play, learn, and connect.
Because some worlds are meant to grow—just like the hearts they’re built for.
Parents & Therapists
The tone is calm, evidence-informed, compassionate, and professional—so it resonates equally with families, educators, and clinicians without sounding clinical or salesy.
Designed With Emotional Well-Being in Mind
Shakabubu™ is more than a character—it is a thoughtfully designed companion created to support emotional regulation, communication, and comfort in everyday settings. From homes and classrooms to therapeutic spaces, Shakabubu helps children feel safe, seen, and supported.
Calming tool for children with anxiety or trauma
Shakabubu™ offers gentle, non-verbal comfort that can help children self-soothe, regulate emotions, and feel grounded during moments of stress or emotional overwhelm. Its soft design and empathetic presence make it a supportive companion in homes, classrooms, and therapeutic environments.
Scented version info (lavender/vanilla)
Scented Shakabubu™ options are thoughtfully designed to support relaxation and sensory grounding. Soft, familiar aromas like lavender and vanilla can enhance calming routines, making transitions, rest time, and emotional regulation easier for children.
Multilingual voice options
Shakabubu™ celebrates cultural inclusion and language diversity. Multilingual voice and story options help children feel represented, understood, and connected—supporting emotional development across families, classrooms, and communities worldwide.
Collectors
Lounge
Where the Shakabubu™ Universe Expands
The Collectors Lounge is a members-style space created for fans, collectors, and collaborators who want a deeper connection to the Shakabubu™ universe. Here, storytelling meets artistry, limited releases meet meaningful ownership, and early supporters are recognized as part of the journey.
This space is designed for those who don’t just collect objects—but collect stories, moments, and meaning.
Why the Collectors Lounge Exists
Shakabubu™ was built as a living universe—one that grows through collaboration, creativity, and community. The Collectors Lounge offers early access to exclusive releases, behind-the-scenes content, and special rewards for those who believe in the mission from the beginning.
It’s not about scarcity. It’s about belonging.
Upcoming editions
Be the first to discover new character designs, special releases, and themed collections before they’re available to the public.
Upcoming editions
Be the first to discover new character designs, special releases, and themed collections before they’re available to the public.
NFT drops
Limited digital collectibles that celebrate Shakabubu™ characters, stories, and milestones. Designed as art and storytelling assets—not speculation—each drop represents a moment in the universe’s evolution.
Brands & Artist Collaborations
Original collaborations with brands & artists, designers, and creators from around the world. Each partnership brings a fresh perspective while honoring the emotional heart of the Shakabubu™ story.
The Shakabubu Pledge
Our Promise to Children, Families, and Communities
At the heart of Shakabubu™ is a simple promise: to create stories, characters, and experiences that honor emotional well-being, celebrate diversity, and nurture kindness in every child.
We believe childhood should be a space where feelings are respected, differences are valued, and every child feels safe to be exactly who they are. Everything we build—from plush companions and stories to digital worlds and collaborations—is guided by that belief.
What We Commit To
Emotional Safety First
We design with care, ensuring our characters and stories support emotional growth, comfort, and healthy expression.
Inclusion & Representation
We create worlds where children of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities can see themselves reflected with dignity and joy.
Purpose Over Hype
We value meaning over trends, and long-term impact over short-term attention.
Families at the Center
Parents, teachers, and caregivers are partners in everything we do.
Kindness as a Practice
Kindness isn’t a message—it’s a responsibility we carry into every product and story.
Why This Matters
The stories children grow up with shape how they see themselves—and how they treat others. Shakabubu™ exists to make sure those stories are rooted in empathy, resilience, and hope.
Because a kinder world starts with the stories we give our children.
Investor Relations
Building an IP-Driven Ecosystem for the Next Generation
Shakabubu™ is a character-led intellectual property platform spanning physical products, digital content, and scalable storytelling. Our model integrates consumer goods, media, and community-anchored impact—positioned for long-term brand growth and cross-market expansion.
What Investors Can Access
Downloadable Investor Pitch Deck
A comprehensive overview of the Shakabubu™ ecosystem, revenue model, and growth strategy.
Executive Summary Highlights
Clear articulation of vision, differentiation, early traction, and expansion roadmap.
Market Validation
Shakabubu™ operates at the intersection of multiple high-growth markets:
$35B+ global toy & plush industry
$150B+ fashion, collectibles & character licensing space
$40B+ global children’s & family streaming content market
Seed Round Open
Currently engaging aligned investors seeking exposure to brand-driven IP with long-term licensing and media upside.
Secure Investor Contact
Confidential inquiry form available, with NDA option upon request
May 1st Press
May 1st Press is an independent news agency, publishing house, and media arm of May 1st Company, producing textbooks/novels, storybooks/coloring books, Short-Form/Long-Form hybrid journalism, and cultural commentary across print and digital platforms.
Books and The May 1st Dispatch Newspaper & Magazine
Order impactful books addressing human development issues such as identity, migration, and inequality. Subscribe to May 1st Dispatch Newspaper & Magazine –an independent media platform shaping culture, ideas, and public discourse.
POWERFUL AND PARANOID: The Psychiatric Autopsy of America’s Diplomacy and Global Leadership
Price range: $13.99 through $32.99
Healing from THE UNFINISHED WAR: The Untreated War Trauma Holding Nigeria Hostage—and How to Heal It.
Price range: $11.99 through $29.99
WHAT TRAUMA DOES TO NATIONS And What It Takes to Begin Healing: The Psychiatric Mechanics of Conflict and Democratic Dysregulation
Price range: $14.99 through $34.99
High-res logo downloads
Character renders
Brand story one-pager
