In the popular video game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players can decorate their islands and interact with a variety of villagers. Many of these villagers are animals with fur or feathers. When a player pets a character like a sheep or a duck, the text might describe the encounter. A message will pop up saying something like, “The sheep is mofumofu!” adding a sensory layer. The feeling of softness becomes part of the game's charming appeal.

The term appears in the ending theme song of the anime series, Yuru Camp (Laid-Back Camp). The song, titled "Fuyu Biyori" (Winter Weather), mentions "mofumofu" in its lyrics. The song's gentle tone emphasizes the cozy moments around a campsite, with the word linking to the softness of a blanket being held or the feeling of warm clothes worn so camp goers can enjoy the outdoors in the colder seasons.

Also, in the manga series Spy x Family, the word expresses the appeal of a particular animal. The Forger family adopts a large, fluffy dog named Bond. Due to his appearance, when Bond is being cuddled or snuggled, the feeling is described with the word “mofumofu,” highlighting the dog's plush, comforting presence. Bond's fur becomes an important visual element of the story, and the word’s simple sweetness conveys the characters’ affection and warmth for the animal.

The cultural stickiness of "mofumofu" comes from its close association with comforting images. Fur, feathers, and anything soft are usually things that evoke a sense of coziness and warmth. By using "mofumofu" to describe these things, the word creates an immediate sensory connection. It’s effective because it takes a complex sensation and reduces it to a single word, easily applicable in many contexts. It's especially useful in describing animals, as it quickly explains their physical characteristic. The word allows writers and artists to efficiently share a sense of comfort. It quickly and effectively describes a tactile experience, making it a favorite of those looking to communicate something sweet and warm.