Plushies spending nights at Japan museums gain traction

OTSU, Japan - Sending favorite stuffed animals to museums and art galleries to "spend the night" and view exhibits on their owners' behalf is proving popular in Japan, with organizers hoping that such programs will stir interest and attract more visitors to the facilities.

The Hikone Castle Museum in Shiga Prefecture and Nagoya City Art Museum are among those who have joined a growing number of facilities hosting so-called sleepovers for plushies.