Hello Kitty and what many consider to be Japan’s version of Barbie, Takara Tomy’s Licca-chan, unite for a majestic rose-covered doll in celebration of the popular kitten’s 50th anniversary.
Via Get News, Hello Kitty’s Sanrio and Licca-chan’s Takara Tomy announced a special collaboration for the new “Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Premium Licca-chan.” The special-release doll features obvious nods to Hello Kitty, including her standout red-colored dress and heels, a ribbon motif and a Hello Kitty-themed walking stick. Readers can check out the new Licca-chan doll below, currently available for pre-order for release in November 2024 and retailing for 24,200 yen (approximately US$154).
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Takara Tomy describes the new Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Premium Licca-chan: “A premium Licca-chan commemorating Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. This is a gorgeous doll set with Hello Kitty’s iconic ribbon motif and 50 roses commemorating Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary sprinkled on dresses and accessories. The ribbon motif hairstyle is silver with a baby pink inner color that gives it a special feel. A hairband and walking stick inspired by the Queen of Roses are included. You can also enjoy cape style.”
Licca-chan Is One of Takara Tomy’s Most Popular Toys in Japan Alongside Transformers
Licca-chan was invented even before Hello Kitty and will celebrate her 60th anniversary in 2027. The doll’s comparisons to Barbie span decades, with the Japanese lifestyle blog Unseen Japan highlighting how Barbie struggled to gain a foothold in stores there for most of the ’60s. Just as she started to see some sales, Licca-chan’s launch in 1967 ousted her from the market, forever relegating her to second place. Licca-chan’s cumulative shipments officially number over 60 million, joining Transformers figures, Beyblades, and Duel Masters cards among Takara Tomy’s popular range of toys.
Hello Kitty Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Adorable New Watch Release
Sanrio’s popular Hello Kitty gets a new watch collaboration, helping fans check the time while counting the years of her glorious 50th anniversary.
The new Licca-chan doll joins other recent figure and toy releases commemorating Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. Sanrio dropped a Hello Kitty kimono plush doll for Japan’s spring cherry blossom season. Meanwhile, its U.S. subsidiary looks ahead to summer’s graduation season, with the newly released Hello Kitty 9″ Cap and Gown Graduation Plush coming in red, blue and gold color options. Fans worldwide can also look ahead to McDonald’s new line of figures, rolling out the Yu-Gi-Oh! x Hello Kitty and Friends worldwide.
Source: Get News