Japan's Bonbon Drop sticker craze spurring sellouts, fakes

Japan's Bonbon Drop sticker craze has led to sellouts and the creation of counterfeits. These colorful stickers, produced by Osaka-based stationery maker Q-Lia Co., have been selling out quickly as both children and adults purchase them. The stickers, which are plump and transparent, were first released in March 2024 and initially targeted children in elementary school.

However, social media posts of decorated items like smartphone cases and cosmetic containers led to a surge in popularity among adult women. Q-Lia Co. stated they were amazed by the unexpected success of the sticker trend. Production of the stickers has increased to meet demand, with cumulative shipments reaching 34 million sheets by the end of June.

However, the craze has also resulted in the circulation of fake Bonbon Drop stickers, with police arresting several individuals for copyright infringement and attempting to sell counterfeit stickers at a shopping center in Nagoya and a general merchandise store in Osaka. Q-Lia Co. has since posted a statement on its online store to warn customers about the official products' features and encourage responsible use.