{
  "id": 4140408,
  "title": "Japanese doll Licca-chan returns to US after 40 yrs, adults targeted",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/japanese-doll-licca-chan-returns-to-us-after-40-yrs-adults-targeted",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-29T08:00:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260829/p2g/00m/0bu/015000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan's beloved dress-up doll Licca-chan has returned to the United States after a 40-year absence, with a renewed focus on adult consumers interested in Japanese culture and character merchandise. The decision to reintroduce the doll was influenced by the success of similar products targeting \"kidults\" – grown-ups who maintain a childlike spirit. Previously sold under the name \"Lisa\" in the 1980s, Licca-chan was marketed towards children but ultimately failed to gain traction in the market. In contrast to its past, the current lineup of Licca-chan dolls features 17 different variations, including outfits like a kimono or school uniform, and collaborations with the creator of the popular virtual singer Hatsune Miku.\n\nSelling for between $20 and $30, the doll's appeal lies in its fine details and authentic Japanese design. Yuka Ohashi, head of overseas strategy for the Licca-chan business unit, noted that customers in the United States have been impressed by the doll's intricate craftsmanship. Established in 1967, the iconic 11-year-old schoolgirl named Licca Kayama, affectionately called \"Licca-chan,\" has seen updates to its features over the years, such as variations in height. Tomy Co., the toymaker behind the doll, aims to have overseas sales account for 50% of its total sales in the future, up from around 30% in the previous fiscal year.",
  "summary": "TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's long-selling popular dress-up doll Licca-chan has reentered the U.S. market for the first time in around 40 years, with the r",
  "key_points": [
    "Licca-chan returns to US after 40-year absence",
    "Targeting adult consumers interested in Japanese culture",
    "17 variations of doll with Kimono and school uniform"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}