A special Hello Kitty version of Licca-chan is available for pre-order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sanrio mascot. Pre-orders are open until June 30, 2024.
There are a lot of little motifs related to Hello Kitty and the 50th anniversary in this Licca-chan. Hello Kitty’s ribbons are all over the design of the dress, which features 50 roses in total. She’s also holding what appears to be a stick with Hello Kitty’s head at the end, and there is a ribbon-like hair arrangement at the base of her ponytail. This Licca-chan will cost 24,200 JPY ($153.50) and she’ll come out in late November 2024.
Licca-chan is almost like a Japanese version of the Barbie doll in that it enjoys the same level of popularity and fame as Barbie in the United States. Takara Tomy released the first Licca-chan doll on July 4, 1967, as well as provided a lot of background information on her age, favorite books, and parents. This makes Licca-chan older than Hello Kitty, who debuted in 1975 and was designed a year earlier.
Sanrio has released a lot of merchandise, as well as collaborated with multiple companies, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty. Some examples include a limited edition necklace and Crocs. There are also multiple events at Sanrio theme parks in Japan.
The Hello Kitty version of a premium Licca-chan doll is available for pre-order until June 30, 2024.
