The "Monchhichi Exhibition," commemorating the 50th anniversary of the birth of "Monchhichi," the cute stuffed animal with a pacifier and freckles, is currently being held at the Event Square on the 8th floor of Matsuya Ginza. The exhibition will run from Wednesday, August 13th to Monday, August 25th, 2025.
We covered the press preview that took place earlier and the press conference featuring Shinako, the Harajuku video creator who produced the Monchhichi collaboration series, so we'd like to share with you what was happening on the day.
Released in 1974 by toy manufacturer Sekiguchi Co., Ltd., Monchhichi became a hot topic not only for its adorable appearance, but also for its innovative design, with a stuffed toy body and a soft vinyl face and limbs, sparking an explosive boom upon its release. Exports began overseas the following year, starting with Austria, and the product gained popularity around the world, particularly in German-speaking countries. Although sales were temporarily suspended outside of Paris from 1985, it made a re-debut in 1996 in response to requests from many fans. To date, a total of over 70 million units have been sold in over 30 countries.
The name comes from the French "Mon" meaning "my" and "Petit" meaning "small and cute", as well as the "Mon" from monkey, and the way he always sucks on his pacifier.
Apart from some information such as birthdays, there are no detailed profiles or stories set for the dolls, meaning they can adapt to the feelings of the person who holds them and take on any relationship or personality. This freedom is also why they are loved by people of all ages and nationalities.
Monchhichi Exhibition Entrance
Monchhichi will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024. This exhibition looks back on the 50-year history of Monchhichi with over 500 exhibits, including various plush toys and valuable documents. Many original exhibition merchandise will also be on sale.
Exhibition view
Exhibition view, Exhausted Monkey exhibit
Upon entering the venue, the exhibition begins with a timeline outlining the major topics of the past 50 years and an introduction to Monchhichi's predecessor, "Kutakuta Monkey" (1972). The exhibition summarizes the development of Monchhichi through each era, from Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa. While the basic design remains the same, it's fun to follow the changes, such as the change in the eyes from blue to brown and the increasingly fashionable costumes.
Exhibition view
Exhibition view, the earliest Monchhichi exhibit
In addition to the boy and girl Monchhichis, there are also the chubby twin brother and sister Maichi, the baby Bebichi, the grandfather and grandmother, and their friends Chimtan the little rabbit and Chum the little lamb, and all of their friends. Coupled with their colorful costumes, the venue is very lively.
Exhibition view, Majcic's exhibition
Exhibition view, Grandpa and Grandma exhibition
When we spoke to the person in charge of planning at Sekiguchi, he revealed, "We've held Monchhichi exhibitions before, but this is the first time we've displayed so many different kinds of stuffed animals."
"We carefully selected the types, including sports and occupational costumes and headgear, so that people could see a wide range of Monchhichi toys from early to late within each theme. During the long Heisei era in particular, Monchhichi toys with a variety of styles incorporating trends and fashions were released, so it was difficult to choose. We aimed to create an exhibition that would make people of all generations happy and think, 'This was the one for me.'"
Exhibition view
Exhibition view, Keychain Tower
Exhibition views and the exhibition of Boutique Monchhichi, a clothing collection, also feature valuable design drawings.
You can view the exhibition view and a portion of Monchhichi information magazine "Monchhichi Express" published by Sekiguchi.
There are also several photo spots where you can take pictures of the exhibition scenery and place stuffed animals you have brought with you.
One area that particularly caught the eye at the venue was a corner that was designed to resemble the "otaku rooms" of fans from each era: Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa.
For example, in the Showa era, when it was said that "every household had at least one Monchhichi," many Monchhichi goods were displayed in a space reminiscent of a living room where families gather. Stationery and bags that were popular at the time were used. Meanwhile, in the Reiwa era, the display style is conscious of the "oshikatsu" boom, where people collect Monchhichi from the same series and line them up in a dense array, and the trendy keychain-type Monchhichi has also been introduced. For fans, it will surely evoke various memories and emotions, such as "My parents' house was like this" or "My room is more spirited."
Exhibition view
By the way, when the boy and girl Monchhichis, Monchhichi-kun and Monchhichi-chan, were first released they were twins, but were later changed to a couple. The exhibit was packed with interesting things to see from every corner, including rare documents such as the wedding favors given at the couple's wedding on January 26, 2004, the 30th anniversary of their creation, and a course menu.
Exhibition view, wedding-related materials on display
A guest press conference was held on the same day as the preview, featuring Shinako, a Harajuku video creator who produced the Monchhichi collaboration series.
Shinako appeared at the guest press conference
"I think the most attractive thing about Monchhichi is that it can change its skin color, hair color, and take on many different appearances and personalities, and is always by our side. I'm currently obsessed with collecting Monchhichis, and when I go out and put one in my bag and hold it in my hand, I feel relaxed and at ease. For me, it's a very soothing presence," says Shinako, talking about her love for Monchhichi.
At the venue, "Wataame-chan" and "Unicorn-chan," produced by Shinako, are actually on sale. These Harajuku-style Monchhichi dolls have blunt bangs and pink and purple fur, and the idea of giving the doll a "strawberry cotton candy scent" came from the desire to create something exciting. "I was trying to be greedy and add a ton of elements, but I decided to keep it minimal. Arrange your hair with your favorite pins and it will become your own personal treasure," she says with a smile.
Promoting "Cotton Candy-chan" and "Unicorn-chan."
Finally, he sent a message to those who are interested in the exhibition, saying, "This is a very exciting exhibition that will make you love Monchhichi even more, warm your heart, make new discoveries, and for some, bring back memories of the past. I hope everyone will come and see it."
Don't miss the original goods exclusive to the exhibition. The image shows the "Anniversary Box MCC & BCC Girls" priced at 8,800 yen including tax.
Monchhichi has become increasingly popular due to the recent retro boom, and is being actively developed, with the launch of the "Retro Genkich! Project" in 2024 to revitalize local areas in Japan that are facing issues such as a declining birthrate and an aging population. While the exact number is unknown, it is said that 10,000 varieties have been released so far.
What kind of Monchhichi will we encounter next? The exhibition has raised expectations for Monchhichi's future challenges, as he is no longer just a "nostalgic character." The exhibition will run until Monday, August 25th, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.
■ "Monchhichi Exhibition" Tokyo Venue Overview <br /> Dates: Wednesday, August 13th – Monday, August 25th, 2025
Venue: Matsuya Ginza 8th floor Event Square Opening hours: 11:00-20:00
*Closes at 19:30 on August 17th (Sun) and August 24th (Sun) *Closes at 17:00 on the final day *Last admission 30 minutes before closing *Event times are subject to change, so please check the official website.
*Date and time designated admission fee: Click here for details
Exhibition website: https://www.monchhichi-ten.com/
*The contents of this article are current as of the time of coverage. They may differ from the latest information, so please check the official exhibition website for details.
