Monchhichi is a charming character known for its adorable pose of sucking its thumb. This character, which was born in Japan in 1974, is now experiencing a renewed boom around the world, especially in Thailand and South Korea.
After famous influencers and K-POP idols introduced Monchhichi on social media, it gained support from young people in Japan as “retro cute.” More and more people are now carrying Monchhichi as bag charms.
This article will introduce the history of Monchhichi, the background behind its global boom, popular merchandise, where you can buy it, and must-see spots for fans such as “Monchhichi Park” and the “Monchhichi Manhole” in Katsushika City, Tokyo.
*A portion of sales from products introduced or reserved in this article may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
*All prices include tax.
What is Monchhichi? A Beloved Character in Thailand and Japan
Monchhichi is a Japanese character released by Sekiguchi in 1974. It is a plush doll with large eyes, chubby cheeks, and a distinctive pose of sucking its thumb. The body is made of soft plush material, while the face, hands, and feet are made of soft vinyl, which was a unique design at the time and attracted a lot of attention.
When it was released in 1974, Monchhichi became a huge hit in Japan. For people in their 40s and 50s, it may be a nostalgic character. However, even among Generation Z, who did not experience its original popularity, Monchhichi is now receiving enthusiastic support as “retro cute.”
The Origin of the Name “Monchhichi”
Do you know the origin of the cute name “Monchhichi”? In fact, it is a coined word that combines the French word “mon,” meaning “my,” and “petit,” meaning “small and cute thing.” The name carries the meaning of “my cute thing.”
The History of Monchhichi
Monchhichi was created in 1974 by Sekiguchi Co., Ltd. in Katsushika City, Tokyo. The inspiration came from the “Kuta Kuta Monkey,” released in 1972, and the finger-sucking doll “Mademoiselle Jeje,” released in 1973. Monchhichi was born by combining the elements of these two hit products.
The innovative design of a plush body with a soft vinyl face, hands, and feet, along with the adorable thumb-sucking pose, created a sensation and led to a huge boom upon its release. In 1979, the TV anime “The Twins of Monchhichi” was also broadcast.
Exports began in 1975, starting with Austria, and Monchhichi’s popularity spread overseas. In German-speaking countries and France, it became affectionately known as “KiKi,” and in 1979, it was also introduced to the United States.
Although sales were temporarily suspended in Japan, Monchhichi made a comeback in 1996. In 2004, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Monchhichi-kun and Monchhichi-chan held a wedding ceremony, and in October of the same year, “Babychhichi,” delivered by the stork, was born. In 2024, Monchhichi celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues to be loved around the world.
Why is Monchhichi Trending Worldwide Now? The Appeal of Monchhichi
Let’s take a look at why this character from 50 years ago is once again in the spotlight.
The Influence of Thai Influencers and K-POP Idols on Social Media
The renewed Monchhichi boom is said to have started when Chompoo Araya, a national celebrity in Thailand, posted a photo featuring Monchhichi on social media around the summer of 2024.
In addition, more influencers began posting photos of Monchhichi attached to their bags on social media, sparking curiosity in Thailand with people asking, “What is this character?” In this way, Monchhichi’s popularity quickly spread.
Furthermore, LISA from the K-POP idol group BLACKPINK shared on Instagram a photo of herself purchasing a Monchhichi at KIDDY LAND in Harajuku. Posts by other Korean celebrities, such as Son Ye-jin, a popular actress known for the Korean drama “Crash Landing on You,” also contributed to Monchhichi becoming a hot topic in Korea. Many young people in Japan, who are big fans of K-POP, have been influenced by this trend, and there is a growing desire to “own the same items as their favorite stars,” which has brought even more attention to Monchhichi.
Adorably Retro Look! Carrying Monchhichi as a “Bag Charm” Is Now Popular
One reason Monchhichi is so popular among young people is its retro appearance. The nostalgic design, born in 1974, fits perfectly with the current “retro-cute” trend.
In Japan, “Nuikatsu” is currently in vogue. Short for “plushie activities,” it refers to the hobby of attaching plushies of your favorite characters or “oshi” (favorite idols or characters) to your bag, taking them out with you, snapping photos together, and enjoying dressing them up. As a result, it has become common to see people carrying Monchhichi as a bag charm. The spread of this “Nuikatsu” culture is also boosting Monchhichi’s popularity.
Wide Variety of Goods! Collaboration Items with Sanrio and Tom and Jerry
One of Monchhichi’s charms is the wide variety of merchandise available. In addition to the classic plushies and keychains, there are pouches, stationery, accessories, and apparel. Monchhichi is also often sold in capsule toy machines (gachagacha), and these items are so popular that they sell out quickly.
Collaborations with other popular characters are also drawing attention. In collaborations with Sanrio characters, limited-edition Monchhichi designs featuring Hello Kitty and My Melody have been released. Collaboration items with the popular American cartoon “Tom and Jerry” have also become a hot topic.
In addition, in 2025, collaboration items with “Myaku-Myaku,” the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, also attracted attention. With so many different collaborations, you’ll want to collect all kinds of Monchhichi.
Popular Monchhichi Goods: Plushies, Keychains, and More
There is a wide variety of Monchhichi merchandise. Here, we’ve picked out some of the most popular items to introduce.
Monchhichi Keychain
Adorable Monchhichi mascot keychains. There are many different types, so be sure to find your favorite. It’s fun to attach them to your bag and go out together, or match with your friends.
- Price: 2,200 yen and up
- Product page: here
Monchhichi Trading Flocked Mascot 5 (2 Types)
These mascot figures feature a cute, fluffy flocked finish.
You’ll get either Sitting Pacifier Monchhichi Boy or Monchhichi Girl at random, so it’s exciting to see which one you get when you open the box. They make perfect cute decorations for your desk or room!
- Price: 880 yen
- Product page: here
Monchhichi Figure Mascot
Figure mascots of Monchhichi with a big smile, along with friends like Chimutan and Cham. Their round, chubby silhouettes and palm-sized cuteness make them perfect for attaching to small items or using as a bag charm.
- Price: 880 yen
- Product page: here
Monchhichi Plushie Photo Keyholder
This fluffy plush photo key holder is adorable. There are two types: Monchhichi Boy and Monchhichi Girl.
You can put your favorite photo or your favorite idol’s trading card inside, so it’s perfect for oshi-katsu activities!
- Price: 1,738 yen
- Product page: here
Where can you buy Monchhichi goods?
You can purchase Monchhichi goods at various locations throughout Japan.
Monchhichi Official Online Shop
The official online shop has the largest selection. It’s easy to get the latest and limited-edition items, and if they are in stock, you can also buy past collection items.
You can also purchase through Yahoo! Shopping, and at the manufacturer’s direct sales store, Sekiguchi Direct Shop, you can shop with peace of mind.
Unfortunately, both the Monchhichi Official Online Shop and Sekiguchi Direct Shop only deliver within Japan and do not ship overseas.
- Monchhichi Official Online Shop: here
- Sekiguchi Fan Direct Shop Main Store: here
- Sekiguchi Fan Direct Shop Rakuten Store: here
- Sekiguchi Fan Direct Shop Yahoo! Store: here
👉Click here to purchase Monchhichi products (Yahoo! Shopping)
Toy Stores and Variety Shops
If you want to actually pick up and check the products, physical stores are recommended. In addition to Monchhichi Official Shops nationwide, Monchhichi is also available at toy stores and variety shops.
You can check the detailed store list on the Monchhichi official website’s “Official Shop List”.
Don Quijote
The general discount store “Don Quijote” (commonly known as Donki) is also one of the places where you can buy Monchhichi goods. Many stores are open late at night, making them very convenient. According to Don Quijote’s PR department, the “Monchhichi Keychain” is especially popular among tourists from Thailand.
👉Related article: Donki PR Reveals! Best-Selling Products in 7 Asian Countries
“Monchhichi Experiences” You Can Only Have in Japan! “Monchhichi Design Manhole Covers” and “Monchhichi Park” in Katsushika City, Tokyo
Monchhichi was born in Katsushika City, Tokyo, where Sekiguchi’s headquarters is located. Monchhichi also works as the PR manager for the Katsushika City Tourism Association. Here are some must-see spots in Katsushika, known as the town where you can meet Monchhichi.
Monchhichi Design Manhole Covers
In Japan, there are many manhole covers featuring designs of characters from anime and more, and they are popular as photo spots. “Manhole cards” are also distributed, with the front showing a photo of the manhole cover and its location information (latitude and longitude), and the back introducing the origin of the design with photos. Around Shin-Koiwa Station, there are a total of 10 Monchhichi manhole covers installed (all with the same design). Be sure to find them and take some photos!
- Location: 10 spots around JR Shin-Koiwa Station (1 at the North Exit Station Square, 5 at the South Exit, 4 at the Northeast Square)
- Manhole card distribution locations: Shibamata Tourist Information Center (until March 31, 2026)
Daiichi Shorin Shin-Koiwa North Exit Store (from April 1, 2026)
Monchhichi Park (Nishi-Shinkoiwa 5-chome Park)
Monchhichi Park was built on the site of a former factory near the Sekiguchi headquarters. Monchhichi-kun and Monchhichi-chan will welcome you at the entrance.
Inside the park, you will find various Monchhichi monuments such as “Angel Monchhichi,” as well as the “Monchhichi Mini Museum,” which features panels with information about Monchhichi. It is a must-visit spot for Monchhichi fans.
There are also playground equipment such as the “Monchhichi Swing,” making it a fun spot for families with children. Be sure to stop by and visit.
Monchhichi Park (Nishi-Shinkoiwa 5-chome Park)
- Address: 5-2-4, 5-7-7 Nishi-Shinkoiwa, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 25 minutes on foot from Shin-Koiwa Station
〈Bus〉Get off at “Kamihirai-cho (Monchhichi Park Entrance)” and walk about 3 minutes - Opening Hours: April to September (9:00~18:00)
October to March (9:00~17:00) - Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)
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