Licca-chan's Birthday (Rikka-chan no Tanjōbi)

What Is Licca-chan's Birthday?

Every year on May 3rd is "Licca-chan's Birthday." This is the officially designated birthday of Licca-chan, the fashion doll released by Takara (now Takara Tomy) in July 1967. Licca-chan is one of Japan's most iconic fashion dolls, beloved across generations for over 50 years since her debut.

The Story Behind Licca-chan's Creation

Licca-chan was created as a "relatable fashion doll" reflecting the everyday lives and dreams of Japanese girls at the time. While America's Barbie was modeled on an adult woman, Licca-chan was designed as an 11-year-old fifth grader, which made her feel much more like a friend than an idealized adult — a key reason for her popularity.

• Release year: 1967
• Birthday: May 3rd (official setting)
• Full name: Licca Kayama (Kayama Rika)
• Age: 11 years old (5th grade)

Licca-chan's Profile (Official Setting)

• Family: A lively big family including her father Pierre, a French musician; her mother Orie, a fashion designer; her twin younger sisters Miki and Maki; and younger triplets Miku, Kako, and Gen.
• Origin of her surname: "Kayama" is said to come from actress Yoshiko Kayama and actor Yuzo Kayama.
• Hobby: Making sweets. She's cheerful and a little bit scatterbrained.
• Friends: Long-running characters such as Izumi-chan (Izumi Shiratori).

Interesting Facts About Licca-chan

• About 60 million shipped: Cumulative shipments reached about 60 million as of 2017, making her one of Japan's most iconic dress-up dolls.
• Evolving with the times: Her fashion, family setup, and career aspirations have all been updated to reflect changing social values.
• Wide range of collaborations: She's partnered with fashion brands, companies, and even local governments on special products.
• Plenty of adult fans: Many adult fans enjoy photographing Licca-chan and making handmade outfits for her.

Ideas for Celebrating Licca-chan's Birthday

• Make outfits for Licca-chan: Create a handmade dress or accessories to mark the special occasion.
• Take photos and share on social media: Posts tagged with Licca-chan's birthday are popular every year.
• Visit Licca-chan Castle: A facility in Ono, Fukushima Prefecture, that opened on May 3, 1993 -- Licca-chan's birthday. Visitors can see dolls from every era and tour the factory.
• Check out limited editions: Special anniversary models are sometimes released to mark the occasion.

May 3rd: A Day to Celebrate a Doll Loved Across Generations

Licca-chan's birthday isn't just about celebrating a character — it's a chance to reflect on the history of Japan's toy culture. For some, it brings back childhood memories; for others, it's an opportunity to discover a new way to enjoy something they loved as a kid.

On May 3rd, spend some time with your favorite version of Licca-chan and enjoy her charming world. You might just discover why she's stayed beloved for so long.