Takarajimasha, a major Japanese publisher, has launched a brand-new toy brand, “Takarajimasha Toys,” and for its debut release, has announced the incredibly adorable figurines, “Ponyo Ponyo! Kapikoro’s Dress-Up Party BOOK.” This highly anticipated new product is scheduled to hit the shelves of Konbini stores all across Japan, including Japanese 7-Eleven, Japanese FamilyMart, and Japanese Lawson, starting from December 22, 2025.
“Kapikoro” are charming characters known for their roly-poly, rounded form and a laid-back expression that makes you relax just by looking at them. This time, they come as figurines with an addictively squishy “ponyo ponyo” texture, sure to bring a sense of calm to everyone.
What Are “Kapikoro,” the New Sensation of “Ponyo Ponyo” Figurines?
The “Ponyo Ponyo! Kapikoro’s Dress-Up Party BOOK” will be released in bookstores and online starting December 17, 2025, followed by a launch in Konbini stores on December 22. The price is set at an affordable 699 yen (tax included), making it an easy impulse buy.
The biggest feature is its blind box format—you’ll randomly receive one of 10 different types of Kapikoro and their friends. You can enjoy the thrilling suspense of not knowing which character you’ll get until you open the package.
Additionally, a major highlight is that each figurine comes with a cute animal costume, allowing for fun “dress-up play.”
Hidden within the collection are rare characters, including a glow-in-the-dark version and special ones that change color with temperature. This element taps into the fun of collecting, which is a key part of Japan’s capsule toy culture.
A Toy Designed to Create “Me Time” for Children
According to the product developer, “Kapikoro” was created to give children a chance to “relax and play at their own pace.”
Its unique “ponyo ponyo” texture naturally stimulates a child’s fingertips, enhancing their focus during playtime. It’s designed with the intention of fostering creativity and self-expression through the simple activity of changing costumes. There are no fixed rules, and the freedom to play however one imagines is the greatest appeal of “Kapikoro.”
A New “Thrill” Engineered by a Hit-Maker
Leading “Takarajimasha Toys” is Mr. Koichi Shimizu, the director of the development bureau. He is known as a true “hit-maker,” having planned and published numerous million-selling titles in the past.
According to Mr. Shimizu, “Takarajimasha Toys” is a new challenge for Takarajimasha, a company that has long provided surprise and fun in the publishing industry. In Japan, “Mook” (a hybrid of a magazine and a book) are popular, and they often gain attention for their lavish “Furoku” (pack-in extras). This project was born from the desire to deliver the “doki doki, waku waku” (heart-pounding, exciting) feeling of opening these extras to children, this time in the form of toys.
The motto for developing products is, “to create things that children themselves genuinely want.” This philosophy was evident in their previous smash-hit toy, “Uncheese.” The concept of “playing with poop,” while perhaps strange to adults, perfectly captured children’s imaginations and became a massive success.
Another point that shows the creators’ kindness is how they’ve designed the product to eliminate the “hazure” (dud) feeling common in blind box items. It’s designed with an overwhelmingly high “atari” (win) rate, ensuring children will be delighted no matter which character they receive, rather than feeling disappointed.
In a future where the advancement of AI might reduce opportunities for children to make decisions and think for themselves, Mr. Shimizu hopes that children can learn to enjoy the “unexpected.” This wish is embedded in the creation of “Kapikoro.”
Japanese Konbini are more than just food stores; they are places where you can discover unique and heartwarming items like this. When you visit Japan, why not stop by a nearby Konbini to look for these new “relaxing” figurines?
Source (Japanese): ～出版社が立ち上げた玩具ブランド「宝島社トイズ」～クセになる触り心地の“激カワ”フィギュア「カピころ」新登場！ 12/17発売
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