Found these up in Canada at the Osaka market in Yaohan Centre. So I’ve seen this on instagram a few times and been wondering what the big deal is. Moreover, what is Licca? Here’s something from Wikipedia –
icca-chan (リカちゃん Rika-chan), full name Licca Kayama (香山リカ Kayama Rika),[1] is a dress-up doll series introduced in Japan on 1967-07-04 by Takara,[1][2] enjoying the same kind of popularity in Japan as the Barbie series does in the United States.[3] The Licca-chan dolls tend toward a more Japanese body as far as height and features. Takara had sold over 48 million Licca-chan dolls as of 2002,[1] and over 53 million as of 2007.[3] Licca-chan was created by former shōjo manga artist, Miyako Maki, who is also the wife of Leiji Matsumoto.
Takara has provided an extensive background story for the Licca-chan doll, including an age (11), where she attends school, names and occupations for her parents, and her favorite books (Anne of Green Gables and A Little Princess). Licca-chan also likes Doraemon.[1]
Rough Trade Records teamed up with Takara in the late 90’s to release “Street Licca”, who was a DJ that carried a Rough Trade record satchel, and mini, doll-sized LPs from the labels’ artists. Along with her Ursula 1000, Gants and Spearmint records, she toted a pair of pink Converse running shoes, grey “leather” pants, headphones, layered hoody and a blond bob haircut. Street Licca was the ultimate “indie rock” doll.
In 2001, a pregnant adult version of Licca-chan was introduced which included a postcard the purchaser could send to Takara for a baby doll. The baby came with a key which allowed the doll to be returned to its standard proportions.[1][4] The release of the doll happened to coincide with the birth of Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan, a factor which helped boost the sales of the new doll.[4] Since then, other versions of Licca-chan have been introduced, including a new “Departure Licca”, released just ahead of the 40th anniversary in 2007.[3]
A Licca-chan video game was released for the Nintendo DS in Japan on November 29, 2007.[5] This game was later released in the U.S. on October 14, 2008 as Lovely Lisa.[6]
OK so kind of like a Japanese Barbie doll I suppose. Plus it’s the 50th anniversary of it’s inception. Okay – let’s check out this onion noodle.
Myojo Charumera Licca Chan Onion Gratin Soup Noodle – Japan
The import/distributor sticker (click to enlarge).
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains fish. To prepare, add 290ml boiling water and cover for 3 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Detail of the lid (click to enlarge).
The noodle block.
Some loose garnish from the cup.
A fishcake bow. Only found one of these.
Finished (click to enlarge). The noodles actually were quite good – soft and plentiful. The broth is a very rich and onion flavored affair with lots of add-ons including a bow made of fishcake and little bits of meat as well as some vegetable. Very rich and satisfying. 4.25 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4902881422772.
Myojo L i c c a c h a n cup noodles onion gratin soup 66g×12 Japan ramen
Commercials for this character over the years
