The thumb-sucking monkey that conquered the world
On January 25, 1974, designer Yoshiharu Washino created a character for Tokyo-based Sekiguchi Corporation that was meant to teach children love and respect. A plush body, a vinyl face, five freckles on each cheek, and a thumb to its mouth — that's how Monchhichi was born. The name is a blend of French "mon" (my), Japanese "chichi" (the sound of a pacifier sucking), and English "monkey". In 2024, Monchhichi celebrated its 50th birthday — and is still as loved as ever.
Sekiguchi Corporation
Sekiguchi is a Tokyo-based company founded in 1918 — one of the oldest Japanese toy companies. For decades, it produced dolls and plush toys, until Koichi Sekiguchi decided to transition to more universal and emotional characters. Monchhichi was the fruit of this transformation — a character designed to spread love and joy, not just to entertain. The company is headquartered in Tokyo and still manages the brand worldwide.
Global expansion
In 1975, Monchhichi arrived in Germany and Austria — where it sold better than in Japan. In each country, a different name: Kiki in France, Chicaboo in the UK, Mon Cicci in Italy, Bolle in Denmark. In 1980, Mattel acquired the license for the USA, and Hanna-Barbera (the studio behind Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones) created an animated series. In 2013, Sekiguchi standardized the name "Monchhichi" worldwide.
Happiness and love
In Japan, there is a beautiful legend: a pair of Monchhichis given to a loved one brings lifelong happiness to the couple. That's why the character was always sold as a duo — a boy and a girl. Monchhichi translated into Chinese is "萌趣趣" (Mengququ) — meaning "cute and charming". Officially available in the Chinese market since 2015, with a steadily growing fan base.
Monchhichi today
After 50 years, Monchhichi remains vibrant — collaborations with Hello Kitty, My Melody, Ultraman, Monster Hunter, and Tom & Jerry attract new generations. Available in sizes from 10 cm to 80 cm. The Bebichhichi series (baby twins, since 2004). Limited editions in yukata and kimono. And a constant presence in the hearts of millennials who grew up with Monchhichi's thumb to its mouth.
The Monchhichi family
🐵 Monchhichi-kun & -chan
The original pair — boy (blue bib) and girl (pink). Always together, a symbol of love and friendship since 1974.
👶 Bebichhichi
Baby twins, introduced in 2004 for the brand's 30th birthday. Delivered by a stork — as Japanese legend says.
🎎 Special editions
Yukata, kimono, school uniform (since 1978!), seasonal costumes. Monchhichi dresses appropriately for every occasion — from hanami to Halloween.
🤝 Collaborations
Hello Kitty, My Melody, Ultraman, Monster Hunter, Tom & Jerry, and many more. Monchhichi as a canvas for other IPs — a mature brand move with a 50-year history.
Three pillars of creation
Thumb to mouth
One gesture, one icon — instantly recognizable worldwide
Always in pairs
Boy and girl — a symbol of love, friendship, and good fortune
50 years and still going
Half a century — and every generation rediscovers the same monkey
Yoshiharu Washino created a monkey with its thumb to its mouth and five freckles on each cheek. Sekiguchi wanted children to learn about love. Half a century later, Monchhichi still holds its thumb to its mouth — and the whole world wants to hug it.
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