Licca-chan (リカちゃん, Rika-chan) is a Japanese fashion doll launched on July 4, 1967 by Takara,[1][2] and created by former shōjo manga artist Miyako Maki.

[3] 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).

[1] 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.

[6] In 1966, Takara planned to enter the dress-up doll market taking advantage of the know-how of the plastic process.

[7] The size was larger than expected and the plan was reviewed not suitable for Japanese housing circumstances and children's carrying.

While planning, a fashion doll, in a setting of elementary school, the height 21 cm to fit in the palm was in favor, adopting characteristics of a cartoon girl.

[8] The name "Licca-chan" was decided by the general public offering on the July 1967 issue of the monthly girl manga magazine "Ribon".

Licca-chan started exceeding Barbie sales and began to reign as the queen of Japanese dress-up dolls.

[8] As of today, Japan's Licca and America's Barbie are the only two fashion dolls in the world that have lasted more than 25 years and their sales are always in competition.

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 blonde bob haircut.

[citation needed] Licca-chan dolls were a creation of new value for play and the objective was to provide dreams for girls.