In the months following the Labubu craze, the hunt for the next trending accessory ensued: Introducing Monchhichi, the baby-faced monkey that has taken over TikTok by storm.
Monchhichi shares similarities with the bunny-like monster—they are undeniably cute, and are popping up everywhere. Like Labubus, Monchhichi has quickly become fashion’s hottest accessory among celebrities and TikTok’s rising creators. From street style sightings to #OOTD videos, you’ll often find both classic and limited-edition versions of the beloved doll adorned on handbags, belt loops, and key rings. After surging in popularity in the 1980s, Monchhichi’s resurgence back onto the mainstream is stronger than ever before, thanks to social media—and it’s just getting started. Whether this freckled, thumb-sucking mascot will reach the heights of Labubu, Miffy, Sonny Angels, or Hello Kitty is still TBD, but if there’s anything we’ve learned about kawaii collectibles, it’s that it’s better to get your stock before it’s too late.
Ready to learn about these coveted creatures? Here is everything you need to know about Monchhichi, below.
What is a Monchhichi?
Monchhichi is a doll that resembles a monkey. It typically has a furry brown body with peachy, human-like features, including a freckled face, prominent ears, and little hands and feet made out of plastic. But Monchhichis come in a slew of versions; sometimes, the character dons a soft, baby-like smile, while others suck their thumb. Sometimes, they even come with a pacifier to live up to their infant persona. Plus, they come in various colors. Pink, in particular, has become a popular alternative choice.
The name “Monchhichi” merges different words: Mon is the French word for my, and Chichi is an onomatopoeia, replicating the noise a baby’s pacifier makes in Japanese. It is considered to be an indirect translation for “my little friend,” but, when put together, monchhichi sounds like the English word monkey.
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Where did Monchhichi originate?
Monchhichi was invented by the Sekiguchi Corporation, a renowned toy manufacturer based in Tokyo, Japan, in 1974.
Why was Monchhichi created?
Monchhichi was initially designed as an expansion of the already successful Kuta Kuta Monkey, or “Exhausted Monkey.” The Monchhichi was created with the intention of inspiring friendship, love, and respect among young children and adults.
Why is Monchhichi popular?
After its inception in 1974, Monchhichi became a global hit, a testament to its pre-Internet virality. Over the years, the adorable monkey was so famous that there have been television shows based on the character: a Japanese series called Futago no Monchhichi (Monchhichi Twins) in 1980; an American cartoon series called Monchhichis in 1983; a French animated series called Kiki, le Kiki de tous les Kiki in 2001; a Japanese stop-motion series called Monchhichi in 2005; and a French CGI series La Tribu Monchhichi in 2017.
