Pilot Corporation's Mell-chan series — an iconic caregiving doll that has been beloved for over 30 years — is expanding with a new starter set, renewed classics, Sanrio collaboration items, and themed real-world experiences. Most products go on sale Saturday, April 18, 2026, at major toy specialty stores and mass retailers nationwide.
Hajimete no Mell-Chan — A Starter Set for Toddlers
Around the age of 1.5, children begin wanting to imitate the people around them, and pretend caregiving play becomes a natural part of development. "Hajimete no Mell-Chan" is designed specifically for this milestone, letting young children enjoy the basics of caregiving play: dressing the doll, putting on a diaper, giving baths, tucking her into bed, and combing her hair.
Product Name: Hajimete no Mell-Chan
Price: ¥3,960 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥3,600)
Recommended Age: 1.5 years and up
Set Contents: Mell-chan doll, wearable diaper, one-piece dress, comb, Beginners BOOK
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Renewed Classics and New Accessories
Oshare Hair Mell-Chan (Renewed)
The long-running "Oshare Hair Mell-Chan" returns with a refresh. Her silky long hair is perfect for first-time hair styling, encouraging children to try different arrangements including the included headband. Hair play helps develop concentration and creativity.
Product Name: Oshare Hair Mell-Chan
Price: ¥4,950 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥4,500)
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Set Contents: Long-hair Mell-chan, one-piece dress, pants, headband, comb, shoes, Beginners BOOK
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Omeme Pachikuri Nene-Chan (Renewed)
Mell-chan's little sister Nene-chan is also renewed. Lay her down and her eyes gently close; sit her up and they pop right open — just like she is really sleeping. Her hair turns blonde when placed in the bath.
Product Name: Omeme Pachikuri Nene-Chan
Price: ¥4,730 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥4,300)
Recommended Age: 1.5 years and up
Set Contents: Nene-chan doll, wearable diaper, baby-all outfit, brush, Beginners Guide
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Osaoji Robot & Wiper Set
A new play accessory set featuring a forward-moving cleaning robot and a wiper for tidy-up roleplay together with Mell-chan.
Product Name: Osaoji Robot & Wiper Set
Price: ¥1,760 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥1,600)
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Set Contents: Cleaning robot, wiper
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Kihon no Kutsu Set
A shoes-and-socks set designed to pair with separately sold dresses and outfits, letting children coordinate Mell-chan's look right down to her feet.
Product Name: Kihon no Kutsu Set
Price: ¥1,430 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥1,300)
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Set Contents: Ribbon shoes, ribbon socks, bunny shoes
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Sanrio Collaboration Outfits
Two new Sanrio collaboration dress-up sets join the Mell-chan lineup for the first time.
Cinnamoroll Heart Kirakira Dress
A glamorous Cinnamoroll-themed dress set that includes the character's trademark large ears recreated as a head dress, along with shoes for a full head-to-toe look.
Product Name: Cinnamoroll Heart Kirakira Dress
Price: ¥2,640 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥2,400)
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Set Contents: Head dress, dress, shoes
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
© 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L665813
Sanrio Characters Rainy Day Set
A rainy-day outfit set featuring a poncho and umbrella covered with various Sanrio characters. The rain boots come in Cinnamoroll and Kuromi designs. The umbrella can be held in Mell-chan's or her friends' hands.
Product Name: Sanrio Characters Rainy Day Set
Price: ¥2,640 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥2,400)
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Set Contents: Poncho, umbrella, rain boots
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
© 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L665813
Mell-Chan Experiences at Toy Kingdom
Mell-Chan Children's Lunch
The popular "Mell-Chan Children's Lunch" returns to Toy Kingdom locations nationwide. The menu features salmon onigiri, octopus-shaped sausage, Hamburg steak, and breaded shrimp — served in a bunny-shaped bento box that matches Mell-chan's own toy bento set.
Product Name: Mell-Chan Children's Lunch
Price: ¥1,800 (tax included)
Availability: Toy Kingdom locations nationwide
Contents may vary by location.
Mell-Chan Bunny Stuffed Animal Pinky Coord
A new collaboration outfit for Omochanao Kingdom (Toy Kingdom) transforms Mell-chan with an adorable bunny-ear hood, lace sleeves, and a chest ribbon. Comes with a bunny plush toy. Pairs well with the separately sold "Heart Princess Dress."
Product Name: Mell-Chan Bunny Stuffed Animal Pinky Coord
Price: ¥2,970 (tax included)
On sale from: Saturday, March 14 at Toy Kingdom locations nationwide
Mell-Chan Tumbler Drink (3rd Edition)
The third edition of the Toy Kingdom-exclusive Mell-chan tumbler drink is now available. This edition features Mell-chan in a Heart Princess Dress and Nene-chan in a Pinky Coord design.
Product Name: Mell-Chan Tumbler Drink
Price: ¥680 (tax included)
On sale from: Mid-April at Toy Kingdom locations nationwide
Drink type varies by location.
Mell-Chan Nakayoshi Room Expansion at Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa
"Mell-Chan Nakayoshi Room," the Mell-chan-themed hotel room that proved popular with families last year, is expanding with additional rooms this spring at Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa.
The rooms feature Mell-chan-themed bedding, wallpaper, and decorations throughout, creating a space that feels like stepping inside Mell-chan's own home.
Hotel Open: Thursday, April 10, 2026
New Rooms Open: Friday, April 24, 2026
Location: Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa
Website: https://www.hgp.co.jp/karuizawa/
Mell-Chan Nakayoshi Town Event at Karuizawa Toy Kingdom
"Mell-Chan Nakayoshi Town" is coming to Karuizawa Toy Kingdom from September 12 (Saturday) through November 23 (Monday, holiday), 2026.
The event brings the town where Mell-chan and her friends live to life with interactive experiences including a bouncy bear car, a mysterious mailbox that delivers letters from Mell-chan, and a digital drawing activity where children can design outfits for the characters. A photo spot featuring all of Mell-chan's friends is also planned.
Event Period: September 12, 2026 – November 23, 2026
Location: Karuizawa Toy Kingdom
Mell-Chan Corner at Kids Land US
Kids Land US (Kids US Land), an indoor family play facility with 60 locations across Japan, now features a dedicated Mell-chan corner at all locations. Children can enjoy Mell-chan dolls, play kitchens, dress-up outfits, and caregiving roleplay to their hearts' content.
Being indoors, the facility is accessible regardless of weather — rain, heat, cold, or pollen season — making it a good option for extended play.
Event Period: Now open
Location: Kids Land US (all locations)
Recommended Age: 0 years and up (varies by location)
Admission: Weekday and weekend plans available for children and parents; free for ages 0 (prices vary by location)
Website: https://kidslandus.com/attractions/mellchan_kidslandus/
