Bikkuriman
| Company type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Lotte |
Area served | Japan |
| Products | Wafer confectioneries with collectible stickers |
| Owner | Lotte |
Bikkuriman represents a series of wafer confectioneries manufactured by Lotte, notable for including randomly assorted collectible stickers with each product. Since its debut in 1977, Bikkuriman has achieved significant acclaim in Japan, largely driven by the introduction of its sticker collections that inspired a wide range of media collaborations.
History
Produced by Lotte, Bikkuriman is a chocolate and peanut wafer treat initially priced at 30 yen. The earliest stickers, known as "Dokkiri Seal" (どっきりシール, meaning "Shocking Seal"), depicted realistic prank-themed images on transparent backgrounds. Throughout the 1980s, these stickers transitioned into humorous character sets linked by overarching themes spanning the first nine series.
In August 1985, Lotte unveiled the Akuma vs Tenshi Seal collection, which featured figures drawn from mythological and folkloric sources woven into a continuous narrative reminiscent of the American Mars Attacks trading cards. Each release comprised distinct categories: Tenshi, Akuma, Omamori ("Protector"), and a highly coveted "Head" Seal portraying the primary character, often enhanced with prism or holographic foil effects. The initial rarity hierarchy placed Head Seals at the top, followed by Tenshi, Omamori, and Akuma.
The intense demand for these stickers led to complications; children frequently purchased large quantities of Bikkuriman solely to obtain Head Seals while discarding the edible wafers. Due to soaring aftermarket values and concerns over gambling-like behavior among minors, the Japanese Fair Trade Commission intervened, resulting in an increase of Head Seals per package from four to twenty-four.
Anime
The widespread acclaim of the sticker series catalyzed numerous media adaptations. The original Bikkuriman anime, produced by Toei Animation, was broadcast from October 1987 until April 1989. Following this were additional installments such as Shin Bikkuriman, Super Bikkuriman, Bikkuriman 2000, and Happy Lucky Bikkuriman.
Bikkuri-Men
On April 1, 2023, a fresh anime project was announced featuring original character designs by Hiroyuki Takei. This production was handled by Shin-Ei Animation, with animation by Lesprit and direction by Tomohiro Yamanashi. The series aired between October and December 2023 on Tokyo MX and BS Asahi. Series composition was overseen by Yuniko Ayana; Takei’s designs were adapted by Ayano Owada; music composition was provided by Yasuhiro Misawa.
The opening theme titled "Collection" is performed by Dannie May, while the ending theme "Seishun☆Whatcha Gonna Do" features Daishi Kajita, Shuta Morishima, and Tatsumaru Tachibana. Licensing rights for the Asia-Pacific region are held by Medialink.
Characters
- Yamato
- Ushiwaka
- Jack
- Phoenix
- Hood
- Peter
- Maris
- Ippontsuri
- Shokoshi
- Alibaba
- Cross
- Oasis
- Khan
- Takayan
- Manseira Type-II
- Super Devil
Manga
- Super Bikkuriman, a manga series released under Shōgakukan