Pilot Corporation's toy division is releasing "Tokimeki♡Change! Poke Mel Compact," a new addition to the Pocket Mellchan series marking its 5th anniversary this year, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at major toy specialty stores and mass retailers.
Pocket Mellchan Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary
Pocket Mellchan was created around the idea that as children grow, their play shifts from caregiving-style play toward role-play, with the goal of letting kids keep enjoying Mellchan for longer. Built around the concept "Always together, anywhere," the series is made for play at home or in the bath, but also on the go — chatting and playing with the doll during a spare moment while out, or taking photos together while traveling. It's designed to appeal both to children who already love the classic Mellchan series and to those buying their first doll.
Poke Mel Compact — Product Highlights
Transforms from a Dresser into a Cafe
Opening the compact reveals an adorable dresser with a large heart-shaped mirror, where kids can change the doll's hair color using ice water for a fashion twist. Sliding the middle panel transforms the dresser into a charming cafe, with the ice water container doubling as a cafe table for shop roleplay.
Clip It to a Bag and Take It Along
The compact is palm-sized and comes with a carabiner clip, so kids can bring Mellchan and friends along wherever they go — indoors, in the bath, or outside.
Product Name: Tokimeki♡Change! Poke Mel Compact
Suggested Retail Price: ¥1,980 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥1,800)
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Set Contents: Compact, carabiner, ice water container, color-change brush
Release Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
The "Pocket Mellchan" Series
Pocket Mellchan launched in September 2021 as a palm-sized version of the classic Mellchan doll, designed to be played with anytime, anywhere. Like the standard Mellchan series, it uses Pilot Corporation's proprietary Metamo Hair, which changes color when soaked in ice water (59°F/15°C or below). Kids can dye the whole head of hair or add partial patterns for original hair arrangements. Being small enough to fit in a pocket or bag, it's easy to bring along outside, in addition to playing at home or in the bath.
Official Pocket Mellchan website:
https://www.pilot-toy.com/pocketmell/
Pocket Mellchan Product Overview
Pocket Mellchan and Friends Get a Renewal
Pocket Mellchan and her friends — the palm-sized dolls made for play anytime, anywhere — are getting a renewal for the line's 5th anniversary, releasing Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Pocket Mellchan's Hair Changes Color
The hair of Pocket Mellchan and her friends shifts to a "cooled" color at 59°F (15°C) or below, and to a "warmed" color at 95°F (35°C) or above.
Pocket-Sized for Play Anywhere
Thanks to their palm-sized design, kids can bring the dolls along to all kinds of places — indoors, in the bath, or outside.
Mellchan Product Overview
New Mellchan Loop Towels
A new set of three Mellchan loop hand towels is now available on Nasto Corporation's official EC site and on Rakuten Ichiba. With name tags included, the towels are convenient for kindergarten and nursery use. Made of microfiber, they dry quickly after washing, making them a good fit for everyday use.
Official EC site:
https://nastoec.shop32.makeshop.jp/view/item/000000000423
Rakuten Ichiba:
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/towelshopfriend/2864007/
Product Name: Mellchan Loop Hand Towel (3-Pack)
Suggested Retail Price: ¥1,100 (tax included; tax-excluded price ¥1,000)
Release Date: Now available
Selected as One of METI's "20 Toy Industry Companies Shaping a New World"
Pilot Corporation Named in METI's Selection
Pilot Corporation has been named one of the "20 Toy Industry Companies Shaping a New World," a recognition from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as part of its "Toy Compass" initiative to promote the toy industry. The selection reflects the company's efforts to create new value through its toy business, guided by its group purpose of connecting people and creativity.
About the "20 Toy Industry Companies Shaping a New World" Selection
This initiative aims to support the sustainable development of Japan's toy industry, a sector that greatly influences children's growth through play while also offering adults enjoyment and a sense of ease in daily life. Companies recognized for notable achievements in (1) global expansion, (2) reaching diverse fan bases, and (3) strengthening touchpoints with consumers — helping the industry adapt to a changing environment and maintain its competitive edge — were selected by an expert review committee.
Reference: METI's "20 Toy Industry Companies Shaping a New World" page:
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/mono_info_service/mono/seikatsuseihin/nichiyo/gangu20sen/index.html
