I seem to have totally forgotten that I already own a Character Model Original Doll and that I've even reviewed one. However, Hikaru has always held a special place in my heart. I love dolls that are 1/1.

This Hikaru doll could be a part of Misaki's cosplay. She is 29cm tall, based on SAJ body.

All Character Model Original Dolls seem to involve a DIY element, and, as you see on the back of the box, there's a lot for me to do!

I didn't realise at first that I have to cut plastic tubes in order to put them on Hikaru's wrists - otherwise the boxing gloves are too loose. The deformed ring below is the headgear, but you have to make holes in it to attach the red cord decoration. I'm not sure if I was right when I cut off the little black protruding elements, anyway, that made my task much easier.

After assembling, Hikaru looks like this.

I have a feeling that the headgear should be partly hidden under her hair. Unfortunately, the "wings" won't stay apart and they resemble horns.

Frankly speaking, I don't like her face, it's quite different from her original design. Bicoloured eyes look interesting though.

Now she's ready to fight!

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Written by Yoruno

Published: 14 November 2018

At last I got her! This 1989 Elilin doll is a desired item and she is difficult to find, especially in a good condition. She represents  the eponymous character of Idol Densetsu Eriko - and, at the same time, the real singer Tamura Eriko.

Mandarake attributes this doll to Agatsuma, a toy company; however, the box only says Pinocchio. The doll was available in three oufits; the yellow one is Eriko's signature look, and while I've occasionally seen the pink one, I can't remember the blue dress in the show.

Her head and her upper and lower body parts are made of different kinds of vinyl - at least, now they are all different in colour due to ageing. Her knees and elbows don't bend.

The box is torn inside, because the accessories were attached to it and the previous owner tried too hard to unattach them. The accessories, apart from a doll stand and shoes, are: a casket, a star-shaped wand, a mike and a mike stand. Eriko can hold these objects in her hands and use the mike stand to recreate stage scenes.

The doll is more or less compatible in size with the series of magical girls by Bandai (1 cm shorter, actually).

The doll itself might not be top quality, but she is rare, and it's a real treat to have her in one's collection. 

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Written by Yoruno

Published: 09 October 2018

I've never owned any independent designer outits, and here's the reason why:

Cherry Milk, Ginger Tea, TcDoLL and others only get licences to sell their anime-related doll accessories during various cons, which means that if you like them, you should either go to Japan and visit their booths at, say, Wonder Festival, or wait patiently until a second-hand outfit pops up at Yahoo! Japan Auction or Mandarake. I had to choose the second option, because I'm nowhere near Tokyo.

I'm not a big fan of idol games or series, but I can't resist marine theme in clothes. Ongaku De Tsumugi Dasu Sekai was love from the first sight.

This is a screenshot from the game:

The outfit has never appeared in Volks collection, but we're lucky to have Ginger Tea and her sewing magic! I ordered this outfit for my DD Exellen Browning to match her beautiful blue eyes.

The description says it fits bust M/L, but I had problems with buttoning it on L.

You can feel the clothes are handmade, but at the same time all these details, like the pattern on the skirt or the metal charms, seem even more impressive when you realize it's not mass production.

I think it's awesome to have an alternative to giants like Volks and Azone. Diversity is a good thing. Yet it's a pity that these outits are so hard - or sometimes even impossible - to get.

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Written by Yoruno

Published: 30 September 2018

New content on our YouTube channel: reviews on Princess Sarah and Memole dolls. Warning: Russian language only ATM.

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Written by Yoruno

Published: 12 August 2018