With artist Kaori Hinata serving as creative director, Sekiguchi, the manufacturer of "Monchhichi," and MEDICOM TOY present a special program that periodically releases artistic Monchhichi. The third installment of this "SMAK!" series is a special collaboration with Nathalie Lété.

Released by Sekiguchi in 1974, "Monchhichi" became an explosive phenomenon. This entirely new type of doll, with a plush body and soft vinyl face and limbs, was exported overseas the following year, quickly making Monchhichi a global favorite. The name comes from the French "MON" (my) and "PETIT" (small and cute) to mean "my cute thing." It was also named from the monkey sound "Mon" and the fact that they are always sucking on a pacifier, "chuchu."

The "SMAK!" introduced here is a special program where Sekiguchi and MEDICOM TOY periodically release artistic Monchhichi, with Kaori Hinata as the creative director. The abbreviation stands for "SEKIGUCHI & MEDICOM TOY ARTISTIC MONCHHICHI PROJECT featuring KAORI HINATA!" To enhance detail reproduction, the M size Monchhichi body is used, and an internal plastic joint system called "Pokipoki" allows for flexible posing. Furthermore, it's a special model made with exclusive boa material specially prepared by Sekiguchi for SMAK!.

The first installment was the "SMAK! Monchhichi - HAPPY GIFT BOX -" designed by Kaori Hinata, released in November 2019 as a commemorative product for the opening of "2G TOKYO." In December 2020, the equally popular "SMAK! MORRIS," also designed by Hinata, was released.

The third installment in the series, introduced here, is designed by Nathalie Lété. Born in Paris, France, she is an artist who draws inspiration from childhood memories and daily life to create various works, including picture books and textiles. While she has previously created three patterns of BE@RBRICK, this marks her first time designing a Monchhichi.

To commemorate this cross-border collaboration between Japan and France, we interviewed Ms. Hinata and Ms. Lété about this collaboration.(※ This article is a reconstruction of email interviews with each artist.)

—Ms. Hinata, you won the "First Monchhichi Dress Design Contest, Illustration Category Grand Prize" in 2008.

HinataI was still a student then, at a time when I had to choose between getting a job after graduation or pursuing a career as an artist. While looking for information, I found out about this contest and thought, "It would be wonderful to win a contest for Monchhichi, which I love!" So I applied. I was so happy when I won the grand prize; it gave me the courage to take my first step as an artist.

—What do you find appealing about Monchhichi?

HinataMonchhichi continues to expand in various ways even now, but I believe its greatest charm is its "retro feel" that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

—Monchhichi was known as "Kiki" in France, and the song "La chanson de Kiki" released in 1978 was a big hit in France. Did Nathalie know this character?

NathalieYes. I knew about Kiki because my friends had them. We called them "Mon Kiki." However, by 1978, when they were sold in France, I was already 14 years old, so I was well past the age of begging my parents for toys... I was more interested in decorating my room and boys I liked (laughs). I had never heard the song "La chanson de Kiki" until you told me about it and I watched it on YouTube just now. But after I had children, and my daughter Angele started asking for things, Kiki came back into my life. I gave my daughter a Monchhichi keychain that I bought in Japan 17 years ago.

—Please tell us about the background leading up to the start of the "SMAK!" program.

HinataWhile I always harbored a desire to work with Monchhichi as an artist, I worked as an illustrator for several years. Then, in 2016, I launched my own original character, "MORRIS," and began working as a figure artist. It was then that MEDICOM TOY approached me, and we started working together.

One day, during a meeting, I casually mentioned to President Akashi, "I would be delighted to be involved with Monchhichi, as I love them." He replied, "I think that can be arranged. I will speak with Sekiguchi." It turned out that President Akashi and Sekiguchi's President Yoshino were already acquainted, and coincidentally, both companies were discussing starting a new project together. Through this connection, I was able to participate from the beginning as a creative director, and the dreamlike "SMAK!" program was launched.

—As the creative director for SMAK!, you have created many original characters such as "MORRIS" and "POOKA."

NathalieHer characters are very charming. MORRIS, in particular, is a character that mixes forest animals, which I love, and it looks a bit like a deer, a fox, or even a badger. So, I felt a strong sense of familiarity with her world.

—How was it working together on SMAK! this time?

HinataI've been a fan of Nathalie's work for a long time and own many of her items like handkerchiefs and pouches, so I was surprised when her name came up in the first SMAK! meeting. I get the impression that Nathalie's work is filled with love for nature and animals, and a passion for drawing. I am strongly drawn to her creations, which, while cute, possess a worldview with a subtle hint of melancholy.
I was very excited as a fan, thinking, "If she's in charge, it's bound to be something adorable!" When she visited Japan, we were able to meet, and I told her, "It's an honor to be able to work with you!" We chose fabric samples together on the spot and discussed the facial sculpt, and I felt that Nathalie is someone who truly values intuition.

NathalieKaori is a young and lovely woman with beautiful hair and big eyes. She herself reminded me of MORRIS. I thought the SMAK! project seemed very interesting. Initially, I didn't realize that even the face shape could be changed, so I was only modifying details like the face, eyes, and fur color. Once I understood that I could create a new "3D face" and incorporate it into my character, the final result became quite different from the original Monchhichi. I placed great importance on the iconic pose of sucking one's thumb, but otherwise, it became a completely new plush toy that I named "Martin." I hope everyone will like it! Perhaps this character is like Monchhichi's cousin living in France (laughs).

—What aspects did you focus on when designing "Martin"?

NathalieEvery element of this project was fascinating. I started by creating the face, but I was undecided about the proportions and expression, so Kaori helped me choose from the faces I drew. I was very intrigued by how the "3D face" would be created based on my drawings. Next, I selected the fur. At that time, I was wearing a jacket made of pale pink curly fur, and I thought I wanted to create a Monchhichi with a similar texture. It was challenging, but ultimately, Martin was born, clad in beautiful pink curly fur. Creating the costume was also an enjoyable process. There are several recurring characters in my artwork, and I presented some ideas to Kaori, who then selected characters like a small "garden gnome" and a "fairy." These are characters I saw in picture books during my childhood in Germany. He wears a red and white gingham shirt, an indigo apron, and a red hat with a pompom. I also paid attention to the final packaging, creating an original box so that Martin would have his own world even within the store.

—Please tell us about his personality and worldview.

Nathalie"Martin" loves living in nature and tending to his garden. Like the fairies, he is a diligent worker, carrying out his tasks while we are asleep or out of sight. By the time we wake up, he is by our side, with his thumb in his mouth. He is a very good boy and kind to everyone, but he also needs to be cherished. He loves going out dressed up, but he also enjoys the freedom of being undressed.

HinataEven in the design sketches, "Martin" was incredibly cute, but when the finished product arrived, it exceeded all expectations. I exclaimed, "So cute!" all by myself. The hat is temporarily attached, but please try taking it off. There are adorable little ears underneath. Looking at his features, I wondered if "Martin" might be a bear, but then I noticed the long tail at his backside, which is a highlight showcasing Nathalie's unique worldview.

—If you have the opportunity to collaborate again, what would you like to do?

HinataI chose Martin from the many idea sketches Nathalie sent, but the other sketches were also very cute. If we have another collaboration opportunity, I would love to create a series of Martin's friends for SMAK!. Also, I truly love Nathalie's artwork, so I would be thrilled if she could draw MORRIS in her signature style and create merchandise like handkerchiefs.

NathalieWhen this project first began, I didn't know that a new 3D face could be created, so I experimented by painting Monchhichi faces myself. Among these tests, there was one where I changed the eye color, and that's a version I really love. It's very close to the original Monchhichi, but I'm very drawn to the eyes I created myself. If there's a new Monchhichi project with this design, I would definitely want to participate. While keeping the soft body that I really like, I'd love to change the fur to bright colors like green apple, yellow, or orange, reminiscent of the 70s when I was a child!

—Finally, could you tell us about the future plans for SMAK!?

HinataA characteristic of SMAK! is that all the bodies are the same, and the clothes are interchangeable, so it would be interesting to create a "SMAK! Boutique." If a boutique becomes a reality, I think collaborating with fabric brands would also be wonderful. I'm excited about the idea of nurturing the SMAK! brand by involving wonderful artists from around the world. I would be delighted if you would pay attention to its future developments.

SMAK! Martin by Nathalie Lété
Size | Approx. 270mm (Total Height)
Price | ¥16,500 (excluding tax)
Release Date | Scheduled for January 2021
Manufacturer | Sekiguchi
© Nathalie Lété
© 2020 Sekiguchi Co., Ltd.
Direction Kaori Hinata (hinatique)