
Most people reach for a lighter when they need to start a fire. It’s rare to see someone pull out a box of good old-fashioned matches, though collecting matchboxes and matchbooks was once a hobby for some! Nowadays, though, the opportunities to use a match and get that satisfaction of striking it against the side of a box are few and far between.
However, these incredibly cute match head character may just be enough to change trends! We definitely hope this is something that catches on.
For those that like to play with fire, you’ll definitely want to keep these on hand. And cigarette smokers, you might want to just throw away your lighter, because simply looking at these adorable character match heads, will instantly put a smile on your face.
More than just functional fire-starters, these matches are cute as hell!
Currently sold via the online marketplace Rakuten, these character matches are called “Jinsei no tomoshibi kokeshi matchi” or, roughly translated, “Human light doll matches” since they bear a resemblance to Japanese wooden kokeshi dolls, like the one below.
These fun stick matches have four different characters drawn on their heads:
From left to right, the characters pictures above are: A dog, crane, chick and Japanese kokeshi wooden doll match head.
We don’t want to encourage pyromania but we certainly love just looking at these overwhelmingly cute matches and can’t wait to get our hands on some to play with. Sold by Rcubic, a candle and aroma company, the line-up of matches also includes other animals, such as cats and pandas, available as matchbooks.
When you’re feeling down, just pull out a set of these match to ignite a spark in yourself. Sold as a four-box set, they make a cute gift idea, thought they’ll set you back 720 yen (US$6) plus tax. You can also purchase a single box of matches for 180 yen ($1.50).
Source: Curazy
Images: Rakuten, Wikipedia – Batholith, Instagram (kmbomi)




3-D character bread trending on Instagram is way cuter and cooler than sliced bread
These ukiyo-e style renditions of Lupin the Third characters just might steal your heart!
Sailor Moon girls appear as samurai and ninja in five-piece character art collection
Fill your home with the scent of Studio Ghibli
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Anti-NHK activist recommends “magic words” that will drive away fee collectors instantly
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
7-Eleven Japan’s new microwaves know how long your bento should be warmed up, even if you don’t
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
One thing you should be careful of when visiting Japan’s Laputa Island
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Day 2 of our quest to visit all the Pokémon manhole covers in Tottori【Photos】
Studio Ghibli adds magic to your matcha with new tea ceremony whisk and bowl
Leave a Reply