
This is the creepiest version of Licca-chan ever, even for an April Fool’s Day joke.
Fortunately, April Fool’s Day only comes once a year — any more of these silly pranks and we’d probably spend every day sobbing in confusion in the corner. That said, some of the “jokes” we’ve seen this year have been quite a bit of fun, and this “new” version of Licca-chan, one of Japan’s most popular dolls, is among our favorites.
▼ And one of the creepiest things we’ve seen this year…
【改名宣言】香山理科になりました♡ 時代は"リケジョ"よ、うふふ♪ ⇒https://t.co/qyrSUyGYra #エイプリルフール pic.twitter.com/bxGwESPa5N
— リカちゃん 公式 *♬ (@bonjour_licca) March 31, 2016
The joke here is actually a pun — Licca-chan is known as リカ (“Rika”) in Japanese, which just so happens to be the reading for the kanji 理科. If you’ve spent a lot of time in a Japanese school, you might recognize this as the word for “science.” In other words, Licca-chan is now “Rika-chan” (理科ちゃん) or “Science-chan!”
Apparently the name and new look were offered as an attempt to appeal to “rikeijo,” or “women in science,” though we can’t help thinking a lab coat might have been more effective…
▼ We do like that Science-chan is equipped with all manner of medical supplies!
05:【次に欲しい商品No.1】「理科ちゃん」人形の発売が決定しました。このドールがあれば、遊びながら自然に人体の知識が身につきます。https://t.co/WXBX55AUoK @bonjour_licca #エイプリルフール pic.twitter.com/bgcXwQrPcN
— タカラトミー (@takaratomytoys) March 31, 2016
However, we do kind of get the logic here. As the tweet above explains, with this doll, you can play and learn about human anatomy at the same time! We wonder if the same logic could be used for our all-night Mortal Kombat gaming sessions.
While this is clearly an April Fool’s Day joke, we almost want one. As creepy as Science-chan is, she’s still kind of cute. And we could definitely use some help brushing up on our human anatomy knowledge…
References: Twitter/@bonjour_licca, Twitter/@takaratomytoys
Featured image: Twitter/@takaratomytoys
[ Read in Japanese ]

New Licca-chan doll from Japan has unnervingly rapid hair growth
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
We try the Jack & Coke canned cocktail to see if it’s any better than mixing one yourself
Japan’s original oyakodon restaurant reopens after three years in a newly renovated building
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
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
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
Leave a Reply