BODY: For anyone who grew up with a PocketStation strapped to their PlayStation, the sight of Toro Inoue's hopeful eyes still triggers something close to nostalgia overload. On May 3, 2026, Japanese merchandise maker Bisai announced a new pair of posable plushies featuring Toro and his rival-turned-friend Kuro — and the timing is no accident.
The two plush toys, simply called "Doko Demo Issho Pose Plushies," go on sale July 22, 2026, at ¥2,970 each (tax included). Pre-orders opened the same day as the announcement. Both characters are sold separately, and as the name suggests, the standout feature is articulated arms and legs that let owners reposition them into different poses — sitting, waving, hands-on-hips, or whatever fits the shelf.
The release commemorates the 27th anniversary of "Doko Demo Issho," the quirky 1999 PlayStation title where players taught Japanese vocabulary to a cast of "Pocket Pierre" characters. Toro, the white cat who dreams of becoming human, became one of Sony's most enduring mascots — appearing in everything from PS3 dashboard themes to crossover fighting games.
Bisai has been steadily expanding its Toro and Kuro lineup over the past few years, but posable plushies are a relatively rare format for the franchise, which has historically favored static stuffed toys and acrylic stands.
The insider take
Toro occupies a strange space in Japan's character economy — beloved enough that Sony keeps him alive through anniversary merch, but never quite breaking back into mainstream visibility the way Hello Kitty or Rilakkuma have. The 27th anniversary feels like an odd milestone to celebrate (most brands wait for 30), suggesting Bisai is testing demand ahead of bigger 2029 plans. At ¥2,970, these are priced for adult collectors with disposable income and shelf space, not kids — exactly the millennial demographic who remember begging their parents for a PocketStation.
Originally reported by 4Gamer.net − 最新記事 (Japanese).