[20th Anniversary] Celebrating 20 Years of Expanding Creative Possibilities with the Launch of Next-Generation Models 'Cricut Joy™ 2' and 'Cricut Explore® 5'

Cricut, Inc. (Headquarters: Utah, USA / Japan Marketing General Manager: Ryuji Shitamori) has reached the significant milestone of its 20th anniversary since the launch of its cutting machines. In this commemorative year, as a culmination of 20 years of technological innovation and community engagement, we are releasing the next-generation models 'Cricut Joy 2' and 'Cricut Explore 5' simultaneously today, March 31st (Tuesday).

These new products symbolize a 'new era of creativity' where hardware and software merge, offering a redesigned making experience with features such as AI-powered design generation and guided functions that allow even beginners to complete projects without hesitation.

Why is Cricut, which has achieved steady growth in the global market, now focusing on Japan to launch its new generation models? We will delve into the background and objectives behind its 20-year history as a pioneer and its unique business strategy for the Japanese making market.

Ryuji Shitamori, Japan Marketing General Manager, Discusses the Business Background and Objectives Behind the New Product Launch

20 Years as a World-Leading Pioneer and Further Leap as a Global Company

Cricut was founded in Utah, USA, in 1969. Since launching its cutting machines in 2006, it has pioneered a new category of 'personalized making'.

Sales are projected to reach $708.8 million (approximately 113.3 billion yen) in 2025, with strategic overseas investments expanding the sales ratio of overseas markets to 24%. The total number of users worldwide has surpassed 10 million.

This year, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our cutting machine launch, we are introducing new generation models in Japan, one of our most important markets. *1 USD = 159.89 JPY (as of March 31, 2026)

Redesigned Product Experience: Turning 'Inspiration' into Reality Without Hesitation

The 'Cricut Joy 2' and 'Cricut Explore 5' being released are not just new models; they are products that have redesigned the making experience itself.

They feature a more compact and modern design, and we offer 'bundle kits' that allow you to start creating right out of the box.

Furthermore, the dedicated app 'Design Space®' is equipped with new features such as AI image generation (Create AI) and step-by-step guidance (Guided Flows), providing a 'guided making experience' that makes it surprisingly easy for beginners to complete their 'first creation'.

Significant Potential for 'Business Use' Dormant in the Japanese Market

Through market research and user interactions in Japan, we've observed that many people are still making things by hand.

On the other hand, approximately one in five participants in our workshops are considering 'introduction for business purposes'. This indicates that Japanese making holds significant potential to expand beyond hobbies into 'business' activities like artistic endeavors and side jobs.

Building a Unique Japanese Ecosystem to Expand Creative Possibilities

Our mission is to 'enable everyone to bring their ideas to life'. We aim to be a brand that embodies the 'joy of making' for experienced artists and creators, as well as for those just starting out.

Moving forward, in addition to increasing digital awareness, we plan to establish a unique Japanese environment where users can naturally follow the flow of 'experience → purchase → community participation'. We will build an ecosystem in Japan where all who love making can confidently take their first step, from hobby purposes to 'business' activities like artistic endeavors and side jobs, and expand the possibilities of creation together with everyone.

Ambassador Representative's Message: An Experience That Transcends the Limits of Creativity

As I enjoy creating works daily with the Cricut community, I am personally very excited about the arrival of these new models.

This model features advancements like the improved 'Print Then Cut' function for full-color creations and a surprisingly compact design, packed with innovations that further stimulate our creative drive.

Notably, this lineup includes packages with the machine itself, along with carefully selected tools and a variety of materials.

For beginners who wonder 'What should I get first?', the great appeal is that they can start making full-color stickers, labels, and other crafts right out of the box without hesitation.

As a fellow maker, I sincerely look forward to more people experiencing the joy of turning ideas and feelings into reality, whether it's for message cards or gifts for loved ones.

Product Features: Next-Generation Models Packed with 20 Years of Innovation

This lineup prioritizes user convenience. With dramatic advancements in both hardware and software, it offers a 'making experience' that allows anyone to achieve professional-quality results at home.

Cricut Joy 2

～Add 'Your Uniqueness' to Everyday Life. An Ultra-Compact Entry Model with Full-Color Support～

Introducing the next-generation cutting machine that adds a creative touch to your daily life. It brings custom cards, simple decals, and labels to life with surprising speed.

• Supports the Long-Awaited 'Print Then Cut' Function
  The biggest evolution is its support for the 'Print Then Cut' function, popular in higher-end models. The machine automatically recognizes designs printed on your home inkjet printer and cuts them precisely. This makes creating full-color stickers, magnets, temporary tattoos, and more, surprisingly accessible.

• Ultimate Portability
  Weighing only about 0.91kg, it's half the weight of previous models. Its ultra-compact design, portable with one hand, allows you to enjoy creating anywhere – in the living room, kitchen, at events, schools, or workplaces.

Generous Bundle Contents for Immediate Use
Includes popular basic tools, plus 'Printable Vinyl' and 'Card Sets' for full-color creations, valued at approximately 20,000 yen.

With materials to make up to 35 different items, beginners can start without worrying about choosing materials. This special set content allows you to confidently tackle a wide range of making, from basic cuts to advanced crafts.

Cricut Explore 5

～Dramatically Enhances Productivity with High Speed and Precision. A Versatile Model Supporting Everything from Hobbies to Small Businesses～

Introducing the latest model in Cricut's most popular 'Explore' series.

Encapsulating industry-leading performance in a sleek, modern exterior. This all-around model accelerates every process of 'bringing things to life', from personal customization to business product creation.

• Overwhelming Productivity, 2.7 Times Faster Than Before, Enabling Mass Production
  Achieves cutting speeds up to 2.7 times faster than the previous model. Industry-leading high-speed and high-precision cutting strongly supports 'mass production' beyond hobbies and the establishment of 'efficient workflows'. By significantly reducing production time, it maximizes creators' creative time and boosts the further development of small businesses.

• Supports Over 100 Types of Materials, Facilitating Diverse Product Development
  Freely controls over 100 types of materials, including vinyl, iron-on sheets, and cardstock. This single machine enables diverse product development tailored to market needs, such as professional-quality stickers, apparel customization, and package production.

• Achieves 12-inch Cutting Width Performance While Maintaining a Space-Saving Design
  The main unit size has been made 30% more compact and lighter than previous models. It fits neatly on a home desk or in limited workspace, allowing for a full-scale creative environment anywhere. Despite its compact size, it retains the established 30cm (12-inch) cutting width performance. You can efficiently enjoy creating high-quality works in your 'own small studio'.

• 'Print Then Cut' Function for Professional-Quality Full-Color Creation
  Works with home printers to automatically recognize complex designs and cut them precisely. Both beginners and advanced users can create vibrant stickers and temporary tattoos with professional-like finishes.

Abundant Tools and Materials to Expand Expressive Range

Includes popular basic tools, plus a luxurious package worth approximately 20,000 yen, featuring 'Printable Vinyl' and 'Card Sets' for full-color creations.

With abundant materials included to make up to 65 different items, you can fully enjoy everything from large decorations to small crafts without worrying about material shortages. This set content allows you to smoothly challenge 'next-level creativity' by mastering a wide variety of materials, from basic cuts to advanced applications.

New Model Comparison Table