[LINE Yahoo/LINE FRIENDS] 'Emoji no ko (tentative)' Launches First Official Merchandise and Licensing Business

LINE Yahoo Corporation (hereinafter 'LINE Yahoo') and LINE Friends Japan Corporation (hereinafter 'LINE Friends Japan') have announced a partnership in the character business for 'Emoji no ko (tentative),' which is popular as a default and official emoji on LINE, to promote its merchandising and licensing. Additionally, starting Thursday, June 11, 2026, they will begin accepting pre-orders for the first official merchandise, 'Boxed Plush Set.' 'Emoji no ko (tentative),' which has been cherished primarily within LINE chats, is now expanding its presence beyond the chat room.

About 'Emoji no ko (tentative)'

'Emoji no ko (tentative)' is a character that began as a default LINE emoji in 2024. Its simple design, which expresses everyday emotions, became a topic of conversation on social media, with users praising it for being 'easy to use' and 'effectively conveying feelings.' The series reached several million downloads within a few months of its release. It is still used by many users today and has become an essential presence in daily chats, especially among Gen Z. As the full extent of its ecology is not yet clear, the name includes '(tentative)' as part of its official name.

Pre-orders for First Official Merchandise 'Boxed Plush Set' Begin

Pre-orders for the first official 'Emoji no ko (tentative)' merchandise, a 'Boxed Plush Set' (6 types in total, 4,730 yen including tax each), will begin on the LINE FRIENDS SQUARE official online store. The 6 characters being turned into products are 'Honya,' 'Kyaha,' 'Long Leg,' 'Uru,' 'Sun-mayu,' and 'Kiri-mayu.' Each plush toy comes in a special box and includes an eye mask and a futon. During the order period, actual products will be on display at the 1st floor of LINE FRIENDS SQUARE SHIBUYA.

- Pre-order period: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 12:00 to Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 23:59 - Expected delivery: Around late September 2026 - Special page: https://lin.ee/7QfGyTs

Launch of 'Emoji no ko (tentative)' Licensing Business

LINE Friends Japan has launched a licensing program for 'Emoji no ko (tentative)' and is looking for partner companies in a wide range of areas, including apparel, miscellaneous goods, and food and beverage. Furthermore, they will exhibit at 'Licensing Japan,' held at Tokyo Big Sight from Wednesday, June 17, to Friday, June 19, 2026, with a LINE Friends Japan booth.

Launch of Official Instagram Account '@emoji_no_ko_shop'

In addition to the official X (@emoji_no_ko) and Instagram (@emoji_no_ko) accounts, which already have approximately 400,000 followers, a new official Instagram account, 'Emoji no ko (tentative) no omise (tentative)' (@emoji_no_ko_shop), has been opened.

Under the concept that 'Emoji no ko (tentative) is preparing a fictional shop,' this account will introduce various items in a photo format.

As a character cherished in LINE chats, 'Emoji no ko (tentative)' plans to develop various activities in the future, including merchandise, events, and collaborations. There are also plans to develop 'Shiromi no ko (Rabbit),' a character derived from the world of 'Emoji no ko (tentative).'