#Japan #Tokyo #Pie no Mi #Shin'ei Douga #Oshi no Mori

A Major Makeover for Pie no Mi: A New Comic Adventure

Lotte Co., Ltd. has announced a groundbreaking initiative for its long-time favorite snack, "Pie no Mi," marking a transformation as it enters its 48th year. Since its debut in 1979, this delicious treat, known for its flaky texture and rich chocolate, has captured the hearts of many. Now, Lotte is embracing modern fandom culture with the launch of the "Oshi no Mori Project," aiming to deepen the love and connection fans have with the brand.

A New Chapter: Introducing the Oshi no Mori Project

The "Oshi no Mori Project" is set to introduce a captivating narrative that revolves around characters embodying the essence of modern "oshi" (personal favorites) culture. Partnering with the renowned animation studio Shin'ei Douga, known for classics like "Doraemon" and "Crayon Shin-chan," Lotte has enlisted a team of top-tier creators to bring this project to life. The result? A charming tale titled "Oshi no Mori," which will unfold through 64 four-panel comics distributed over 32 weeks. Each comic will feature quirky and beloved characters, allowing fans to discover and embrace their own unique "oshi".

Project Highlights

• - 64 Four-Panel Comics: The series kicks off with weekly releases, presenting two new comics every Wednesday and Friday, featuring heartwarming adventures from the Oshi no Mori.
• - Exclusive Packaging Content: Special stories and comics will also be included inside the Pie no Mi packaging, creating a delightful surprise for fans.
• - Character Merchandise: A new line of merchandise capitalizing on the beloved characters will be launched, allowing fans to take home a piece of this narrative.
• - LINE Creators Stickers and Themes: Animated stickers and themed designs will be available, making everyday conversations more enjoyable with appealing Pie no Mi characters.

Why This Project Now?

For the past few years, Pie no Mi has been more than just a delightful snack; it has become a storytelling platform with characters like "Pail" and "Roxy" making regular appearances. The initiative seeks not only to entertain but to build a deeper connection with fans by enhancing the familiar world through engaging stories and relatable characters. By doing so, Lotte hopes to breathe new life into the cultural relevance of Pie no Mi while remaining faithful to its tasty roots.

Focus Point 1: Weekly Comic Revelations

As part of the project launch, a series of four-panel comics filled with love for the snack will debut bi-weekly, with the first issue scheduled for an exciting reveal. Lotte is deeply invested in the significance of the numbers 6 and 4, which represent their identity, and will weave this thematic element throughout the series.

Focus Point 2: Fun Merchandise

Collaborations with Shin'ei Douga have not only resulted in captivating stories but also in the creation of unique merchandise. Fans can look forward to items like acrylic keychains and pass cases featuring the fresh Pie no Mi characters, with pre-orders starting soon.

Focus Point 3: Smartphone Accessories

Lotte has also partnered with caseplay to offer a range of smartphone cases featuring the new character designs. This includes adorable visuals of Pail and Roxy, bringing Pie no Mi love directly into fans' hands.

Focus Point 4: Fun Through LINE

In an effort to integrate these characters into daily life, LINE Creators stickers and themes will be rolled out, allowing fans to express their affection through fun and engaging digital content.

Meet the Creative Minds Behind the Project

This project has garnered attention not only for its innovative concept but also for the talent involved. Notable figures in the animation industry have joined forces to redefine the Pie no Mi narrative:

• - Shin'ei Douga: Collaborating closely with Lotte, they aim to capture the spirit of Pie no Mi with delightful new characters.
• - Director Mankyu: Known for his imaginative storytelling, manages to merge the sweet essence of Pie no Mi while creating enchanting narratives that resonate with fans.
• - Scriptwriter Yuko Kakihara: Brings unique insights into the characters’ lives and their connections to the fans, enhancing the project's depth and engagement.
• - Character Designer Aya Matsu, who has previously worked on beloved franchises, ensures each character is visually delightful and easy to love.

Final Thoughts

Under the guidance of Lotte's marketing team, led by Yuki Kubota, the "Oshi no Mori Project" symbolizes a profound commitment to enhancing consumers' experiences with the brand. With the slogan "Let's create!" encouraging team members to explore innovative ideas, Lotte aims to provide fans with a fresh and enjoyable take on the Pie no Mi universe.

Don't miss out on this exciting new chapter for Pie no Mi as it embraces the culture of fandom while delighting the taste buds of its loyal followers!

Stay tuned on the special project site for all updates and releases!