Dec 16 (News On Japan) - Bikkuriman, the collectible sticker series that once became a nationwide craze, is launching a new collaboration with generative AI as Lotte prepares to mark the 40th anniversary of its popular Devil-Versus-Angel line.
The commemorative project, which began at noon on December 16th, allows users to create a single, personalized business card featuring artwork generated by AI to match the visual style of the original series. The stickers packaged with Bikkuriman Chocolate became a social phenomenon in the 1980s, with the Devil-Versus-Angel lineup generating such explosive demand that retailers imposed purchase limits. For the anniversary, users can upload a facial photo to a dedicated website, where generative AI produces an illustration set within the Bikkuriman universe. Explaining the initiative, Lotte marketing executive Masaaki Motohara said the company wanted to harness the generative AI technologies shaping the current era to “create new surprises,” noting that the business-card format offered an appealing way to present the customized artwork. Sales will run for 40 days until January 25th, in line with the 40th anniversary, and are capped at 400 sets per day. Pricing varies by quantity, but a set of 100 cards costs 4,400 yen including tax and shipping. With its history of sparking nationwide excitement, Bikkuriman is once again drawing attention as it explores whether AI-driven customization can generate the next wave of buzz.
Source: FNN
