What is a monchichi?

Monchichi is a Japanese brand of stuffed toy monkeys, which were first created in 1974. These toys were initially marketed towards children and became famous for their cute design and soft bodies. Monchichis have a distinctive characteristic which sets them apart from other stuffed toys, which is their long tail with a little tuft of hair at the end. They also have a pocket in the back of their neck that enables them to be turned inside out and transform into a ball for easy transport. Monchichis became extremely popular in Japan and eventually gained international acclaim when they were exported globally. They have since evolved into different themes and accessories, gaining a loyal following among collectors.