In March 1960, a mascot doll named 'Lucky Chan' was created to celebrate the birth of Prince Hironomiya. In December 1960, winged Kokeshi-dolls Christmas decoration and in 1961, Apache- style dolls modelled on Scandinavian wooden dolls were made.
It is the choir-doll of 1962 that first possessed the characteristics of the 'Rose-chan 'doll. Subsequently, the shape of the mascot doll was formed and the design policy established in June 1963.
The autumn of 1959 saw the birth of 'Happy Chan' when a proposal to make mascot dolls as Christmas sale decoration was made. The red and green fairy dolls wearing hooded cloaks sprang into popularity overnight.
Mr Matsukichi Endo, a Nitten councillor and the sculptor of the doll's prototype, made an effort to give its rosy face and buttocks expression, and sense of liveliness to its body. The dolls usually come in a girl and boy pair, and with the 1964 'Olympic Rose' and the 1972 'Rose-chan in Pierre Cardin', it has become popular year after year. Now, the 'Rose-chan' of Takashimaya is widely adored.
