Mattel is planning to launch a full line of toys at retail worldwide, in all markets outside Japan later this year. Mattel’s initial product launch will consist of fashion dolls in the likeness of the real-life Japanese pop stars Ami and Yumi, spunky small dolls inspired by the animated characters and the Puffy AmiYumi tour bus.

Mattel will also create plush toys based on Ami and Yumi's favourite felines, along with engaging play sets and a magical transforming tour bus. Additional products will include accessories, role-playing product, musical and electrical toys, games, puzzles and vehicles. The new toy line from Mattel brings this colorful property to the shelf with an excellent array of product and creative packaging.

For the uninitiated Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi is a half-hour comedy consisting of animated elements. The show follows the rompy rock ‘n’ roll adventures of Japanese rock stars Ami and Yumi, along with live-action bookends featuring the band. Being famous rock stars, Ami and Yumi tour the globe in their customized tour bus, a veritable condo on wheels with all the major amenities and an ever-changing interior.

Ami is the peppy, positive and resourceful one. Yumi is the hard-rocking, no-nonsense cynic with an absolutely infallible sense of cool. Whether they’re jamming with aliens, or being chased to the center of the Earth by an obsessed fan, Ami and Yumi always come out on top – dishing out lessons in J-pop justice and the international language of “cool” along the way.

The real life Ami and Yumi came together in 1995 through a nationwide talent search in Japan. Since their rock ‘n’ roll debut in 1996, they have sold millions of albums, played sold-out stadiums and hosted a live-action variety show in Asia. Now the Japanese phenomenon is taking on the cartoon world with Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, an over-the-top comedy, filled with cutting-edge music and starring two cool Japanese pop icons.

Cartoon Network Worldwide executive VP and GM Jim Samples says, “Selecting Mattel as the master toy licensee on Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi adds to the tremendous. Not only are we working with an industry leader to bring one of our hot new shows to retail and consumers, together we will bring a line of creative, fun toys to fans sooner than we have ever been able.”

Warner Bros. Consumer Products executive VP domestic licensing Karen McTier said, “We just know that Mattel will do a great job capturing the creativity and liveliness of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi in their exciting line of toys.” Mattel designs, manufactures and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie.