TOKYO -- Sales of plush toys of "Pipo-kun," Tokyo police's beloved mascot, are expected to resume next April following a yearlong halt after a new manufacturer was found, averting a major crisis.

Pipo-kun was created in 1987 to strengthen the bond between Tokyo residents and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Its name comes from combining the sounds of the words "people" and "police." The character is part of a seven-member family that includes his parents, grandparents and younger sister and brother.

According to the MPD employees' mutual aid association, the factory in Saitama Prefecture that had been making plush toys of the mascot closed in March 2024 due to aging workers.

Pipo-kun has been featured in police events and PR flyers and is loved by Tokyoites. About 6,200 plushies of the mascot were sold between fiscal years 2021 and 2023. Even after sales were halted, inquiries about where to purchase the toys continued, prompting the association to search for a new manufacturer.

Out of three companies that submitted prototypes, MedicoPress Inc., a stuffed toy maker in Tokyo's Katsushika Ward, was selected. Founded in 2002, the company has been making mascot character plush toys and costumes. It had a connection with the MPD, having produced full-body suits of Pipo-kun's family members for about six years.

Production will be streamlined by using sewing machines for all parts, which were previously partially hand-sewn. All materials will be domestically sourced. While the traditional design will be retained, the face will be made rounder to enhance cuteness.

MedicoPress President Yoshito Umetsu expressed enthusiasm, saying, "Pipo-kun is a long-standing, popular character. We want to continue making the toys by preparing the production system so they will remain loved by many people." The company will make adjustments to the samples, and aims to resume sales in April 2025.

Points of sale and prices are still under consideration. Previously, the plush toys were sold in three sizes priced between around 2,500 and 6,000 yen (about $16 to $40) at places including the Police Museum in Chuo Ward as well as the Fuchu, Samezu and Koto driver's license centers.

(Japanese original by Yuka Asahina, Tokyo City News Department)