Doki Doki is a subscription box from Japan Crate for all things kawaii! Items range from plushies, collectible, household goods, apparel, miniatures and more.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Doki Doki by Japan Crate
The Cost: $30 per month + free shipping. Save with 3, 6, and 12-month prepaid subscriptions.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $3 off your first box
CODE: MSADD3
The Products: 5-7 licensed, authentic kawaii items including an exclusive monthly wearable
Ships to: Internationally with a few exceptions found here
Check out all of our Doki Doki and Japan Crate reviews as well as the Kawaii Subscription Box Directory!
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Each month comes with a booklet that includes item descriptions as well as other relevant literature. May's theme is Kawaii Critters!
Antler Beret: Peach Deer
Deer roam free in the city of Nara, Japan, and this beret pays homage to Nara deer with tiny fuzzy antlers sewn on the sides. The pink beret is knitted from warm, thick material and feels much more appropriate for fall and winter. I find it a bit odd that it would be in a summer box. That said, it's one of the most unique wearables I've ever received from Doki Doki, so I'll definitely show it off come wintertime!
Aggressive Retsuko Stickers
Aggressive Retsuko, or better known as Aggretsuko, is the newest addition to the Sanrio family. She's kind of the opposite of Hello Kitty. Aggretsuko is a red panda businesswoman at a trading firm but always has trouble with her coworkers. To let off steam, she likes to sing death metal solos at karaoke bars. Sounds like one of the most relatable Sanrio characters ever!
Aggretsuko's expressions gives us a glimpse of the ups and downs of a hardworking red panda in a modern world. Her coworkers (especially the gorilla) have some hilarious expressions themselves. My favorite stickers are those with Aggretsuko's intense death metal makeup.
Children's Day Hoppe-Chan
Japan's Children's Day is May 5th, and a traditional activity on that day is raising koi flags. This month's Hoppe-chan charm features her hitching a ride on a koi fish flag. The koi is made from acrylic while Hoppe-chan is her usual rubbery self.
Sumikko Gurashi Shampoo Bottle
There are two variations of this item: penguin Sumikko Gurashi or Doraemon the cat. I received the penguin and it's freaking adorable. The bottle is large enough to hold a full bottle of shampoo and then some!
It comes with an easy-to-use, retractable wide mouth pump.
As much as I want to use it, the bottle is too bulky for my shower space. I still want to find a use for it, though. All suggestions are welcome!
Higemanju Gamaguchi Coin Purse
Higemanju means "whiskered steamed bun" and it is a part of toy company Amuse's toy line. The cat face is way too cute! This coin purse is soft on the outside and plush on the inside. The kiss lock closure makes it convenient for opening and closing. However, this is an item that sacrifices practicality for aesthetics. The pouch is so plump with stuffing that I can't hold more than a couple of coins and a few bills at a time. Ultimately it doesn't bother me-- this coin purse is meant to be shown off, and it does its job very well.
I also want to point out that I received a different coin purse in last month's Doki Doki. To get two coin purses in such a short span of time has me scratching my head a little.
Sunhoseki Plush: Eclair Petit Lapin
Petit Lapin is part of Doki Doki's toy line. This French-loving bunny usually dresses up as all sorts of food, and this time he has magically transformed into an eclair. I love the attention to detail on this plush. For example, Petit Lapin's ears poke out from the top of the eclair, and his cheeks are a faint pink. The satin bow covers up his face, but it's still a nice touch.
Verdict: This is a very fun month of Doki Doki. I didn't know kawaii shampoo bottles existed! I am also thrilled to get my hands on Aggretsuko stickers. That said, I think the curation is a bit off. The knit beret feels offseason-- maybe it would have been better if it was made with more lightweight material. Also, getting a coin purse two months in a row is a bit odd. Despite the odd curation, all the items are high quality goods. I feel like I can use them for a long time. I hope Doki Doki keeps it up!
What do you think of Doki Doki?
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