In 2025, LittleTwinStars celebrated their 50th anniversary.
In this feature, we take a comprehensive look at everything from the twins’ profiles—such as their dream and favorite foods—to the story behind their debut, the little-known tale of how the name LittleTwinStars was chosen, and their design history spanning half a century.
We’ll also be sharing a message from the designer in charge. Enjoy reading all the way to the end.

They came from a distant star in order to grow into fine, brightly shining stars.

Kiki (left): Younger brother. Very curious, a bit of an impatient type, and loves mischief. He loves star fishing and making things (inventing). His special skill is flying through the sky using the star on his back

Lala (right): Older sister. Shy and a little bit of a crybaby. She loves drawing pictures and writing poems, and her special skill is cooking.

Their dream is to become fine, shining grown-up stars like their Father Star and Mother Star. Their favorite foods are sweets, and Kiki especially loves the pancakes made by Lala. Their height, when the two of them are together, is about the same as the “Moon.”
This “Moon” is a friend who appears in the world of LittleTwinStars and is always watching over the two of them as they do their best with kindness and care.

In 1975, LittleTwinStars made their debut as a character created for Christmas gifts. Inspired by the twinkling stars in the cold winter night sky, they were designed as star-themed characters.

That same year, My Melody also debuted as a character for Christmas gifts.

One of the very first products released at debut was a purse shaped like a Christmas stocking.
Other playful items included mitten-shaped purses and stocking-shaped pencil cases, offering a delightful lineup of goods.

They first appeared in issue No. 11 (September 1975) of The Strawberry News, Sanrio’s in-house publication that delivers the latest information on its characters and goods.

The Strawberry News, Issue No. 11:

Later, after appearing on the cover of the Christmas special issue No. 17 (December 1975), their popularity surged.

The Strawberry News, Issue No. 17

The name “LittleTwinStars” was used since their debut. However, at the time, the two characters themselves did not yet have individual names.

Thus, names were solicited in the pages of the monthly magazine, The Strawberry News, and from among many submissions, “Kiki” and “Lala” were selected. Other names, such as “Larry” and “Lily,” were also among the candidates.

The names “Kiki” and “Lala” were chosen with the hope that the two of them, working together, would sparkle and shine brightly like the stars in the night sky. It was inspired by the Japanese word, kila kila, which means to sparkle. 

The LittleTwinStars are among the few Sanrio characters with a clearly defined story. Here, we introduce the episode that tells how the two of them came to Earth.

The two, born on the Star of Compassion in the Dream Nebula, were lovingly raised by their Father Star and Mother Star. However, perhaps because of that, they grew a little selfish and overly dependent.
Worried that “at this rate, they won’t become fine, shining grown-up stars,” Father Star and Mother Star grew concerned.
Knowing, from watching above the clouds, that there are many hardships and challenges on Earth, they decided to send the two of them on a journey to the star called Earth.

Mother Star tied a large star to Kiki with a ribbon and gave it to him, allowing him to fly freely.
Father Star gave Lala a star wand that could be used to set the direction of the large star. He also told her that when she was hungry, she could twirl the wand around and treats would appear. They were also given a mysterious rose-colored cloud to take along, a place where they could rest when they grew tired from flying.

Leaving the star world was very sad, but who knew what they might encounter next. Feeling a little anxious and a little excited, they set off on their journey, promising to work together and do their best…

At the time of their debut, Kiki’s hair was brown and Lala’s hair was yellow.
Later, their hair colors were changed to light blue and pink for a more fantastical look, and today they sometimes appear with hair colors such as mint or purple to match specific designs.

Here, we introduce some of the most representative designs from their 50-year history.

In the design on the right, seven Rainbow Children appear around the two of them.

In the design on the left, the two wear a dress and sailor collar, giving them a slightly prim and proper look. It’s a rare design in which they are shown wearing hats and shoes.

The design on the right is a simple one based on their early designs.
The cloud animals became popular, and the popularity of the LittleTwinStars rose rapidly as well.

In the design on the left, a fashionable touch was added, opening up a new world for Kiki & Lala.

In 2015, their teddy bear friends “Puff & Poff” made their first appearance.
The light blue one is Puff, and the pink one is Poff. Their names were chosen through a fan vote on social media.

In the design on the left, they are shown sleeping together with Nemlin, the Prince of Slumberland, which is a place where stars come to sleep, and the Moon sometimes visits as well.

To conclude, we present an interview with the designer responsible for LittleTwinStars.

I myself have loved LittleTwinStars ever since I was a child. When I was young, I remember being simply drawn to their fancy world filled with stars.
Later, as the designer in charge, spending time with the two of them has encouraged me greatly—not only through their journey together and the way they support one another with quiet determination and strength, but also through their gentle kindness and consideration for others.

Many fans, too, share the same sense of kindness as Kiki & Lala, and we are always touched by the warm messages we receive through letters and on the official Kiki & Lala X account. Knowing that Kiki & Lala are supported by such caring people makes me truly happy.

Incorporating stars into the designs, making sure that although the two look very similar, their personalities come through in their poses and gestures, and portraying them as always together—those are some of the key points.
I value the star-filled worldview, as well as the twins’ individuality and their close bond.

Creating Puff & Poff, the teddy bears cherished by Kiki & Lala, as well as their childhood friends Lily & Lulu (the Magical Twin Comets), stands out as especially memorable.

Thank you always for being so kind to Kiki & Lala.
Surrounded by everyone’s warm feelings, we were able to celebrate a wonderful 50th anniversary.
Please continue to let Kiki & Lala gently watch over your sparkling, shining days ahead.☆

©︎ 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. 　

*This article is a revised version of an article originally published on December 22, 2025.