Users of Japanese messaging apps
LINE exceeded 150 million at last.
According to
their press release, LINE users suddenly increase now in Spain and South America. In particular, Spanish LINE users exceeded in 10 million. They conclude strategic partnership with Nokia in February and preinstall LINE in low-priced smartphone Asha of Nokia. LINE is eager in the users acquisition in countries except Japan and intends to do advance to Southeast Asia, South America, Middle East, Africa with Asha.
On the other hand, they do not forget the business in Japan. Their Japanese target is......kids. They sell toys for kids from this month.
This is a sticker maker. We can make 180 pieces of stickers with characters of the sticker of LINE. The LINE stickers become the real stickers! The price is 3,360yen(about 34.2USD).
These are robot cleaners for smartphone and tablets. The price is 1,785yen(about 18.17USD).
This is a stamp set of the LINE character. In Japan, we call LINE sticker "LINE stamp". This is LINE stamp of the rial definitely:) The price is 1,260yen(about 12.8USD).
This is a message card maker. We combine messages with LINE characters and can make original cards. The price is 2,100yen(about 21.3USD).
These are capsule toys. The toy of LINE characters protrudes from a capsule and moves. The price is 1,260yen(about 12.8USD).
These are stamp figure. The price is for each 525yen(about5.3USD).
This is a balance toy. We pile up faces of LINE characters and can play. The price is 1,890yen(about 19.2USD).
These are many functions electron toy in imitation of a smartphone. This has a color LCD screen, touch operationand NFC function. Kids can play sim city like game with LINE characters and message switching. The price is 6,825yen(about 69.4USD).
Now, main Japanese users of LINE are adults who are higher than a high school student, and the parents worry about kids using Social Networking Service. Therefore LINE sells toys. LINE characters are cute and are popular with adult users. Then naturally it will be popular with kids, It is the same as a merchandising strategy.