Toymaker Bandai America Inc. has inked a multi-year licensing agreement to serve as master toy licensee for 4Kids Ent.’s anime series, Magical DoReMi. The company has exclusive rights to produce a range of dolls, playsets and role-play items based on the Japanese hit, which makes its U.S. television debut on September 10 as part of the 4Kids TV Saturday morning lineup.
Magical DoReMi follows the adventures of Dorie, Reanne and Mirabelle, three inquisitive girls who stumble into an old witch’s shop and end up becoming apprentices. With help from their magical fairies, wands and musical melodies, the three seek to become full-fledged witches by learning to cast spells and unlocking the secrets to friendship, love and courage.
The brainchild of Toei Animation (Dragonball, Digimon, One Piece), Magical DoReMi was one of Japan’s most popular and longest running girls series, with over 200 episodes airing over a four-year span. The show’s merchandising program has also been a big hit in its homeland, grossing more than $100 million at retail.
Bandai is expected to launch its first round of Magical DoReMi toys at retail in the spring of 2006. The series will air at 8 a.m. (ET) on FOX’s 4Kids TV four-hour children’s programming block each Saturday morning following its Sept. 10 premiere.
