Aliquantum International aka AQI is introducing another San-X character to its collection: Afro Ken. Afro Ken is a dog with a 1970s-style afro that comes in many shapes and sizes, though it mainly looks like a rainbow.
While the character has been mainstream in Japan, it is never before seen in America. As Japan’s popular kawaii (cuteness) subculture gathers more attention in the United States, AQI continues to deliver adorable characters to American fans.
At Toy Fair 2018, we got a chance to look at the first line of Afro Ken plush toys. Each variant of the character has a different afro shape and color. Afro Ken is new to America, making his appearance highly exclusive — although he has been popular in Japan over the years, including his appearance in a 2001 anime series of the same name. Afro Ken is expected to launch in the US later this year and may appear internationally as well, and pricing has yet to be determined.
