Monokuro boo

. The characters are composed of two pigs, one white and one black, with square-shaped bodies, dots for eyes, a snout, and a curly tail at the back. They are occasionally seen with a bee flying around them. Their earliest appearances date back to various licensing and gift shows in Japan in 2005. [ [http://www.rmlicensing.com/ENG/Sanx/monokuroboo.html RM Licensing Monokuro Boo page] ]

Monokuro Boo's tagline is "Simple is Best", and one or both of the pigs can also be seen with speech bubbles that say, "Boo", "Love?", "Enjoy?", or "Happy".

The character is licensed under RM Enterprises (BVI) Ltd., who takes care of the development and promotion of the character in Asia, as well as other international territories. [ [http://www.rmlicensing.com/ENG/Sanx/monokuroboo.html RM Licensing Monokuro Boo page] ]

Character concept and name

According to Monokuro Boo's unnamed female designer, the concept of using monotone colors for this character was a deliberate deviation from the general trend where all things and characters that are cute (or "kawaii") have to be in bright and colorful palettes. By introducing a line of merchandise that come in black, white and gray, the designer hoped to prove that it is possible for such a concept to be accepted and entertained by the general public, consumers and fans of "kawaii" merchandise in general. [ [http://www.rmlicensing.com/ENG/Sanx/monokuroboo.html RM Licensing Monokuro Boo page] ]

In line with the character's concept, the name "Monokuro Boo" is also a derivation of the words "Monokuro" ("Monochrome") and "Boo" (the Japanese onomatopoeic equivalent for "oink"). They are asian pigs.

Baby Boo

Despite Monokuro Boo's statement that "kawaii" does not always have to be colorful, San-X has also created a spin-off line of products which features smaller, pastel or candy-colored pigs known as Baby Boo.

Baby Boo consists of seven pigs who are named and colored as follows:

*Berry – pastel red
*Peach – pastel pink
*Orange – pastel orange
*Lemon – pastel yellow
*Mint – pastel green
*Soda – pastel blue
*Grape – pastel purple/lavender

Baby Boo's tagline is "Are you happy?" ("anata wa shiawase?") and "So Happy With You*" ("anata to iru to tottemo ureshii*"). As with Monokuro Boo, a bee-like insect is also seen hovering near the Baby Boo, except the bee is made to look like a strawberry (or ladybug). Some of the Baby Boos also say, "Poo ♥".

References and External Links

* [http://www.san-x.co.jp/monoboo/ Monokuro Boo official San-X site]
* [http://www.san-x.co.jp/newcha/2007/new253.html Baby Boo official San-X page]