TL;DR
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1998 Yutaka Dr. Slump collectible set with Arale-themed mini piano
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Includes all listed accessories (card case, badge, bookmark, cards)
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Box shows moderate wear but contents appear unused
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Fun late-1990s Toriyama-era design perfect for collectors
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Mini piano requires 2× LR43 batteries (untested)
Quick Specs
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Product Name: Dr. Slump Doremi Fa Set (ドレミファセット)
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Manufacturer: Yutaka
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Release Year: 1998
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Series: Dr. Slump
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Region: Japan
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Power: 2× LR43 batteries (not included)
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Language: Japanese
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Materials: Plastic, paper
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Box Size: ~30 × 21 × 4.5 cm
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Condition: Used – Good (box wear, inner contents clean/unused)
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Included Items:
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Mini piano
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Card case
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Badge/pin
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Bookmark (しおり shiori)
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Cards × 2
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Overview / What It Is
This Dr. Slump Doremi Fa Set is a colorful 1998 children’s toy produced by Yutaka, created during the height of nostalgic Toriyama revival merchandise. The set centers on a battery-powered mini piano decorated with Arale and other Penguin Village characters.
It’s part musical toy, part stationery set, and part display piece—typical of late-90s Japanese character goods aimed at kids but now sought after by anime collectors. The vibrant packaging, pastel design language, and clear Toriyama illustrations make it instantly recognizable on any display shelf.
For Dr. Slump fans, this is a charming “slice of 90s Japan” collectible, celebrating one of Toriyama’s most iconic early creations.
Product Images
Image copyright usage rights: You may use these images for any of your posts or projects, so long as you attribute Japan Bound as the creator and link to this post as the source of the images
How It Works
The toy features a small battery-powered mini keyboard that plays back simple notes:
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Insert 2× LR43 batteries into the compartment using a screwdriver.
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Press keys to play pre-set tones. (The packaging notes that sounds may differ slightly from real musical notes.)
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The piano can also detach from the yellow base, allowing kids to carry it around and store accessories inside the case.
Included accessories like the badge, bookmark, and cards were meant for decorating school items or organizing small keepsakes. Everything fits neatly into the molded tray inside the box.
Who Should Buy This
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Vintage anime collectors seeking late-90s Toriyama merchandise
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Dr. Slump enthusiasts who love Arale-themed toys
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Nostalgia collectors focused on Showa/Heisei-era character goods
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Retro toy archivists preserving Japan’s 90s toy designs
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Display-focused collectors—this set looks fantastic even without functioning electronics
It’s also a great item if you love quirky, kinetic collectibles that represent classic Japanese character branding.
Setup / Usage Tips
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If you want to test the piano, use fresh LR43 batteries—Japan’s ダイソー (Daiso) and konbini always stock them.
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Store the box away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
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Keep accessories inside the original tray for best display value.
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If displaying upright, support the box to avoid further window warping.
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Use an acrylic display case if positioning in a humid room—90s plastics can warp in Japanese summers.
Popularity, Sales Numbers & Critical Reception
While the Doremi Fa Set wasn’t part of a major toy line, it represents a broader trend in late-90s Japan: a resurgence of interest in Toriyama’s classic characters during the transition from Dr. Slump’s early TV reruns into Dragon Ball’s global expansion.
Yutaka, a subsidiary connected to Bandai’s toy ecosystem, produced several small Dr. Slump items during this era. According to Bandai’s late-90s toy catalogs and Nikkei consumer goods coverage, Dr. Slump remained a steady performer in character goods, particularly among nostalgic fans and younger audiences discovering the series through re-releases.
Because these toys were low-production, low-cost items meant for children, few survived in complete condition—making boxed examples like this one notably uncommon today.
FAQs
Does the piano actually work?
It should if batteries are installed.
What batteries does it take?
Two LR43 button cells.
Is this safe for kids today?
It’s primarily recommended as a collector’s item. Battery compartments and small accessories aren’t up to modern safety standards.
Are all parts included?
Yes—based on the photos, the contents match the set list:
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Case
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Card case
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Badge
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Bookmark
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2 cards
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Piano unit
Is this an official licensed product?
Yes. It is a licensed 1998 Yutaka release with proper copyright markings.
Where to Buy
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Japan Bound eBay Store (recommended) — If you message us on Japan Bound, you can buy it from us directly for 15% off the eBay price.
About the Author
Limarc Ambalina is a longtime Japan culture and pop-culture journalist. He lives in Japan and is a longtime video game and Japanese pop culture memorabilia collector. The product images in this article were taken by him directly. The information in this article has been verified by his personal testing/usage of each product listed.
