Introduction
Sakura Wars (Sakura Taisen) is an RPG/visual novel/dating sim hybrid video game franchise created by SEGA. Released in 1996, the first game in the series tells the story of the Imperial Combat Revue’s Flower Division; a group of mecha pilots who defend Tokyo from demon attacks all while masquerading as an all-women’s theater troupe by day. Additional entries in the series would go on to expand the story and introduce other Combat Revue members and teams. The series has spawned six mainline entries as well as a remake of the first game, numerous spin-off games, anime, manga, and stage musicals.
As a Doll Franchise
Sakura Wars has had multiple doll collaborations throughout its history. In 1997, SEGA themselves produced three dolls under their CharaDoll Selection label. From 1997 to 2000, Tsukuda Hobby produced 19 dolls for their Full Action Doll Series, including a collector two-pack. In 2002, SEGA partnered with Takara to produce 13 dolls for the Sakura Wars Special Doll Collection. These dolls were originally sold as three separate sets exclusively through mail order from Taisho Romando, the franchise’s former official merchandise store. Additionally, the franchise has collaborated multiple times with Dollfie Dream, releasing three dolls and two fashion packs under them, and has had smaller scale collaborations with Pinky:st., Azone, and Paper Moon.