This page covers Neo Blythe releases from the Takara Tomy era (2001–2021). Looking for current releases? Browse the Good Smile Company release list (2022–present)
Neo Blythe is a fashion doll with an oversized head and a petite body.
And fans all around the world love her.
One of her unique features is how her eyes can easily change colors with a simple pull. This mechanism is located in the back of her head.
Starting from 2001 to 2021, get to know this adorable, 28.5 cm (11 inches) tall girl.
You’ll see more pics and discover where you can order this stunning doll by clicking on any link below. You can also sort the list by her release year.
New to Neo Blythe? Visit our main Blythe page
Table of contents
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Takara Era Face Molds (2001–2021)
Throughout Takara Tomy’s 20-year Blythe era, several different face molds were introduced. Each mold gave Blythe a slightly new expression, from the sharp cheeks of the early girls to the softer, rounder look of later releases
There were 6 different face types (often called face molds by collectors).
Cross World Connections (the company that managed Blythe during this time) officially referred to them as face types.
Collectors, however, commonly use abbreviations like EBL (Excellent Blythe), SBL (Superior Blythe), and so on.
The “BL” part stands for Blythe, but it’s important to know that Cross World Connections never used these abbreviations officially.
They’re strictly fan-made terms, which is where a lot of the confusion comes in.
I remember being thrown off by this at first, so I want to clear it up for you before exploring the different molds.
Here are the 6 Takara-era face types:
- Excellent (EBL)
- Superior (SBL)
- Radiance (RBL)
- Fairest (FBL)
- Radiance Plus (RBL+)
- Radiance Renew (RBR)
Let’s go through each one, starting with the Excellent Blythe.
Excellent Blythe (EBL)
The Excellent face type was used for dolls released between 2001 and March 2005.
- Features large pupils and wide-set eyes with minimal eyelid showing.
- Eyelashes are thin compared to later molds.
- The chin has the most defined cleft of all 6 face types.
Superior Blythe (SBL)
The Superior face type was introduced in December 2003.
- It features longer eye sockets, with the eyes and nose placed slightly lower on the face, which makes the forehead look wider.
- The chin is a bit wider than the other molds, giving it a firmer look.
- The eyes tend to angle slightly downward compared to the Excellent face type.
- Eyelashes are thicker than those of earlier molds.
Radiance Blythe (RBL)
The Radiance face type appeared in September 2006.
- The eye openings are larger and rounder, creating a bright look.
- Cheeks are fuller, and the chin is smoothed out.
- The eyes themselves are more rounded.
Fairest Blythe (FBL)
The Fairest face type was released in March 2009.
- Inspired by the early Excellent Neo Blythe dolls
- A dignified and graceful image
- Features smaller facial details
- Thick eyelashes with eyes that tilt slightly downward
Radiance Plus Blythe (RBL+)
The Radiance Plus face type was introduced in August 2013.
- Designed to look identical to the original Radiance mold from 2006
- Keeps the same round eyes and fuller cheeks
Radiance Renew Blythe (RBR or RBL-R)
The Radiance Renew face type appeared in May 2017.
- Based on the Radiance and Radiance Plus molds
- Looks almost identical on the outside
- Internal head structure redesigned
- New head-and-neck joint
- Partition piece added inside, making scalp replacement easier
Takara Tomy Blythe Body Types
Blythe’s body has changed a little over the years. There are 2 main Takara Tomy body types: Licca Body and Excellent Body.
Licca Body
- Height: 28 cm
- Head circumference: 25.5 cm
- Bust: 10.5 cm
- Waist: 7 cm
- Hips: 9.5 cm
- Inseam: 10.5 cm
- Soft, slender limbs
- Legs bend at the knee
- Introduced with the first Neo Blythe in 2001
- Simple articulation, easy to pose
Excellent Body
- Height: 28.5 cm
- Head circumference: 25.5 cm
- Bust: 10.5 cm
- Waist: 7.5 cm
- Hips: 10 cm
- Inseam: 11 cm
- Click knees, can bend in 3 positions
- Arms do not move
- Modeled after Vintage Blythe
- Introduced in 2002 to celebrate the 1st anniversary Neo Blythe
Where to Find Authentic Takara Tomy Blythe Dolls
Takara Tomy Blythe dolls have been around for over 20 years, and new production has stopped.
But don’t worry. That doesn’t mean adding one to your collection is impossible.
It just means you’ll need to explore the secondhand market for authentic dolls.
Popular places to search include:
- eBay
- AmiAmi (Preowned section)
- C.C. Toys
- Dollyteria
- Mandarake
- Yahoo! Japan Auctions
- Blythe Facebook groups
If you’re new to secondhand shopping, take your time.
Read seller reviews, look closely at photos, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the doll’s condition.
These extra steps will help ensure you’re getting an authentic Takara Tomy Blythe and not a fake or heavily modified version.
We have a selection of Blythe sewing patterns ready to download, perfect for building out your doll’s wardrobe. Take a look here.
Takara Tomy Blythe Face Colors/Skin Tones
Takara Blythe dolls come in a variety of face colors, giving each doll a unique look.
List of Face Colors:
- Snow – white skin
- Cream – fair skin
- Fair – natural skin
- Latte – tanned skin
- Mocha – dark skin
- Choco – brown skin
Takara Tomy Blythe Skin Types
In addition to face color, Takara Blythe dolls have different skin types, which affects how they feel, photograph, and interact with light.
List of Skin Types:
- Glossy Skin – default, slightly shiny finish
- Matte Skin – softer, less reflective surface
- Translucent Skin – subtle transparency for a delicate effect
- Translucent Matte Skin – combination of transparency and a soft matte finish
Skin type can influence how you display or photograph your doll
Blythe Collection Guide Books
For collectors who want the full story, Cross World Connections (CWC) has published official Blythe collection books.
CWC is the company behind the management and licensing of Blythe in Japan, working closely with Takara Tomy and, later, Good Smile Company to bring these dolls to life.
Their books are a treasure trove of history, release information, and beautiful photography, perfect for both new and seasoned collectors.
3 books have been released covering the Takara Tomy era of Blythe dolls.
All 3 Blythe Collection Guide Books are an in-depth walk-through of every Blythe doll released during the years covered in each book.
They’re curated by Junko Wong, CEO and President of Cross World Connections Group and Blythe’s Creative Producer, giving collectors a unique insider perspective.
From the very first Neo Blythe to the last Takara Tomy Blythe released, each book provides a lot of information, like:
- face molds
- body types
- color variations
- a behind-the-scenes look at design choices
- production details and
- information you won’t find on Blythe’s official or Junie Moon’s sites
The books are consistently laid out, making it easy to track releases year by year, compare features, and delve into the story behind each doll.
The 3 official books are:
- Blythe Collection Guide Book, 2001 – 2011
- Blythe Collection Guide Book: Legacy Continues, 2012 – 2016; see a flip-through of the Legacy Continues here
- Blythe Collection Guide Book: Chronicles of Love, 2017 – 2021; have a peek inside Chronicles of Love here
Each book is a must-have for collectors wanting a complete, detailed, and visually rich reference for their Blythe collection.
Blythe Collection Guide Book
Legacy Continues
Chronicles of Love here
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2000, Cross World Connections partnered with Takara Tomy to give Blythe a new life, not as a toy for kids, but as a stylish doll for adult collectors.
The result of that partnership was the launch of Neo Blythe in 2001.
Her first release?
A limited-edition doll was sold at Parco, a popular Japanese department store.
Her name was Neo Blythe Parco Limited.
That release kicked off a whole new chapter for Blythe in Japan and around the world.
When Takara Tomy reintroduced Blythe in 2001, they used the Licca-chan body, the same one used for their popular Licca-chan doll.
This body had slender limbs and gave a subtle nod to the original 1972 Kenner Blythe, but it wasn’t an exact match.
In 2002, Takara released what’s known as the Excellent Body.
This new body was closer in proportion to the vintage 1972 Blythe, with slightly fuller limbs and a big improvement.
The Excellent Body’s knees could bend in 3 positions.
This became the standard body for Neo Blythe going forward.
When Good Smile Company took over production, they kept that same body style.
While there have been a few minor tweaks, the overall height and proportions remain nearly identical to Takara Tomy’s later releases.
So if you’re collecting both Takara Tomy and Good Smile Blythes, you’ll find them quite similar in size and posing.
Look for markings on the back of her head or check the packaging.
Takara Tomy and Good Smile Company each include their own logos and production details.
Meet Middie Blythe
Middie Blythe dolls are a smaller, 20 cm (approx. 8”) version of the classic Neo Blythe.
They share the oversized head and signature charm, but in a more compact size.
Curious to learn more or see all the Middie releases? Check out our full Middie Blythe page here.
Explore Good Smile Company Blythe
Looking for the latest in Blythe?
Good Smile Company has been bringing new life to these iconic dolls since 2022 with their Radiance Evolution mold.
Their dolls keep the classic charm but with updated features and styles. Visit our Good Smile Blythe page here.
Source: Blythe official site