There exists a “special Tamagotchi” that feels like the 90s frenzy has been sealed inside your pocket. That is the limited model “Larkutchi Z,” born from a miraculous collaboration with a hugely popular rock band.
Its distinctive design—a black heart with wings—has a presence that feels completely different from standard versions. And because it was sold only back then with no reissue, it’s a brutally rare item for collectors.

In this article, we’ll explain the appeal and value of this “phantom” collaboration Tamagotchi in a way that’s easy to understand even for first-timers.

Product Overview

Product Name

Tamagotchi × L’Arc-en-Ciel
“Larkutchi Z (Larkutchi Z) 1998 Limited Edition”

Release Period

1998 (limited quantity / limited-time sale)

This was a venue-exclusive item sold during the first half of the “L’Arc〜en〜Ciel Tour ’98 Haruto Hi o Tsukero!” tour.

What You Can Do

Game concept: A dog-raising game (Tamagotchi-style virtual pet raising)
Key feature: Includes a communication function (you can exchange data and battle with other Larkutchi Z devices)

The Larkutchi Series

First Larkutchi (1997)

Source:Amazon

Shape / Design

A red heart-shaped body with white angel wings. This is the origin of the series, balancing cuteness with that unmistakable “L’Arc feel.”

Release Period / How It Was Sold

Released in 1997. It was sold as official L’Arc〜en〜Ciel live merchandise.

Contents (What You Can Do)

A mini-game where you raise the “love level” of the cat couple Raruko and Raru-o.
The goal is to reach 100% affection, so it leans more toward a romance mini-game than classic pet raising.

Larkutchi Z (1998 / 2nd Model)

Shape / Design

A black heart-shaped body with black devil wings. It’s designed as a darker counterpart to the first model (angel).

Release Period / How It Was Sold

Sold in 1998 as live merchandise during the first half of the “L’Arc〜en〜Ciel Tour ’98 Haruto Hi o Tsukero!” tour.

Contents (What You Can Do)

A dog-raising virtual pet game.
It includes a communication feature, allowing you to play together with other Larkutchi Z devices.
Among the three, it’s the one that feels most like the “core” Tamagotchi experience, with the strongest raising elements.

Larkutchi P! (1998 / 3rd Model)

Source:Amazon

Shape / Design

An orange-toned heart paired with black devil wings. The color scheme feels like a blend of the first model’s red and Z’s black—an “in-between” image.

Release Period / How It Was Sold

Sold in 1998 as live merchandise during the second half of the same “Haruto Hi o Tsukero!” tour.

Contents (What You Can Do)

A game where you help a hippo lose weight.
It includes a pedometer function—the more the owner walks, the more the hippo slims down.
Rather than pure raising, it’s best described as a Tamagotchi + step-counter toy.

About L’Arc〜en〜Ciel

Source:Amazon

L’Arc〜en〜Ciel is a rock band that dominated the Japanese music scene in the late 1990s.
With a beautiful, fantastical worldview, a wide musical range from hard rock to ballads,
and the overwhelming visuals and vocal ability of their singer hyde,
they became a symbol of youth culture of that era.

1998 was their peak, with hit songs and major tours one after another—
and this collaboration Tamagotchi is, in other words, a piece of official merchandise from L’Arc’s golden age.

HYDE (Vocals)

Source:L’Arc-en-Ciel Official Website

A charismatic frontman with powerful vocals and an androgynous look, loved by fans in Japan and overseas.
Known for soaring high notes and expressive emotion, he handles everything from ballads to hard rock with ease.
On stage, his presence draws the crowd in instantly.
Off stage, he’s playful in conversations and is often affectionately teased by the other members.
He’s also active as a solo artist and has extensive experience collaborating with overseas artists.

ken (Guitar)

Source:L’Arc-en-Ciel Official Website

The band’s main composer, responsible for many of their songs.
His guitar style is both melodic and technical.
Bright and humorous, he’s a mood-maker who lightens the atmosphere during MC segments.
He also brings flexibility by incorporating elements of jazz and pop alongside rock.
On stage, he balances a craftsman-like coolness with a playful spirit.

tetsuya (Bass)

Source:L’Arc-en-Ciel Official Website

A leader-like presence and a central figure in the band’s formation.
Known for bouncy bass lines and pop-minded melody-making.
Colorful outfits and flashy bass guitars are part of his trademark.
Though serious and stoic, he’s also deeply fan-oriented.
He plays a major role not only musically but also in the band’s visuals and overall strategy.

yukihiro (Drums)

Source:L’Arc-en-Ciel Official Website

A technical drummer who supports the music with precise, efficient rhythm.
Skilled at electronic and programmed approaches, shaping a futuristic sound image.
Quiet and cool—an artisan-type presence.
In live shows, his stable playing tightens the entire band.
He’s a key member responsible for the experimental edge of their sound.

Major Works Highly Rated Overseas

Ready Steady Go

Source:Amazon

A high-speed rock tune widely known as the theme song for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
It’s a crowd-pleaser even at overseas shows, and it’s an easy “instant hit” for first-time listeners.

Driver’s High

Source:Amazon

A signature song with an exhilarating guitar riff.
As the opening theme for the anime GTO, it has spread widely among anime fans in North America and Europe as well.

WORLD’S BEST SELECTION

Source:Amazon

A best-of album curated with overseas audiences in mind.
It’s easy to access on English-language streaming services, making it a popular entry point for international fans.

Blurry Eyes

Source:Amazon

A classic from their debut era with a clear, transparent melody.
Often seen as a defining track of 90s J-Rock, it’s also supported by overseas city-pop / J-pop listeners.

Tamagotchi Collaborations with Artists and Anime

BTS TinyTAN Tamagotchi

Source: Tamagotchi Official Website

A collaboration model where you can raise TinyTAN, the official chibi characters based on BTS members.
With outfit changes and music-themed effects, it’s packed with fan-focused play elements.
Released in a near-global rollout, it’s become a representative example of an artist-collab Tamagotchi that’s relatively easy to obtain overseas.

Hatsune Miku Tamagotchi Nano

Fan Comments in Japan and Overseas

“An unbelievable collaboration—L’Arc and Tamagotchi existing in the same era feels like a miracle.”
“A complete set with the box is seriously rare to see.”
“The black heart with wings is peak 90s visual-kei aesthetics.”
“I’d rather display it than play it—pure collector’s item.”
“Even on overseas auctions, people search for it as ‘rare L’Arc Tamagotchi.’”

Because it appeals to both Tamagotchi fans and L’Arc fans,
there is steady collector demand both in Japan and abroad.

Conclusion

Larkutchi is a limited collaboration model that captures both 1998 music culture and the toy boom in one iconic item.
With no reissue, the number of complete, well-preserved units decreases year by year.
Its special black-heart-and-wings design also sets it apart from standard Tamagotchi models.
For both L’Arc fans and Tamagotchi collectors, it can become the “star of the shelf.”
If you come across a boxed, working unit, it’s a rare opportunity you can’t assume will come again.