dont know if anyone has mentioned but, 30 years after being pulled from the stores and sold at low discounted prices ($5!!) Gina Garan, a photographer photographed one of these vintage dolls and they were instantly famous in japan. Takara then bought the rights of the then kenner blythe dolls and they have been collectors dolls ever since.
new versions are periodically released and once sold out, are basically rare and very sought after.