"Madame Tussauds Tokyo," operated by Merlin Entertainments Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of Britain's Merlin Entertainments, will show the life-size figures of the world's No. 1 boys' vocal group, "One Direction (1D)," from February 12 (Wednesday) through May 12 (Monday), 2014. The three-month exhibition will be the figures' debut in Asia.

1D, a vocal group comprising young male singers from Britain, has caused sensations throughout the world. Since its debut two years ago, it has sold over 35 million records globally, including over 1 million in Japan. It was No.1 in weekly hit charts in 30 countries, including Japan, the United States and Britain. In Japan, its popularity is rising rapidly, particularly among young women in their teens and 20s.

Cashing in on 1D's popularity, Merlin Entertainments has produced life-size figures of the group's members and put them on display at Madame Tussauds London in April 2013. The set of figures, which is the only one in existence, was then shown in New York City from July trough October; and Sydney, Australia, from October 2013 to January 2014, taking both cities by storm. It will be shown at Madame Tussauds Tokyo for the first appearance in Asia. During its Tokyo exhibition, the gift shop at the attraction site will sell the limited Madame Tussauds Tokyo versions of 1D goods.

Madame Tussauds, a museum featuring life-like wax figures of the world's famous people, was founded in London in 1835. It now has 15 museums around the world, attracting many visitors.

Madame Tussauds Tokyo features such Japanese celebrities as members of the all-girl pop group AKB48 and figure skater Mao Asada exclusively as well as other personalities. It opened in Odaiba in March 2013.

Outline of Madame Tussauds Tokyo

Address: Island Mall 3F, DECKS Tokyo Beach, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Business hours: 10:00 - 21:00 (Last admission 19:00)

Admission: 2,000 yen for junior high school students and above:, 1,500 yen for children (elementary school or younger); free for children under 3 years

*Discount tickets available on the official website.

URL: http://www.madametussauds.com/Tokyo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadameTussaudsTokyo