» Simplistic facial structure with requisite blank stare
» Diminutive stature and short limbs
» Somewhat androgynous and non-threatening
» Simple color scheme

Where Cheburashka derails the Japanese design convention for cute characters is the massive ears. They're nearly as big as Che's head and would probably serve well as radar arrays or solar panels. Despite the strange dimensions and lack of golden spiral harmony in the beast, Japanese as well as Chinese have taken a liking to Cheburashka. Animated films with titles such as "Cheburashka Goes to School," "Old Witch Shapoklyak," and "Gena the Crocodile and His Friends" from Russian studio Soyuzmultfilm have all made the rounds in Asia and Japan. The Japanese refer to Cheburashka as "Tieburasika."

The Japanese rediscovered Cherburashka a few of years ago and the Omron toy company has released a series of plushes and toys based on the diminutive creature. This summer, Omron releases a new set of Cheburashka plushes which are tethered to straps. Each plush measures approximately 3" tall and a little over 3" wide from ear to ear and is accompanied by a replica pastry or candy. The "fur" that covers Cheburashka is remarkably soft and luxurious to the touch. It's almost like touching a big-eared ermine.

NCS' Cheburashka product offer is for the complete set of four Cheburashka Okashi straps as shown in the top photo at US$25.90 and all preorders have shipped as of yesterday.

View larger photos for this item on the main NCSX website.

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