Have You Cried Recently? Shinchaken

Note: I'm not sure if this translation is ok.

Have You Cried Recently? Shinchaken (最近涙した?新茶犬) is the name of an interactive, crying plush by Sega Toys, based on Midori from the Ochaken franchise. It had a retail price of 5,040 yen, and was scheduled to be released on the 4th of June, 2009. While it is obscure, it appears to be released, since an old Yodobashi listing for it exists.

"Ochaken" means "Tea Dog", while "Shinchaken" means "New Tea Dog", and refers to the puppies in the franchise.

Appearance

Important: I haven't found any photos of this toy, aside from photos of it at the 2009 Tokyo Toy Fair and an official listing photo; I don't know for sure if the listing photo shows a prototype or the released toy.

The toy has a large, round head with large, round eyes that have large, black pupils. The plush dog has a pair of floppy ears, a round, white muzzle, and a piece of cloth around its neck, that has frills.

Functions

Its cheeks can light up, and it can respond happily when you hold it and pet its head. With a water tank inside, it can cry, if left alone. After crying for a bit, it may feel better.

2009 Tokyo Toy Fair

A functional unit was on display, and it had external wires connected to itself, and you could see it cry. According to a Robot Watch article, the toy was still in development at the time.

Four other plushies were displayed next to the toy fair unit, but it isn't confirmed if they are prototypes of the crying Shinchaken toy. Oddly, three of the plushies in the above photo have yellow heads, instead of green heads.

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