Japanese Character Collection

The Japanese Character collection of Otamatones was created to celebrate Japanese culture by showcasing designs featuring popular and beloved figures including the Maneki-neko, or Lucky Cat, the Ninja, and the Kabuki theatre player.

The Maneki-neko, meaning "beckoning cat", is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In modern times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. The figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and can be seen all over Japan in homes, shops, restaurants, and virtually everywhere else.

Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate Kumadori (make-up) worn by some of its performers. The Kabuki Otamatone features this unique style of makeup/face-painting.

The image of the ninja entered popular culture in the Edo period, when folktales and plays about ninja were conceived. Stories about the ninja were at this time usually based on historical figures. Ninja would eventually make their way into comics and television, where they have come to enjoy a culture hero status outside their original mediums, enjoying wide popularity in both Japanese and Western media including books, anime, and movies. They are known for their mastery of espionage tactics, stealth, and surprise.

What is an Otamatone?

The Otamatone is a cute, quirky, and fun to play electronic musical toy characterized by its eighth note-shaped body, adorable moving mouth, and silly, buzzing, amusingly off-key "voice." Developed by design firm Maywa Denki, it was first released in Japan in 2009 and has been the country's best-selling musical toy ever since.

Innovative, unique, and now a popular toy worldwide, the Otamatone has earned high praise from fans and the toy industry alike, including the Japan Toy Association's grand prize Japanese Toy Award in their 'High Target' toy division.

How does it work?

The Otamatone creates electronic tones that you can control based on the position of your finger on the touch-sensitive fretboard. Use a switch on the back to choose an octave and slide your fingers up and down to play different notes. Open the Otamatone's mouth with a squeeze to change the sound from a hum to an “ahh” and create a “Wah Wah” effect.

A perfect toy for lovers of all things cute, silly, and weird, the Otamatone also makes a great gag gift, and a unique and amusing gift for violinists and other musicians.

Size

• 5” x 14” x 3”

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• Regular: 3 AAA batteries (Included)