Nohohon Zoku(のほほん tộc)are a range of fist-sizedbobble headfigurines made by theJapanesetoy companyTomy.They first went on sale in Japan on July 18, 2002.[1]They are distinguished by a large spherical head with a wide smile and dots for eyes. The purpose of the dolls is stress relief.[2]This has made them popular as novelty items in offices[citation needed].Nohohon are marketed asSunshine Buddiesin English speaking countries.
Environmental focus
editThe figurines are intended to be eco-friendly.[citation needed]TheNohohon Cycle[3]rotates from the Earth, to food, people and the environment.[vague]
Most Nohohon Zoku are powered by smallsolar panels,they gently sway their heads until the light source is removed. This is unlike traditional bobble head doll, whose heads wobble when poked or moved.Hanauta no Tamiare powered by three triple-A batteries.[2]).
Figurines
editThe name Nohohon Zoku means "carefree family." The original two lines were theHidamari no Tami(ひだまりの dânSunny People) and theHanauta no Tami(はなうたの dânHumming People). TheHidamari no Tamican hold a business card sized piece of paper, whereas theHanauta no Tamican sing and dance. Since the original introduction, other lines have been introduced, including a range fromDisneyandPingucharacters.[3]
The size of the figurines varies with the model, with theHidamari no Tamimeasuring about 100 mm (3.9 in) in width, depth and height. TheHanauta no Tamiare slightly taller, at 145 mm (5.7 in).[2]
Sales
editBasicHidamari no Tamifigurines cost about 1000yen,though the price ofHanauta no Tamiis approximately double.[1][2]
In theUnited Kingdom,the toys, known as Sunshine Buddies, are sold for about£8 each and are marketed toward women ages 20 to 45 as friendship gifts.[4]
In the U.S. they are usually marketed at 13.99 U.S. dollars.
References
edit- ^abTomy's "Nohohon Zoku" Healing Figurines Go on Sale.Nikkei BP Net. Accessed January 31, 2008.
- ^abcdNohohon Nohohon Nagomi Friends.Minna no Shūshoku Kabushiki Kaisha. Accessed January 31, 2008.
- ^abNohohon Zoku Public Site.(in Japanese)Tomy Co., Ltd. Accessed January 14, 2008.
- ^Smith, Philip (2005-02-27)."The Enterprise Network: Toy doctor breathes new life into tired brands".The Times.London.Retrieved2008-01-20.[dead link]
External links
edit- Official website(Japanese only)
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