When you pet the doll, it makes the realistic noises of an Akita dog. Trend Master (Kawasaki City, President Atsushi Nakata), which manufactures and sells toys and other products, will release a Hachiko model of its stuffed toy “Nade Nade Wan-chan” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the loyal dog Hachiko next year.
Sensors also used in smartphones are placed inside the stuffed animal. It plays a recorded real dog bark when you touch the head, stomach, or back. When you touch the tail, it emits a sound as if it doesn’t want to be touched. When you call out to it, it sometimes responds “woof” or may even howl. President Nakata said, “I would like people who cannot keep a pet because of housing conditions or advanced age to enjoy the soothing feeling of an Akita dog.”
The doll to be released in early December will be modeled after Hachiko as a puppy and cost 9,878 yen. A model of an adult Hachiko, whose left ear drooped due to an injury, is also scheduled to appear. The dolls will be sold at the Harika Odate store in Odate, Akita, and other various locations.
