Name of Series:

Binchotan Version 1.5 ~Koko ni ita (I am here)~

 Manufacturer:

Yujin SR series

 Date of release (estimated):

April 2005

Price (singly in ¥):

200¥

Sculptor:

Unknown

No. of Pieces in the series:

6

Secret (SP)/Chase:

Chase Binchotan & Chase Aroe

Variants:

None

Size:

Around 3.5 cm

Availability (in Singapore):

Almost everywhere should have this by April, but it would be selling out instantly.

Other Remarks:

The much awaited follow up to the SR Binchotan back in May 2004. That set sent me into gacha frenzy in the Gacha Gala at Toy Room. I was expecting to do a fair share of "tikaming" this time round especially vindicated to the fact of getting the 2 chases. Luckily I happened to stumble across yahoo auctions and found someone selling a complete set with the 2 chases at a very reasonable price and at the time when this set is yet to be released in Japan (Hong Kong stocks most probably), I immediately grab it!

Normal Binchotan

The normal Binchotan just enjoyed a nice bowl of plain, white yet delicious "gohan" (rice) and left a grain on her cheeks to savor later.

This set has a nice sky-blue base which differs from the luminous green one in the original version. Binchotan's facial sculpt is once again too cute to describe. The empty bowl, chopsticks and that rice grain just spice up this piece. The paintjob for the hair and bow is impeccable.

Chase Binchotan

The tiny Binchotan loves to pluck an arrowhead by a nearby pond to serve as her "kasa" (umbrella) during rainy days.

This piece resembles the couple from Part 1 holding the leaf to her left (like that ladle or the sweet potato skewer). The leaf is nicely painted and if you tilt Binchotan's head upwards, it seems like she is wondering when it would stop raining, really adorable!

Normal Aroe

Aroe here resembles that in Part 1 but she starts to feel under the weather perhaps the heat is dehydrating her and making her dizzy.

The most adorable feature of this piece is that pair of spiral eyes and that bewildered expression sure animates this piece, indicating Aroe is starting to go dizzy.

Chase Aroe

As mentioned, Aroe loves swimming and after changing into her usual swimming attire, it's time to show the world her capability in the waters.

Like Part 1, Aroe is dressed in her mundane black swimsuit but unlike its predecessor, this piece is far from mundane. Place her head on the holder and the legs between the supporting pole, you have a swimming Aroe, really nice pose.

Kunugitan

The poor rich Kunugitan seems to get really irritated by that spider that kept clinging onto her blouse. Suddenly it became pure anguish...

Kunugitan is the only one that shows the true spirit of the "Version 1.5" with a brand new repaint of a yellow blouse to compliment with the black suede boots. But I really like is Kunugitan's evil expression, even revealing that feisty grin, she surely has snapped!

Chikutan

The medically inclined Chikutan actually has a sister and at times the usually serious Chikutan also needs to let her hair down.

The main difference we can see from the original piece is new head mold, a brand new cheerful expression and that unkempt hair sure makes her looks a bit like a rock chick.

Yukaritan

Yukaritan from down under has 7 younger brothers and her little pet Koala is one she treats like one of her brother, and now it's his feeding time.

Yukaritan has always been a fave of mine and this piece is really nice as well. Love the fact that now Alipea is now a separate piece and is really cute. By the way did I tell you I'm smitten by Yukari's face?

Yukaritan

The enigmatic has a grandfather from a shrine and another granddad from a temple, sure has very religious genes in her.

This new Rentan is much more interesting with a more vibrant looking pink yutaka (traditional Japanese cooling wear). The black flag is a nice new accessory, sort of like directing something.