Name of Series:

TFC Binchotan Part 2

 Manufacturer:

Yujin

 Date of release (estimated):

May 2005

Price (singly in ¥):

500¥ 

Sculptor:

Unknown

No. of Pieces in the series:

5

Secret (SP)/Chase:

None

Variants:

Day & Night Variants

Size:

4-8 cm

Availability (in Singapore):

La Tendo, Rapid Culture

Other Remarks:

After the excellent TFC Binchotan released in May last year, Yujin has been prompted to follow up their original "Moe (萌え)" franchise and revealed the preview picture of the TFC part 2 in early 2005 to full approval from all Binchotan-loving fans. The designs of this Part 2 looks well to out-perform Part 1 but one deterring factor would be the increase of the price from 400¥ to 500¥ and with 2 variants once again, it means an increase of 1000¥ (~S$16) for a complete set.

Full Sakura Tree (Day version)

Full Sakura Tree (Night version)

遠くが見える

The top half of a Sakura (cherry blossom) tree in which Binchotan enjoys sitting on a branch looking at a view far away (as implied in the title).

The day version still see the sakura in full bloom while the night version sees the tree in more of the autumn mode with alternating shade of orange, yellow and green. In both cases the small Binchotan lean on on branch but tends to drop off easily. She is carrying a twig in her hands for unknown reason (defintely not fishing I guess).

大きな大きな木の下で

Under a huge, huge tree is the title for this piece and we see Binchotan with a tinge of melancholy under at the huge trunk of of the sakura tree which duly is meant to be joint up into an entire tree which stands at around 12 cm. The trunk looks a bit unnatural in color and the thick branches attached on top looks out of place. Binchotan is securely pegged to the slope. There are many differences between the 2 variants such as the mushroom been bloomed in the night version as well the sakura been scattered on the ground in the day version.

わたしのステキな傘

During rainy days, Binchotan is able to shelter herself from getting drenched by using her "fabulous umbrella" in the large leaves from the nearby water plants. To me the least interesting piece in the set with just a rock surrounded by some twining plants. The only part like is the adorable Binchotan. I'm still puzzled why there is a hole in the middle of the rock.

いそがしい軽食屋さんの朝

It's a busy morning for the cafe attendant, Yukaritan has to serve her rounds while her faithful pet koala bear has to be leashed to the wooden post like a puppy. I really like the design and the night version is worthwhile as the koala bear is now appeared on Yukaritan's head. The brick-like pavement has a very European style. The wooden chairs are really exquisitely done as well.

ハツメイ？

Definitely my best piece of the set to me at least. We see the alchemist friend of Binchotan, Chikutan transporting the former with a sack of rice on a classic wheel-barrow on a narrow path without noticing a tree branch obstructing their way. The base is made of 2 parts which are not very securely pegged together. I really like Binchotan sitting atop of the wheelbarrow, looking pretty worry about the stability. 

The Night variant is the aftermath of the wheelbarrow been tripped by the tree branch, causing poor Binchotan to sprawl forward and the rice been spilled while Chikutan's younger sister, Chikurin running to aid her ailing friend. Love everything from the 2 girls to the spilled rice sack to the toppled wheelbarrow. Binchotan is attached to the rice sack is not pegged to the base, thus tends to shift about.