Name of Series:

SR Binchotan "その 2...."

 Manufacturer:

Yujin SR series

 Date of release (estimated):

July 2005

Price (singly in ¥):

200 ¥

Sculptor:

Unknown

No. of Pieces in the series:

6

Secret (SP)/Chase:

None

Variants:

2 (Binchotan with lizard & Yukaritan with Baby)

Size:

Around 4-5 cm

Availability (in Singapore):

Maybe at selected capsule machines

Other Remarks:

When the Version 1.5 of the immensely popular SR Binchotan series came out in April, many fans were treated with the preview of the Part 2 which pits Binchotan and gang with slightly different base and accompanied by some animals and backdrop for a mini diorama, it got everyone buzzing. As of the Part 1, there will be 2 chase to contemplate about. We also see the introduction of 2 new characters, Chikirin (sister of Chikutan whom we actually had seen in the TFC Part 2) and Abemaki (an obnoxious friend of Kunugitan).

びんちょうタン

We start with the normal Binchotan piece with her, doing a daily routine of brushing her teeth as any obedient damsel like herself should be doing every morning. A nice vignette which comes with the authentic-looking wooden planks (showing the dilapidated living condition she is in); there is also a well halved earthly water pot with a traditional water scooping ladle included. I really like Binchotan' s expression, forcing open her small mouth for some proper teeth-brushing. The color theme of her toothbrush and mug really suits her style. It is also perhaps the first time we see her without the charcoal hair accessory on her head.

びんちょうタン (Variant)

In the variant Binchotan piece we see the curious girl adopting a prone position while intricately examining a bypassing gecko in her wooden shack. I really like this piece because it couldn't be anymore different than the normal piece. I really like the prone position of Binchotan and her large, glistering eyes sure exudes high intensity of curiosity towards the green gecko and the way the left hand is stretching out, as she was perplexed whether to touch the creature for the very first time in her life, is the most interesting part of this piece. The water pot is the same as the normal piece and I really love the crack on the mouth of the pot which is very realistic.

ちくタン

The resident physician and herb expert here indulging in what she most enjoy, grinding the new-found herbs from the mountain in her traditional tatami-filled research room. I was a bit baffled with Chikutan's attire. Was it supposed to be a spandex suit fit for doing gymnastic or a casual sleep-wear or an attire she wears for grinding her herb as we can vividly see the grinder by the side which I find as a wonderful accessory. This set makes use of a wedge like support which does not serve well to hold the characters but in Chikutan's case, there's a hole on her back to peg onto the wedge.

ちくリン & さじ

The younger sister of Chikutan has been always trying her to pick herbs in the forest or mountain but often ended in awkward situations. Here she is accompanied with her pet dog, Saji which is much larger than herself. Another piece worth mentioning as you know I'm a sucker for vignette base with a theme of nature. Chikurin is firmly held onto a clamp on the bent left leg. The hair-style really suits her and the dress reminds me of a plant somehow. Saji is a fine-looking canine which has problem standing on the grooves allocated on the base for his paws.

くぬぎタン & ちゅうおうどおり

The poor wealthy girl's family is holding a grand ball in their residence but the shy Kunugitan is as expected not adjusted to the crowd and rather stayed alone with her pet spider by the grand hallway. I love the base consist of the grand red carpeting of the hallway which stretch to even the steps of the stairways at the back. Kunugitan's expression looks subdued and the gown is pretty dull to me but at least it can hold her firmly on the support wedge. Nice to see the spider here as well.

アベマキ

A guest at Kunugitan's residence ball and seems like well-spoilt rich man's daughter who is pompous and arrogant and will get everything she wants. The base of this piece is meant to join subtlety with that of Kunugitan's. I really like arrogant look on Abemaki's face and she seems impatient with the proceedings with her hands on her hip. I really like that red iris color, the blonde hair with curls at the end and tied up nicely with the elegant violet ribbons and the dress is simply what rich European royalty would wear.

ユーカリたん & アリビア

As we had seen in TFC Part 2 that Yukaritan from the faraway land down under has been engaging in running a French style sidewalk cafe and here she is diligently squaring up her cafe with the usual mopping routine and she is been helped by her pet koala bear who's name is revealed this time as "Oliver" (rough translation). This normal piece of Yukaritan is fantastic as I had stated more than once that I especially like Yukaritan and we see her here with her usual docile expression (MOE!) and comes with so many nicely done accessories like the mop, pail of water (nicely painted within the pail) and of course Oliver holding a piece of charcoal. The authentic brick pavement is fantastic as a base. However the shortcomings in this piece is aplenty including the fact that Yukaritan's arms will drop off easily and the head-dress is not firmly held on her head and that she herself could not be securely held by the wedge support.

ユーカリたん (Variant)

Like the Binchotan variant, the second chase variant of Yukaritan is a nice alteration of the normal piece. Instead of the mop, she is armed with a piece of grey rag for perhaps some wiping of the tables and chairs found in the cafe. Instead of Oliver the koala, we see an ultra adorable baby, all rounded, bald, doe-eyed and with a pacifier in the mouth, sure makes you want to snuggle him to sleep. However the same problems niggling the normal piece is found here as well with the arms dismembering easily and the head-dress is hard to stay on top on her head.