Mojibakeru kanji-animal transformers

Moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer toys --

Japanese toy giant Bandai is set to release a series of nifty kanji figures that transform into the shapes of the animals they represent. The shape-shifting critters, called Mojibakeru (moji means "character" and bakeru means "to change"), come in six varieties -- 犬 (dog), 虎 (tiger), 魚 (fish), 馬 (horse), 鳥 (bird) and 竜 (dragon) -- and are available in black, white, yellow and blue.

Inu-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer -- Inu-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer --
Inubakeru - The 犬 (inu, "dog") kanji transforms into a dog

Tora-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer  -- Tora-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer --
Torabakeru - The 虎 (tora, "tiger") kanji transforms into a tiger

Uo-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer -- Uo-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer --
Uobakeru - The 魚 (uo/sakana, "fish") kanji transforms into a fish

Uma-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer -- Uma-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer --
Umabakeru - The 馬 (uma, "horse") kanji transforms into a horse

Tori-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer -- Tori-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer --
Toribakeru - The 鳥 (tori, "bird") kanji transforms into a bird

Ryū-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer -- Ryū-bakeru moji-bakeru kanji-animal transformer --
Ryūbakeru - The 竜 (ryū, "dragon") kanji transforms into a dragon

The collectible toys will be priced at 100 yen (about $1) each when they hit shelves in Japan next week.

Want to buy Mojibakeru? Email shop@pinktentacle.com for details.

[Source: Mainichi via dannychoo]




26 Responses to “Mojibakeru kanji-animal transformers”

  1. That's soo funny. I want. I want!

    [Reply]

  2. What a great way to learn kanji! Especially for spacial thinkers.

    [Reply]

  3. Oh my. WANT.

    It's like the perfect camouflage -- when in trouble, hide in a book or a sign or something.

    [Reply]

  4. Patrick B

    Now just tell me where I can get them. I want them!!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  5. Verythrax

    Awesomely cool!

    just $1? Are they like capsule toys, or can them be chosen before buying?

    I'm so ordering this! ;)

    thanks for the tip!

    [Reply]

  6. watashimo

    Whoa! Great idea. Time to troll the 100yen stores.

    [Reply]

  7. These are awesome, I remember similar toys from germany (i think) that were just like these but letters and numbers. I had a red and white number 1

    ANYONE ELSE REMEMBER THOSE?

    LINKS?

    [Reply]

  8. A nice and funny way to learn basic kanji.
    Very cute indeed.

    [Reply]

  9. LQ

    Is it just me, or is it slightly odd that the dragon turns into a winged European dragon?

    [Reply]

  10. Bento_Boxx

    Though it says 100 yen, don't expect it to be $1.00 in U.S.
    Including all the fees, and s/h, the total, correct me if I'm mistakened,
    for one box (1x unit) will be about $7-8. A whole box containing
    20 boxes (20x units) will be about $18. I still think its worth it. :b

    [Reply]

  11. Nice and intresting.
    きれい です.

    [Reply]

  12. Lily Memphis II

    This is incredibly cute! They're also very inexpensive, but it makes me wonder what size they are. Does anyone know?

    Nice find!

    [Reply]

  13. I inquired and discovered the size is about 2" high by 2" wide when in Kanji form. I can hardly wait to get them! In case anyone is wondering, the colors are random. I'm ordering two of each in case a wayward coworker covets them. :)

    [Reply]

  14. A nice and funny way to learn basic kanji.
    Very cute indeed.

    [Reply]

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