VERNON HILLS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 1999--Furby, the talkative animatronic pet, is now speaking a new language...Japanese! The Japanese-language Furby was welcomed by an average of 600 waiting Furby fans at toy stores across Japan, this past weekend. Over 1,500 customers were waiting in front of Takashimaya department store in Tokyo's Shinjuku to purchase Furby. At a Kiddy Land store in Harajuku, Tokyo, customers started lining up the evening before to wait for the store to open the next morning.
The Japanese-language Furby will have the same characteristics and play-patterns as its American counterpart. Furby will still start out speaking its own language, ``Furbish,'' but learns to speak Japanese (instead of English) through positive reinforcement.
Furby also interacts through sight, touch, hearing, physical orientation and light and dark. Each animated electronic plush toy is unique, intelligent and equipped with a singular personality and name. Furby can move and dance. Other motion includes eyes that open and close, ears that wiggle and a mouth that moves when speaking. Furbys communicate with each other via infrared signals, and can talk to and teach each other tricks and songs. They can also catch one another's colds. The electronics are fully integrated into each pet; no additional equipment or computer is required. Japanese Furby launched with the original Furby colors: Grey, Black, White, Black/White, Grey/White and Pink/Grey. Approximate Japanese retail price is (Y)3,980.
Tiger Electronics, Ltd., a division of Hasbro, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of innovative electronic toys and games for the whole family. Tiger's core products and brands include: Sports Feel(TM) Games, Furby®, game.com®.pocket pro(TM) portable video gaming system, Lazer Tag®, Talkboy(TM) sound novelty toys, and a complete line of electronic family games such as Brain Shift®, Brain Warp®, Wheel of Fortune(TM) and Jeopardy!(TM) Tiger is a leader in licensed electronic favorites, featuring such titles as Star Wars®, NASCAR®, WCW/NWO®, Rugrats®, A Bugs Life®, Winnie the Pooh® and many more.
Hasbro (ASE:HAS - news) is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys, games, interactive software, puzzles and infant products. Both internationally and in the U.S., its Playskool® , Kenner®, Tonka®, OddzOn®, Super Soaker®, Milton Bradley®, Parker Brothers®, Tiger(TM), Galoob® and Hasbro Interactive(TM) products, provide children and families with the highest quality and most recognizable toys and games in the world.
Tiger Electronics, Ltd.
Marc Rosenberg/Lana Simon, 847/913-8100
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