As we introduced before in grape Japan, Qoobo, designed by Yukai Engineering, is a "tailed cushion that can heal your heart," and is marketed as a therapeutic robot pet cushion. While not specifically modeled after a cat, there is something unmistakably feline about it, perhaps reinforced by the way promotional materials (such as the video below) show users petting it on their laps.

Therefore, perhaps it wasn't too much of a stretch to imagine a collaboration between Qoobo and a cat character from an animated film. In this case, Disney and Yukai Engineering got together to produce the first in a new series. The character they chose was Marie, from "The Aristocats," now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Qoobo Disney Series: Marie

According to the press release, they retained the characteristics of Qoobo, and the way it swings its tail depending on how you pet it. They also made the body and tail fluffy and white, and added Marie's trademark pink ribbon.

"For healing and comfort during your at-home time, for those who want a pet but can't have one, you can enjoy petting and hugging Qoobo Disney Series: Marie."

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Product specifications

• Name (JP): Qooboディズニーシリーズ「マリー」
• Name (EN): Qoobo Disney Series: Marie
• Price: 16,000 JPY plus tax
• Charging time: approx. 4 hours
• Running time: approx. 8 hours (depending on frequency of use)
• Dimensions: approx. 52 cm (20.5") by 32 cm (12.6") by 15 cm (5.9")
• Weight: approx. 1 kg (2.2 lbs)

Availability

• Pre-order from Amazon.co.jp
• Pre-order from Shopify
• Qoobo's Disney Series official website

If their collaboration is popular, maybe they'll consider teaming up with other franchises in the future, perhaps even Japanese anime. I can think of a few candidates: Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service, Artemis and Luna from Sailor Moon, Nyanko-Sensei from Natsume's Book of Friends, Prushka from Made in Abyss ...

I have no idea why that last one came to mind. What about you? If there are any characters you'd like to see get the Qoobo treatment, let us know in comments on our Facebook page.