Talking Calumon

Today a very special package arrived. This is "Oshaberi Curumon" or "Talking Calumon". He is a japanese toy from 2001. There are plenty of pictures of him online but very little info and no videos despite him being a talking toy. The mystery surrounding him has had me interested for years, so I have been stalking ebay for an affordable one for a long time.

He has buttons on his stomach and feet. At first I thought he was broken, cause he would only make weird sounds after the initial "Konnichiwa!" It turns out that it's because you need to TALK to him for him to answer. This is a bit unfortunate, as I bought him used and didn't get a guide, and it's clearly some very specific key phrases he answers to. I couldn't find an online guide, but I did however find a picture of the back of the box with some phrases. There's "Ohayo", "Oyasumi" and "Merodi Ge-mu!" Ohayo and oyasumi are good morning and good night and Calumon will answer differently depending on whether he wants to sleep or not.

He can also ask you to repeat a question if he didn't get it the first time. I finally figured out that "merodi ge-mu" doesn't activate before pushing his stomach twice before saying it. Then Calumon will imitate a short melody, which I think I have to guess where is from. When I don't get it, he will tell me I was wrong.

There are probably also more key phrases you can use with him, but these are the only ones I know. If anyone knows anything, please tell me!