It may actually be a 3D scan of Usagi that has been changed drastically, but I also think it is a possibility that it was made using Usagi as a reference. The nose is a different shape on the EM, it is more circular with a painted heart while the Usagi is more triangular with a painted heart. The over all shape of the EM muzzle is fatter and shorter when compared to TF. The EM also has an odd double chin thing going on. Also, where the hair attaches on the face of the EM, it is indented. The hair is set down into the face and glued (this is how Monchiichi are designed as well).

TF Usagi has a more wide square face, while the EM has long oval face. The expression is slightly different too. I think the eyes are shaped different as well, but I am not wiping either one to double check.

The feet are an exact copy. You can kinda see how the EM is a bit blurry or less defined than the TF. They are a little distorted and widened, but the exact same otherwise.

The hands are also exact copies with the same less defined and widened issues of the feet. What is funny here though is that the little palm line on the EM is more defined than the original TF and of a different shape. It must have been re-added after it was 3D scanned.

The EM has a tag, where as the TF has no markings or tags indicating it is what it is.

*Not pictured: the TF Kuma does not have a tail while both of the EM critters have pom pom style tails

*Also not pictured: The TF Kuma & Usagi have hard plastic rotating poseable ears while the EM are just fabric with no internal skeleton.

EM also came with a paper tag (normal size TF come in boxes and do not have paper tags). I have no idea what it says. The little shiny seal is a literal cowboy cow anthro and it seems to be the company mascot? The plastic bags the EM were shipped in had the cowboy mascot on it as well.

Overall, the EM are at the very least partial copies of TF. The hands and feet are direct copies. The faces are, I believe, original sculpts but it is possible that they were 3D scanned and modified. The head parts do not feel the same as one another when felt through the fabric (I actually have a second coming the mail to deconstruct), but I do not know for sure. Seeing as how Otsuka has dropped off the face of the internet, the last TF product was released in 2014ish (I’m pretty sure last release was the HYDExToysField??), the TF social media was last updated in Feb/March of 2016 and the blog is defunct...I have mixed feelings. Toysfield is dead and I doubt there will be any new releases again. On one hand I’m really glad that there is something being done with the idea of TF. I mean, I know it is based off of vintage 50′s kitsch style squeakies and toys. On the other hand it is really stupid that EM recasted Otsuka’s hand/feet sculpt design. Is this different in that TF are (were) mass factory produced and not hand made? I don’t know.

I do enjoy the plush bodies of the EM and how fun they are to pose, but I also enjoy the weight of TF. I also like that I’ve always wanted a bat and a cat TF and now I can make my own without spending ~$100+ on an original TF base which in turn would be depleting the overall numbers of a highly sought after item. I’m not going to stop buying TF, there are still plenty I’m hunting for but the EM are kind of exciting. I like the way they are made, they don’t feel as fragile as TF (I’ve actually broken Kuma’s arm by dropping her.. The plastic frame is cracked, I repaired as much as I could). I also like that EM kind of look like a grown up version of Usagi and Kuma mixed together. Also, having fur on their face instead of sculpted? Cute. (psst. EM can wear american girl size sunglasses)

I wish that EM had made their own toy, but used the same kitsch idea and body design that they created. It would be fun to see something like that.

All in all, EM are very well made, high quality faux fur, and fun to play with. I think they would make a good travel companion and custom fodder.