Quirky Russian cartoon makes it big in Japan

Cheburashka, the furry little Russian cartoon character with enormous ears, has become a sensation in Japan, The Moscow Times reports.

Japanese newspapers have even taken to calling the creature the "Russian Pokemon."

Created in 1966 by Russian writer Eduard Uspensky, Cheburashka starred in a series of cartoons produced from the late 1960s to the early '80s, and even served as official the mascot for the Russian Olympic Team for the 2004 Summer Olympics.

He debuted in Japan in 2001, when theaters began showing the old Soviet cartoons. That sparked the cultural -- and merchandising -- phenomenon that includes T-shirts, stuffed toys, bags, purses and more.

Now a Tokyo-based company has announced it will produce a new feature film featuring Cheburashka, his friend Crocodile Gena and their enemy, Old Lady Shapoklyak. It will utilize puppet animation, like the original cartoons, along with some computer-generated enhancements.

"It's a human drama with a very cute story and adorable characters which appeal to all ages," the company's chairman said in a statement. "I believe this project has the heart, soul and power to touch everyone. This will be quality entertainment."