The phrase "pillow talk" has never been so literal until now. Former Kyushu Institute of Technology researcher Koichi Uchimura is launching a crowdfunding campaign for his Ita-Supo, the first talking hug pillow that responds to your caresses.

The pillow case, which is being crowdfunded via Makuake, comes with two sensors, conveniently placed inside internal pouches at the breasts and crotch area. It even has a name: Rina Makuraba, which is a play on words—makura means pillow. If you gently massage Rina's breasts, she'll coo and simper, with increasingly lovey-dovey messages like, "What if I start loving you even more than I already do?" Grope her too hard and she'll become angry, responding with messages like, "Hey! That hurts!" (Touch her crotch and she'll say things like, "Not there!" but her heart meter will still raise, so you don't feel too bad about it.)

The pillow case is integrated with a smartphone app, which will allow the future download of expansion voice packs (it comes pre-loaded with 100 phrases, with another 400 available for free download) and other interfaces. Rina's voice is provided by Amisa Sakuragi.

As of right now, the campaign has already raised 1,030,000 yen (about US$8,609) of its 500,000 yen goal (about US$4,179), with 57 days yet to go. Each pillowcase and sensor set is going for 20,000 yen (about US$167), though early adopters can snag a deal for 18,000 yen (about US$150); other options include pillowcases for Rina's friends, Shion Kamitsuki and Shiho Natsuki.

Be sure to check out the campaign if you're interested in snagging a bed buddy for yourself, as well as to see more artwork and detailed specifications.

[Via Hachima Kikou]