I have seen this scam Harajuku and Yokohama. It involves a paper doll, seller (scam artist), and someone at the front of the crowd controlling the doll who acts interested asking questions, but stay right at the front the whole time (easy to find in both instances). They sell for ¥1000 (about $10), and claim that they follow voice commands.
Anyone know how this works? No visible lines, nothing to attach to above head. The last time they guy waved papers of the doll, and made it dance on the paper.