Shenmue Dojo

So, on the Steam page for the re-releases, there is a picture of Tom's Hotdog stand. Innocent enough. But upon a closer look, you notice something sickening. The clown mascot had his hair changed from yellow to a neon blue. Who committed such a crime?


A side by side comparison, the original on the top and re-release on the bottom

Anyway jokes aside, I'm trying to find the origin of this blue haired clown. In all my research I have yet to find a source. Ive poured over pre-release screens and tapes, booted up What's Shenmue to take a peek, and even watched Shenmue The Movie just to check. Nothing. So I have come to the Dojo to ask some of the older, wiser, more knowledgeable fans. Does anyone know where this funky blue clown has come from? It's important to Shenmue history and Tom's lore.

I will not rest until this controversy is solved.
#ClownGate2018

I wonder if it was a unused texture the devs were too worried at first to put in because of legal trouble with The Simpsons or d3t added it as a small easter egg. Either way i like it, it's funny.

No retroactive easter eggs please.