Nine Sculptors in an 11 Hour Figure Making Trial! (Sculpting – Part 1)

28th & 29th of April 2012!

NicoNico Super Kaigi!
 
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The first ever Super Kaigi was held at the Makuhari Messe and Good Smile had their own booth at the event!! (`・ω・´)
Plus the booth was very big!! It was about the same size as the WonHobby booth at WonFes – even about the same size as the giant labyrinth that Bushiroad made!

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Here we have the GSC Booth!

The Good Smile Cafe and Indotei were both there as well serving delicious food! There was even a resting corner with tables and chairs for people to relax in!

In this photo you can see replicas of the 0-car and the 4-car which were also on display along with new and upcoming figures. It was a very bustling booth for the whole event!

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The one corner of the booth featured this interesting section!

The GSC 11 Hour Figure Making Trial!

Nine sculptors worked together to create an 11 hour sculpting and painting marathon, where a prototype was completed in just 11 hours!

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I’ve seen this before!!

A counter suitable for champions! This timer will count down the 11 hours to make sure they don’t go over the allocated time!

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The heroes of day one!

These five sculptors will be working on sculpting all the parts of the figure!

As mentioned on the live broadcast, a normal Nendoroid prototype takes about 2-3 months of sculpting!

To complete that in just 11 hours is really a test of skill! (I do wonder why they all look like prisoners, though :P)

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The figure they will be sculpting in 11 hours is this lovely Nendoroid!

Nendoroid Super Sonico : Tiger Hoodie Ver.

Nitroplus’ mascot character, Super Sonico-chan, wearing the fan favorite Tiger spotted hoodie! Normally the headphones and guitar would be sculpted with 3D data, but this time around they will all be sculpted by hand!

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A base Nendoroid body!

This will be used as a base for the sculpting – making use of this as the basic frame ensures the figure will keep the proportions and balance of the Nendoroid series!

The making of the figure was updated in real time on a NicoNico Live Broadcast and twitter!

Both of those followed a specific time frame, but here on the blog today we’ll be taking a look at each part as it was made! The pictures and text are all borrowed from the Nutty of the production team’s twitter account!
 

Name: Oda-P
In charge of : Fringe parts, back of hair parts and face parts.002
(1) Oda-P begins work on the hair parts. 

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(2) Oda-P carving away hair parts with a belt sander. 

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(3) Oda-P’s craft-knife work is quick but careful. 

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(4) Oda-P is quickly getting the shape of the fringe parts! 

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(5) Oda-P still working on the fringe parts! 

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(6) Face complete! Oda-P is so quick, its incredible! 

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(7) Oda-P is now checking the volume of the hair is correct. 


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(8) Oda-P with a dangerous weapon! Or perhaps he is just making rough cuts on the hair… 

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(9) The reverse side of the hair is starting to take shape!


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(9) The putty for her side hair has been attached. (`・ω・´)


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(10) Oda-P is incredibly fast! Sonico is already starting to take form! (`・ω・´) 

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(11) Oda-P starts work on the mouth! 


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(12) Oda-P is now molding the side-hair into shape! (`・ω・´) 

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(13) The head part is already looking mostly finished! (´◉◞౪◟◉`) < Caterpie 

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(14) Making adjustments and cleaning up the surface of the hair. 

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(15) Oda-P fixing up the shape of the hair and removing bubbles from the putty! He is so fast! 

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(16) Oda-P begins work on Sonico’s cute little teeth! (`・ω・´)
 

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(17) Oda-P has completed the teeth! So cute!! (*^◯^*) 

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(18) Oda-P is now doing the finishing touches on the hair and face! 

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(19) More adjustments to the fringe. It looks like it is coming out beautifully! 

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(20) Oda-P says ‘You probably can’t even see the small changes anymore’.
But it looks great!!
 

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(21) Oda-P makes a tiny little guitar pick in her hand! 

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(22) Oda-P draws on some eyes for the prototype! So cute!!!

That brings the Oda-P section to an end!
The fringe and face parts are where most attention is normally focused on a figure, so normally they go through an incredibly fine and detailed sculpting process… in just seven hours Oda-P managed to create such a wonderful prototype of them! It’s absolutely incredible!

The back hair parts Oda-P was working on will reappear when Katou gets hold of them while working on the headphones at a later stage. The cooperative work that had to be organized on the fly is just another thing that made the challenge so amazing!

Nobu-san
In charge of : main body and hoodie.
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(1) Nobu-san begins work on the body! (`・ω・´)


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(2) Nobu-san mixing epoxy putty! What will it become…? (`・ω・´)

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(3) Nobu-san is moving on with the body!


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(4) The body is starting to take shape! Nobu-san is also very quick at this!


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(5) Rough sculpting of the legs begins! (`・ω・´)


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(6) Nobu-san connecting pieces onto the body. (`・ω・´)


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(7) Nobu-san cleaning up the body with a file!


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(8) Nobu-san says ‘The putty is still drying while I try work so it keeps breaking… (´・ω・`)’. Working on a clock makes it a lot more stressful…

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(9) Nobu-san working hard on the body! Making use of his own body to confirm poses!

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(10) Reinforcing areas for working on Sonico’s clothes.


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(11) Nobu-san confirms poses on the actual Nendoroid stand. (`・ω・´)


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(12) Boobies! Nobu-san is creating Sonico’s sexy body using epoxy putty!

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(13) Nobu-san starts work on the hoodie! It’s amazing to think this glob of putty will eventually become a hoodie!


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(14) Nobu-san is sculpting rough versions of the hoodie! (`・ω・´)

 

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(15) It’s starting to look like a hoodie! *・゜゜・*:.。..。.:*・'(*゜▽゜*)’・*:.


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(16) The clothes are starting to take form now! Nobu-san is amazing with his hands!

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(17) Nobu-san working on the molding of the clothes! He must be nearing the finish line!

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(18) Nobu-san says, ‘It’s tough as all the clothes are all a single part’. But they’re coming out so wonderfully!

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(19) The clothes are coming out beautifully! (`・ω・´)

That brings Nobu-san’s section to an end!
His section involved getting the basic body ready and able to take poses, the overall balance of the body and then he also worked on the clothes and hoodie! Lots of work in such a short amount of time!!

Plus while he was working on the joint of the shoulders the putty constantly wasn’t able to dry fast enough and kept breaking off… it was a very stressful event…! But there was a wonderful recovery thereafter and he managed to catch up in the second half of the work! As expected of a Nendoroid sculptor! ^^

         ____
       /      \
      /   ─    ─\   
    /     (●)  (●) \
    |       (__人__)  | ________
     \      |r┬-|   ,/ | |           |
    ノ      `ー’´  \  | |           |
  /´                 | |           |
 |    l                | |           |
 ヽ    -一ー_~、⌒)^),-、  | |_________|
  ヽ ____,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ- ̄   | |  |

The next three heroes will join the blog on the 11th May!!
Be sure to take a look if you want to see where the challenge went from this point!

But that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C)2006-2012 Nitroplus

Nendoroid Princess of the Crystal

The GSC meeting table display shelf!

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It’s filled with Nendoroid Petites with cute penguins dancing around them!!

       ___
     / ⌒  ⌒\
    /  (○)  (○) \   “Are these penguins going to
  /  ///(__人__)///\   be initiating a survival strategy!?”
  |       `Y⌒y’´     |  
   \      ゛ー ′    ,/   
    /      ー‐    ィ

Today we’ll be taking a look at the Nendoroid that featured on today’s live broadcast, and who will be coming up for preorder soon:

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From Mawaru Penguindrum:

Nendoroid Princess of the Crystal!

A Nendoroid of the mysterious character that appeared whenever Himari put on the penguin hat! Every detail about her and her outfit has been preserved in Nendoroid form, and you can even recreate the famous scene where she descends from the stairs!

She also comes with penguins 1, 2 and 3!
These penguins were so cute in the series that I huge felt like hugging them every time I saw them – the Nendoroid versions have come out just as cute, and they’re so fun to play with!

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This is how she looks from the back!

The long ‘tails’ on her hat are connected with Nendoroid joints for some interesting poses – you can move them back and forward for some really dynamic poses! The little white balls at the end of them also have a really nice paint coating that make them look like little pearls – they look absolutely gorgeous!

The penguins of course are all labeled on their backs with the white magic marker!

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The transformation scene!

One thing almost everyone remembers about Penguindrum is the amazing transformation scene! I’m glad the head of planning for this figure, Shuu-chan, thought to include all sorts of parts to help recreate the transformation process in Nendoroid form!

A shouting face, bent arm, and puffed out skirt to recreate her arrival pose! (・Θ・)キュ

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Step one of the transformation!

Both arms lifted up in the air with one bent leg stepping forward! You can also bent the hat joints back to really create a pose filled with dynamic energy!!

She even comes with clear effect parts on her upper arm to show the frills disappearing as a part of her transformation! Σ(・∀・ )

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Walking gracefully down the stairs!

Another scene that will stick in many fans minds is that of the Princess slowly stepping down the stairs! You can pose her with her hands on her waist to bring the pose together perfectly!

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Step three of the transformation!

The frills on her arms, skirt and scarf have all disappeared at this stage of the transformation! It is a prototype, so I couldn’t be too rough with my poses, but on the final version I’m sure you could bend her neck back even further!

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“Shall we initiate the survival strategy?”

She can even stand on top of penguin #1 and #3!

A very important pose! The stand included is the normal arm stand, but it allows you to easily recreate this pose! Of course #2 needs to stand behind to press the button to drop the visitors!

The panties that she shows off so openly are of course lovely triple-laced panties!

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Her hat can be completely removed!

Normally it wouldn’t really make sense to remove the hat while Himari is in this form…. but with a figure, it doesn’t matter! It’s amazing how much more she suddenly looks like Himari-chan once you remove the hat!

To help recreate the Takakura household, I found a low dining table! It suits her so well – now I just need to find some curry to place on the table with her!

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From Mawaru Penguindrum:

Nendoroid Princess of the Crystal!
 
She’ll be up for preorder from the 8th May!

If you have any preorder or sales queries, be sure to get in contact with our partner shops!

 
Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again next week!!
Enjoy your Golden Week if you are in Japan!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C) イクニチャウダー/ピングループ

Nendoroid Racing Miku 2012 Ver.


A
(゚∀゚): “I’m looking for Racking Miku, have you seen her?”
B (゚∀゚): “Where did Racing Miku’s car go…?”
C (゚∀゚): “Can I use Racing Miku next…?”

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She’s just too popular…!

Emi from Good Smile Racing brought over this prototype, and ever since there has been an ongoing battle between GSR, the production team, the design team and myself – we all need to use it!!

Different departments both needing prototypes at the same time happens a lot more often than you;d think, but thankfully we always manage to dash around each other’s schedules, and I’ll always get the figure in time for the blog!

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Nendoroid Racing Miku 2012 Ver.!

A Nendoroid of the official 2012 Racing Miku design illustrated by GAN!

This lovely Nendoroid will be a bonus given to all those who apply to be a personal sponsor for ‘GSR & Studie with TeamUKYO’! (`・ω・´)ゞ

– NicoNico Chokuhan –
http://chokuhan.nicovideo.jp/special/kosupo2012

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This is how she looks from the back!

Her long light blue hair looks so light and airy, and is partially made using clear plastic! The twin-tails are also both connected by a ball joint for some additional posing potential!

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“Please look this way!”

Normally I only ever take pictures of figures, but when I go to events I also tend to take pictures of the cute girls there! In the past I often just took pictures without saying a word, but recently I’ve gathered the courage to ask them to look toward the camera before taking the pictures! 😛

She comes with bent a bent arm and leg to pose her in the classic Race Queen pose!

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She also comes with a parasol!

A bent right arm is included to allow her to hold it up just like this. Protecting the staff and driver from the strong UV rays from the sun! Great work, Miku-san!!

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This outfit and parasol are also used by the real Race Queens at racing events! (*゚∀゚)=3

Every time I see them at the race track I can’t help but think how cute they look in this outfit!! I can’t believe I’m the same species as those beautiful creatures!

Those who want to see the Racing Miku outfit in the real world, grab a ticket to a racing event and see them for yourself!

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A closed parasol is also included!

Another extra part that fans have come to expect! The fact that you can choose your favorite pose really is one of the best things about Nendoroids!

I also have to say that I love the clear front of the skirt! It’s such a unique and wonderful design!

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A Nendocar!

Make use of the included decal stickers to create your very own miniature ‘Type-0 Car’!! The car this time around is also slightly wider than the previous versions!

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Zoo━(゚∀゚)━oom!!!!

Miku-san looks so happy riding in the car!! The wheels do actually spin around – so Miku really can really enjoy her ride!

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Nendoroid Racing Miku 2012 Ver.!

GSR&Studie with TeamUKYO Personal Sponsorship entry website!
 
http://gsr-global.ecq.sc/

These four personal sponsor courses will get you the Nendoroid as well as helping out ‘GSR & Studie with TeamUKYO’. For more information about the personal sponsor courses, check out the GOOD SMILE RACING Official Support Site.

There are also some important points you should take note of before applying to be a personal sponsor: [Notice] Important Notes Regarding Personal Sponsor Applications (Japanese)


– 10 Years of Good Smile Company : Nendoroids of the Past! –

There are only 5 days left until GSC turns 11 years old!

Let’s take a look at another Nendoroid of the Past!

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Released in January 2011:

Nendoroid Kurisu Makise!

The famous Christina from the game and anime series, ‘Steins;Gate’! I personally played the PC version of the game and really enjoyed it… I remember staying up late night after night playing it…

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When I see Kurisu I really feel like there should be a figma of Okarin… if you feel the same way, be sure to put it down on the new product request sheet that you’ll find on the pages below!


Don’t forget to vote in the resale & new product requests polls!

– Nendoroid Resale Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_nendoroid.php

– figma Resale Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_figma.php

– Scale Figure Resale Requests –

http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo//index_scale.php

– New Product Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_project.php

– Current Results –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/answer.php


Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C)GAN / Crypton Future Media, Inc

Nendoroid Black Rock Shooter : TV ANIMATION Ver.

Last week Friday was a live broadcast day!
A big thanks to everyone who tuned in!!

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We got hold of quite a few prototypes for the broadcast!

One of which was the figure I’ll be taking a look at today!

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Nendoroid Black Rock Shooter:
TV ANIMATION Ver.!

She is from the recent TV anime series of Black Rock Shooter – the Mato of the alternate world! She features a brand new design that was used in the new anime series – the figure was sculpted up from scratch, so it’s very different to the previous BRS Nendoroid!

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This is how she looks from the back!

Even her coat is fitted with ball joints, so you can create really dynamic poses with the coat flowing in the right direction! The silver coloring on the zipper and soles of her boots really contrasts nicely with her blakc outfit – it’s always those small details that really make a figure stand out from the rest!

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A flaming eye and the Black Blade!

The sculptor behind her was Manabu Katou, who worked really hard on getting the flame to look perfect – it looks as if the wind is blowing it to the side! Great job!

Together with the Black Blade in her right hand, she looks ready for battle!

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Her hood and the Rock Cannon!

Those who have seen the anime will definitely remember the scene where BRS-chan is wearing her hood! The hood splits in half at the top – you simply need to place the expression you want in-between the two parts.

The new version of the Rock Cannon is sculpted using 3D data. The detail on the cannon is really outstanding… let’s take a closer look!

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The Rock Cannon can even deploy!

As we showed on the live broadcast, the Rock Cannon opens up exactly like it did in the series! The base of the cannon is also made poseable to allow it to deploy as accurately as possible!

Although… it does feature incredibly small parts, so I’m not entirely certain that it will come out exactly the same after mass production…

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The Gatling Gun is also included!

Two giant weapons with a single Nendoroid, along with hood parts and a sword! So many things to play around with! Yay!!

You can even attach the blue flame while she is wearing the hood!

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A side-view of the Gatling Gun!

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to throw some macarons around her to recreate the scene from the series. ^^

If you ever try it for yourself, I’d love to see it! But don’t let the food go to waste afterwards! I really want to create a frame animation using the Nendoroid of the scene where she shoots the Gatling Gun… it would probably take hours though…

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Nendoroid Black Rock Shooter :
TV ANIMATION Ver.!

 
She’ll be up for preorder around Friday! (`・ω・´)ゞ
If you have any preorder or sales queries, be sure to get in contact with our partner shops!


– 10 Years of Good Smile Company : Nendoroids of the Past! –

There are only 6 days left until GSC turns 11 years old!

Let’s take a look at another Nendoroid of the Past!

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Hmmm….?

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Released in March 2008:

Nendoroid Miku Hatsune!

Miku is easily one the most popular Nendoroids ever, having had a total of five resales, and even a Cheerful! release after that! She has been sent all over the world for fans to enjoy!

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Also…

You might be wondering about this diorama set…
It’s a set of the opening from the Project mirai game!

We also saw it briefly on the ‘Let’s play Project mirai’ live broadcast, but now that it has had some final adjustments I’m able to show it off to everyone reading the blog! Yay!

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It’s created from color 3D printing!

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The little trinkets are absolutely lovely!

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The perfect size for Nendoroid Miku!

         / ̄ ̄ ̄ \
      /   ::::\::/\   ”Awwww!!
     /    。<一>::<ー>。   I want it now!! Gimme!!”
     |   .:。゚~(__人__)~゚j      
     \、   ゜ ` ⌒´,;/゜
    /  ⌒ヽ゚  '”‘”´(;゚ 。  
   / ,_ \ \/\ \
    と___)_ヽ_つ_;_ヾ_つ.;.

I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking this… but unfortunately there are no current plans for a product version of this…
But it will be on display at the Akihabara GSC Cafe!
It’s really cute, so do take a look if you stop by the cafe!

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Zzzz…



Don’t forget to vote in the resale & new product requests polls!

– Nendoroid Resale Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_nendoroid.php

– figma Resale Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_figma.php

– Scale Figure Resale Requests –

http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo//index_scale.php

– New Product Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_project.php

– Current Results –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/answer.php


Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C)BRS on TV

Nendoroid Hibiki Tachibana

     / ̄ ̄\
   / .ー  ー \  ← Oda-P
   |  (●) (●) |  
   |   (__人__)|   ”You’re taking the prototype already?”
   |   `i  i´  | 
   |   . `⌒   }      
   ヽ       } 
    ヽ     ノ 
   /      ヽ 

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Oda-P was very surprised that I grabbed this prototype so early, as I normally wait till the very last second to get the figures photographed for the blog.

But today is different!

If you don’t push forward when you have the chance you’ll never catch up! 😛

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But I’ll never miss out on a prototype review… I love playing with them too much, and on that note today I’ll be playing with…

Nendoroid Hibiki Tachibana!

From the anime series, ‘Senki Zesshou Symphogear’ comes a Nendoroid of the cheerful Hibiki Tachibana. She comes with a variety of optional parts to recreate all sorts of scenes from the series!

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This is how she looks from the back!

As you can see her outfit is beautifully detailed and painted so carefully! The intricate outfit has been shrunk down to Nendoroid size perfectly!

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Her combat face and Aerial Unit!

She comes with an amazing expression perfect for a battle pose, along with effect parts allowing you to display her flying through the air with the aerial unit on her back. She also comes with bent leg and bent arm parts for a lovely dynamic pose like this one!

But… what’s that red thing in the front there?? (・∀・)

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The threat to mankind, the Noise!

They might be evil, but just look how cute this one looks! I think he is even cuter now that he is Nendoroid sized. The Noise is made using 3D data sculpting, and makes use of some clear parts to recreate their see-through appearance.

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Attacking effect parts!

You can pose her attacking the noise like this! The 3D team also made a posable stand for the Noise allowing you to pose him at an angle like this.

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The much anticipated frenzy face!

It’s fantastic!! Even as a cute Nendoroid she looks rather frightening!

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Durandal!

The giant sword that reacted to Hibiki’s sining, Durandal, is also included! It features beautiful gold paintwork with a turquoise lining and the sculpting is just as detailed as Hibiki herself.

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Uh-oh! KAITO has dropped his ice cream!

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From Senki Zesshou Symphogear

Nendoroid Hibiki Tachibana!
 
She will be up for preorder along with her figma from tomorrow!
If you have any preorder or sales queries, be sure to contact our partner shops!

 
Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C) Project シンフォギア

Nendoroid Sonic the Hedgehog Product Review

I know that point marker…!

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It’s the half-way marker from Sonic!

I’m finally through to the half-way point of all the work that has been piling up in front of me. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get through the other half, but at least I’m saved up until here!!! ( ゜∀゜) Mwahahaha!

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Today I’ll be doing a quick review of this Nendoroid!

Nendoroid Sonic the Hedgehog!

From the popular game ‘Sonic’ game series that has just had it’s 20th anniversary comes a Nendoroid of the super fast hedgehog himself, Sonic the Hedgehog!

The Nendoroid also comes with various extras from the game, such as an item box, a ring, chaos emerald and half-way point marker! He also comes with parts that allow him to be posed in his famous running pose!

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This is how the packaging looks!

There was too much to fit in just a single blister pack, so an extra second layer is connected to the top! You can see he comes with plenty of hand parts, a bent leg part, some extra expressions and some lovely optional items to play around with!

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It wouldn’t be Sonic without a ring!

On the original Japanese blog I accidentally called it a coin when I did the prototype review… I can’t believe I made such a silly mistake…. I’ve actually played most of the Sonic games and enjoyed them quite a lot, so I have no idea why I called it that…

He comes with a dashing face ideal for running scenes!

Sonic is a bit of a unique Nendoroid in the fact that his head doesn’t separate at the back like normal Nendoroids. When you want to switch out the expression parts you simply need to pull the expression off at the chin area and replace it with the one you want. (I don’t recommend pulling thems off by the nose!)

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The Green Chaos Emerald!

You can display it like this with Sonic holding it his hand, or alternatively you can display it on a stand similar to the ring above! You can also take the ring off the stand and display it like this – so many different items with so many different options for you to choose from!

It’s a lot of fun to move Nendo Sonic around!

We all know Sonic is a very mobile character, so being able to place him in all sorts of poses is great fun… plus it’s really easy to strike all sorts of poses!

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The classic item box!

The box comes with five different items that can be obtained in the game – just open up the lip of the item box and place the one you want inside!

Plus as you can see, Sonic can stand up easily without the need for a stand! I love being able to stand figures by themselves!

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My favorite, the point marker!

Personally I think that this point marker is just as important to the image of Sonic as the rings! I always loved passing through these markers in the games 😛

Now I can see him running through it right on my desk whenever I want to!

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You can also display it after Sonic has run through!

The blue barrier can be removed and the blue balls can be moved up and down to display the point marker after Sonic has run through it! I’m sure fans will be glad to see the extra effort put into even the optional parts like this!

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Nendoroid Sonic the Hedgehog!

He’ll be shipped out from GSC from the 25th April! (`・ω・´)ゞ
If you have any preorder or sales queries, be sure to contact our partner shops!


– 10 Years of Good Smile Company : Nendoroids of the Past! –
There are only 13 days left until GSC turns 11 years old!

Let’s take a look at another Nendoroid of the Past!

010

Released in March 2009:

Nendoroid Nozomu Itoshiki!

A Nendoroid that reminds everyone of cherry blossom season! I didn’t include it in the photos, but he also came with rope that could be placed around his neck – which posed quite some trouble for everyone involved in the project! 😛

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This is how he looks from the back!

We actually went down to Matsudo Shrine and hung a rope on a cherry blossom tree in order to help recreate the hanging scene on the Nendoroid… I can’t believe we went through with that! 😛

The other day I was out taking some outdoor photos of a different product, when a group of four people wearing school uniforms came by and started chatting with me… I’m glad that never happened while we were working with Zetsubou Sensei!


Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛

(C)SEGA
(C)久米田康治・講談社/さよなら絶望先生製作委員会 © Copyright King Record.Co..Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Nendoroid Shuukan Hajimete no Miku Hatsune Product Review

Don’t you feel sorry for her…?

001

Seeing her sitting all bunched up behind the pot-plant…. I feel like I can really relate!

I might appear to be somewhat energetic online, but most of the time I feel more like this. When people meet me I’ve often been told that I’m not how they imagined me from reading the blog… 🙁

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But anyway, today we’ll be playing with this lovely Nendoroid!

Nendoroid Shuukan Hajimete no Miku Hatsune!

From the 4-panel manga currently serialized in Weekly Young Jack, ‘Shuukan Hajimete no Miku Hatsune’ comes a brand new Nendoroid design for Miku.

She comes with a total of three different expressions, as well as a mike stand, baseball and a paper-craft cardboard box to allow you to create all sorts of scenes from the series!

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This is how the packaging looks!

You can see there are a load of extra parts for all sorts of interesting poses!

Plus, between the inner cardboard of the box, you’ll find a papercraft cardboard box!

It’s quite easy to miss if you’re not looking out for it, so be careful not to forget about it!

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The ‘achop’ face and mike stand!

When ever I say the word ‘achop’, I can’t help but think of the scene where she catches the baseball with both hands and shouts it out – that scene can also be made with the Nendoroid!

The mike stand can either be held in her hand like above, or instead just placed on the floor. You can even adjust the height of the mike, so just adjust it to the height you think suits her best!

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My favorite, the gloomy expression!

I can really relate to this expression :P.
Such a lovely expression! I can’t wait to try it out on some other characters…

She also comes with a shopping bag and ice cream!
As well as extra hand parts to hold them both!

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The super cute sitting parts!

Her body is kept the same as the standing version, just the skirt, lets and hands are changed to let you pose her like this! Isn’t she just adorable…!!

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KAITO tries the gloomy expression!

I know I did the exact same thing while reviewing the prototype… but I just feel the expression suits him too well to not do it! 😛

The expression will work with most Nendoroids though, so have some fun trying it on some of your favorite characters!

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Normal Miku with the sitting parts!

This is just normal Miku’s head placed on the sitting parts and body of Shuukan Miku, allowing you to pose her sitting just as easily!

Hmm… I only just noticed those lovely thighs… I can’t be the only one who thinks they look great even as a Nendoroid, right…?

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Nendoroid Shuukan Hajimete no Miku Hatsune!

She’ll be shipping out from GSC on the 24th April! (`・ω・´)ゞ
If you have any preorder or sales queries, be sure to contact our partner shops!


– 10 Years of Good Smile Company : Nendoroids of the Past! –
There are only 14 days left until GSC turns 11 years old!
Let’s take a look at another Nendoroid of the Past!

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Released in February 2009:

Nendoroid KAITO

KAITO has been through two re-releases as well, once as the standard version and then again as the Cheerful Ver. The KAITO featuring in today’s blog is actually taken from Seki-sama’s desk. 😛

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This smiling face has been really popular with fans!

He looks so very happy! The parts included with him were fairly simple as with most of the first Nendoroids, but still came with this expression, a ‘hero’ expression and the ice cream for fans to play around with. KAITO was Nendoroid number 58! It feels like so long ago that he first released!!


Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C)mikumix / Crypton Future Media Inc. / Shueisha
VOCALOID is a registered trademark of Yamaha Corporation.
(C)Crypton Future Media, Inc.

1/7th Scale Meiko Honma

        ∩
       ||  / ̄ ̄\  ← Kaneko
       || /   _ノ  \
      /〔|    ( ●) (●)   ”I’ve dropped off the goods!”
      〔ノ^ゝ   (__人__)
      ノ ノ^,-    ` ⌒´
     /´ ´ ‘ , ^ヽ      }
     /     ノ'”\.  ⌒
   人    ノ \/,_ __ノ
   /::::\_/l::::\ー-.,ノ、゙,

001

It’s finally here━━━━(゚∀゚)━━━━!!!

Today I was on the phone with Max Factory to have them bring over this lovely prototype for me to play with!

002

From Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai:

1/7th Scale Meiko Honma!

She is from the popular anime series, “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai”, which has recently been licensed for release in the West as ‘Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day’.

The 1/7th scale figure is based on the original character illustrations which featured Menma wearing her swimsuit in this adorable pose! Careful attention has been given to all the small details on the figure, such as the hibiscus flower in her hair or the wise words that were normally found on Jin-tan’s T-shirts, now written all over her swimming tube!

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This is how she looks from the back!

Her hair is tied up in a single pony-tail on the side for more of a summertime look compared to her normal straight hair! The very tips of her hair also make use of clear plastic which creates the impression that the sun is shining on her!

Her pale, white skin is also absolutely beautiful!

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Menma eating an ice cream!

Menma is such a little angel in the series, and the figure is no different!! The figure captures her posed with her mouth wide open, at the very moment she is trying to bite her ice cream! I’ve always had a strange attraction to girls eating… I think it’s because they seem more defenseless while eating 😛

005

Wise words all over the clear tube!

These were all the clever phrases that were found on Jin-tan’s shirt throughout the series, now put all over the clear tube! A little extra effort for fans of the series to enjoy, with all the expected quality from Max Factory!

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A painted flower on her belly button!

The flower really reminds me of the wonderful ending theme of the series, I love it! The body is very thin – a perfect rendition of Menma’s childish charms! Fans of thin bodies will love the sculpting work on this figure – just look at the pelvis area!

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The polka-dotted frilly swimsuit!

The frills on the swimsuit really gives the figure a nice 3D volume, plus the polka dots are incredibly cute! The dots also have different colors between the top part and the bottom part of the swimsuit. The color on the bottom also matches up with her nails and the belly button print seen above!

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From Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai:

1/7th Scale Meiko Honma!

She’ll be up for preorders from tomorrow!! (`・ω・´)ゞ
If you have any sales or preorder queries be sure to contact our partner shops!


– 10 Years of Good Smile Company : Nendoroids of the Past! –

There are only 16 days left until GSC turns 11 years old!
Once again, we’re going to take a look at another Nendoroid of the Past!

008

Released in January 2011:

Nendoroid Mickey Mouse!

The 100th Nendoroid was the world renown Mickey Mouse!! I was so amazed to see a huge name like Mickey join the Nendoroid series…!

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Lots of optional parts included!

These extra parts were specially illustrated by Disney for the release of the Nendoroid version of Mickey! Even the extras have such an adorable design and such bright colors – I think I can see why Mickey is always in such a bright and cheerful mood!

I can’t believe that we’re already on the way to the 300th Nendoroid release now…!
 


 
Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C) ANOHANA PROJECT
(C) Disney

Nendoroid Sayaka Miki

     ____
   /      \   
  /  \    ,_\   “That’s weird… 
/     (●)゛  (●) \   I’m sure she was in the
|  ∪   (__人__) |    upcoming products box yesterday…”
/     ∩ノ ⊃  /
(  \ / _ノ |  |   
.\ “  /__|  |  

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…why does the web team have it!?

This is Omura’s desk from the web team… I can’t believe he got hold of the figure before me!! I don’t care if my seat has been moved further away… you’re not allowed to steal figures away from me!

I’ll take it back to my desk, alongside with that Famitsu magazine beside it!

003

Today we’ll be looking at this much anticipated figure!
From Puella Magi Madoka Magica:

Nendoroid Sayaka Miki!

From the popular anime series “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” comes another Nendoroid, this time of the energetic and strong-willed Sayaka Miki! She comes with three expressions, including a standard smiling face, an upset face and a pained expression for combat scenes.

002

This is how the packaging looks!

Obviously the figure itself is the main concern for most figure fans, but I have to say that in my opinion those swords are absolutely incredible! Looking back on the figure though, I love the gold lines painted all over her outfit – they really contrast the blue and white outfit very nicely. Overall I’d say she came out very nicely!

004

This is how she looks from the back!

The stand connects behind her cape, fitting into her back. At first I was a bit worried that it would get in the way of some poses, but it didn’t bother me at all in the end! It also connects very firmly into her back, so you won’t have any stress issue on the stand either.

005

Her upset expression and sword!

This pose also makes use of the bent arm part for a very epic looking pose – ready for battle! There are eight swords included with the figure, but only two of them can be held like this. The handle on the two that can be held has a little protrusion on the handle which can be pushed into her hands just like this.

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The pained face is so cute!!

I feel bad for her, but at the same time I can’t help but think she looks adorable!! The single closed eye, grinning expression and indented eyebrows all look so good together as an expression! You have to see this expression in person to really appreciate it fully!

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The swords can be placed on the base!

A special stand for holding all eight of the swords is included! It creates more of a scene for you to display her in!

009

Displayed with Madoka!

Although you probably didn’t notice just by glancing at the photo, I’ve actually also placed Sayaka’s cape on Madoka’s shoulders! You can remove it entirely, or instead try it on other Nendoroids instead!

010

Now she’s with Kyouko!

         ____
       /      \
      /   ─    ─\   ”Hmm? Is that the prototype?”
    /     (●)  (●) \
    |       (__人__)  | ________
     \      ` ⌒´   ,/ | |          |
    ノ           \ | |           |

Actually, it’s a production sample!

Kyouko will be released in May – look forward to her!

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The 4th Nendoroid to join the Madoka Magica series:

Nendoroid Sayaka Miki!

She’ll be on sale from the 24th April! (・∀・)ノ
Be sure to contact out partner shops if you have any sales queries!


– 10 Years of Good Smile Company : Nendoroids of the Past! –

There are only 19 days left until GSC turns 11 years old!
Today we’ll be taking a look at yet another Nendoroid of the past!

013

Released in February 2010:
Nendoroid Nanoha Takamachi : The MOVIE 1st Ver.!

She was Nendoroid number 95! Even with the current level of Nendoroids, I’m still amazed at the paint work on Nanoha’s barrier jacket!

012

Her intelligent device, Raising Heart!

The device was included in two different forms – Device Mode as well as Canon Mode! Yuno-kun was also included with posable legs, plus those adorable wings on her feet were included as clear parts. A great addition to the Nendoroid world to say the least!

She also made me wonder exactly when it was that Nendoroids started coming with so many extra parts… I’ll be taking a look at that question in more detail in the future!

Also, don’t forget to vote in the resale & new product requests polls!

– Nendoroid Resale Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_nendoroid.php


– figma Resale Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_figma.php


– Scale Figure Resale Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo//index_scale.php


– New Product Requests –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/index_project.php


– Current Results –
http://www.goodsmile10th.jp/sousenkyo/answer.php

We want to know what all of you want to see more of, so let us know with the above links! We can’t guarantee that the top products will go on resale, but there is always a chance – so don’t miss out on having your say!


Plus!

I’m once again looking for beautiful cherry blossom photos this year!

014

This is a photo of Reimu going out to see the cherry blossoms last year!
I apologize for letting everyone know about this photo search so late… I hope the blossoms are still blooming where you are!

Last year’s photos can be seen here!

http://gscmikatan.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/kuroyagi-sans-letter-corner-cherry-blossom-special-1-no-50/

http://gscmikatan.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/kuroyaki-sans-letter-corner-cherry-blossom-special-2-no-51/

If the blossoms are still blooming by you, take a walk with your favorite figure and take some photos for the blog! You can send in your photos to this address:

mikatan-b@goodsmile.jp
 
But that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again next week!!(・∀・)ノ゛
This weekend I’ll be playing ‘Mahoutsukai no Yoru’!!!!
 
(C) Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS
(C) NANOHA The MOVIE 1st PROJECT

Nendoroid Sakura Miku

        ____
        /     \    ”Wha- What a wonderful photo!”
     /:::::─三三─\
   /:::::: ( ○)三(○)\
    |   、” ゙)(__人__)ル ゚。 ゚     ___________
   \      ゝ’゚      ≦ 三 ゚ | |             |
__/     。≧       三 = | |             |
| | /    ,   -ァ,       ≧=  | |             |
| | /   /    .イレ,、       >  | |             |
| | | ⌒ ーnnn ,≦`Vヾ  ヾ ≧   |_|___________|
 ̄ \__、(“二)。゚ /。・イハ 、\、l二二l二二  _|_|__|_

004

I’m sure there are some of you have already seen it from twitter last night…

Nendoroid Sakura Miku in her element!

I heard that the cherry blossoms were blooming at Matsudo Shrine, so I went out with the new Sakura Miku prototype for some outdoor photos of Miku together with the cherry blossoms!

014

The Nendoroid we are looking at today is the figure form of this Sakura Miku illustrated by Puchi Devil!

Just look how lovely she looks! It must have been quite difficult to capture the same cute feeling when sculpting the figure version!

001

Nendoroid Sakura Miku!

The sculptor for this lovely Nendoroid was Mesuka! The Miku Nendoroids based on the seasons are always quite difficult to get right – but you can see she has come out brilliantly just like Snow Miku before her!

     / ̄ ̄\
   / .ー  ー \   ← Aki
   |  (●) (●) |  
   |   (__人__)|    ”Very cute!
   |   `i  i´  |      She’s just as detailed as a 1/8th scale figure!”
   |   . `⌒   }      
   ヽ       } 
    ヽ     ノ 
   /      ヽ 

007

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Each of the cherry blossom prints on her hair features a lovely two-color gradient!

I truly think that Good Smiles’ manufacturing team is one of the most skilled in the industry – which allows them to continuously create wonderful effects like this!

I really hope the final product will still keep the gradient looking just as amazing as this… but I’m sure it will!

005
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The cherry ribbon on her back was also a part of Puchi Devil’s design!

The fact that the ribbon is a cherry is such a lovely idea! Plus those round, red cherries look absolutely delicious – they really add a little extra something to looking at her from the back.

If you look closely, you can also see cherry blossom shapes on her sleeves… such incredible detail!

002006

A headset made up of three blossoms!

This headset has gone through all sorts of changes by Good Smile, Crypton and Puchi Devil, but in the end it came out wonderfully as you can see! It makes use of partially clear parts for a transparent effect that looks great!

001

Nendoroid Sakura Miku!

At this point in time, the prototype is just the Nendoroid itself, so there are no extra parts to look at just yet….

The release date and price are not yet decided, but she will become an official product!

Unfortunately the official announcement will still be awhile away, but I just had to take this opportunity to introduce her to everyone while the cherry blossoms were still in bloom!


 
Plus…!! ((((゚Д゚))))

015

To commemorate the completion of the Sakura Miku prototype Nendoroid, the “Project mirai Cafe” at the Akihabara and Good Smile Cafe will be running a special Sakura Miku event!

The “Sakura Miku Fair!”

There will be some lovely new things to get your hands on during the event!

(1) Sakura Miku Flower Viewing Set

011
Unfortunately we only have a hand drawn example at the moment! 😛

A lovely Japanese Spring menu featuring sakuramochi and sakura tea!
This menu option will be available from the 7th April until the 21st April, and each and every order will also come with…

(2) Sakura Miku Badges!

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They feature lovely illustrations specially drawn by Puchi Devil for the Sakura Miku Fair!!

Thank you so much for the lovely illustrations!! They’re just so adorable!!

Everyone who orders the Sakura Miku Flower Viewing Set will get a badge as a little bonus gift – there are two available but you’ll have to select the one you want!

(3) Sega’s Sakura Miku Coaster

009

A coaster that makes use of models from the 3DS game ‘Miku Hatsune and Future Stars Project mirai’!

The coaster is blurred out for the blog’s images, but it really is incredibly adorable! This will also be given to each order of the Sakura Miku Flower Viewing Set!

The GSC x Testujin Cafe is the only place you can get your hands on these badges and coasters, so don’t miss out!! (`・ω・´)

Plus you might get a chance to see Sakura Miku in the exhibition booth!

(4) Sakura Miku-san Life Size Cut-Out!

018

Another one of Puchi Devil’s adorable illustrations!

Once again, thank you so much for drawing all these lovely illustrations for us!

This version of Miku will be a life-size cardboard cut-out display to be displayed on the stage for everyone to take photos with!

(5) Nendoroid Sakura Miku Display

Come and take a look at the prototype!

The event won’t last that long, so don’t miss out on the Sakura Miku Fair!

Since we’ve reached cherry blossom season in Japan now, it only makes sense to come down and enjoy the season before it comes to an end! If you’ve got some spare time and need something to do, head down to the Akihabara GSC x Tetsujin Cafe for a wonderful Sakura Miku experience!
 


Also, everything I’ve been through today…
Will be introduced as a live broadcast today from 21:00! (JST) – you can watch here:

http://live.nicovideo.jp/gate/lv87896471 

We’ll have Sega and Crypton representatives around, so come along and enjoy the broadcast! (Although it will be in Japanese!)


Finally, on a more serious note…

As it was announced on the GSC website, Nendoroid Sakura Miku has had various bootleg releases. These releases are without the permission of Good Smile Company, or Crypton Future Media.

Don’t end up with cheap pirated figures! The figures we produce have the utmost care put into them to reach you as the products they deserve to be, and seeing bootleg versions of them is very sad for all of us here at Good Smile. I hope you’ll all take care not to be fooled into picking up inferior goods – check the following post for more details.

http://www.goodsmile.info/post/en/3354/
 
 
But that’s all for today!
I’ll see you all later during the live broadcast!! (・∀・)ノ゛

(C)Crypton Future Media, Inc.