The 2015 Winter WonHobby Site is Open!

The WonHobby Site is open!!

Hello everyone, Kahotan here! (@gsc_kahotan)

As of today, you can head the WONDERFUL HOBBY LIFE FOR YOU!! 21 site and take  a look at what you can expect from the Good Smile Company and Max Factory joint booth at the upcoming 2015 Winter Wonder Festival!

WONDERFUL HOBBY LIFE FOR YOU!! 21 Japanese Site
⇒ WONDERFUL HOBBY LIFE FOR YOU!! 21 English Summary Site

On today’s blog I’m going to be picking up on some of the information from the site and sharing it with everyone!

– WonFes Figures –

Nendoroid Snow Miku: Snow Bell Ver.


Product Details: http://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/4763/

Nendoroid Battleship Re-Class


Product Details: http://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/4764/

figma Snow Miku: Snow Bell ver.


Product Details: http://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/4765/

figma Saber: Dress ver.figma


Product Details: http://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/4766/

What a wonderful collection of figures! ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ
I’ll be taking a closer look at each of them at a later stage!

– WonFes Goods –

We will have various goods on sale at the event too! (`・ω・´)ゞ

This includes goods from the following series: 

· Nendoroid More Series
· wooser’s hand-to-mouth life
· IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls
· PriPara
· Kantai Collection -KanColle-
· LoveLive!
· Sora no Method

You can see more information on the official site!
WONDERFUL HOBBY LIFE FOR YOU!! 21

The one that personally really catches my attention is…
wooser’s Wonder Festival Set!

One of the items included in the set is… Wonder Underwear!
It’s the kind that can be worn by both gentlemen and ladies, so don’t miss out!

– Booth Highlights –

Along with various brand new figures on display, we will also be running all sorts of interesting projects at the booth!  For example…

The Tottori Factory Corner!
~ See the Factory at Work~

========================================
Along with the items made at the factory on display, we will also have some special areas for a closer look at some of the factory processes

– Stamp Printing Corner –

Stamp print a Nendoroid face of Tottori prefecture’s Kurasuke-kun on a blank Nendoroid face! You can buy a blank Nendoroid face for just ¥100 (Max two per person) . This corner is scheduled to start at around 16:00. Find out more about stamp printing here: Mikatan’s Factory Field Trip! – Part 4

– Injection Mold Machine –

We will be using an injection molding machine to create some Nendoroid parts right at the event! Find out more about injection molding here: Mikatan’s Factory Field Trip! – Part 2

========================================

Tottori prefecture’s Kurasuke-kun will also be coming by the event for a visit! Him and wooser will be running around for everyone to enjoy and take photos with!

Tottori prefecture’s Kurasuke-kun will also be coming by the event for a visit! Him and wooser will be running around for everyone to enjoy and take photos with!  That’s not all though! I’m also told that they will be handing out one of Tottori prefecture’s famous treats, Utsubuki Park Dango!

They are absolutely delicious!! *nom* (๑´ㅂ`๑) *nom*


– Live WonHobby TV –

Once again we will be having both an afternoon and a night broadcast! The afternoon broadcast will feature the stage at the event itself, while the evening broadcast will feature all sorts of interesting guests as we broadcast from the GSC Office! ★

More information is available here: http://whl4u.jp/stage/ (Japanese)

Let’s take a little peek at what you can expect during the broadcast! |o゚д゚)

First up is the afternoon section, which will be MCed by Takeshi Washizaki!
URL: http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv206939190

Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- DC the Movie Stage

GOODSMILE RACING Kick-Off Meeting

WONDERFUL HOBBY LIFE FOR YOU!! Talk Show

Pripara Stage ~Everyone Get Together! WonFes Tour~

DOG DAYS” Stage ~Welcome to Flognarde~

[Ending Stage] IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls / 346 Production WonFes Stage

There are also some sections that have yet to be announced! Be sure to check back!

Next up we have the evening section!


URL: http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv206939429

Opening Talk: Live WonHobby TV 17! 

Japan Figure Factory: Hobby Industry Talk!

Good Smile Racing ~Series Championship Winners~ The Road to the Top!

Midnight Figure Commercial Battles!

Kahotan Station: February WonHobby Edition

Ending Talk

I also here there will be another corner with very special guests!! 

More details will be up on the 19th January! (/ω\)

・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

Finally a quick notice! ♪

Kahotan Station: January Edition is coming up fast!

Kahotan Station: January Edition

Date: 23rd January 2015 from 20:00JST~

URL: http://live.nicovideo.jp/gate/lv206846094

Contents: 

◇ January Highlights!
A Look at some of the figures that were announced this month

◇ Upcoming Items!
A look at various upcoming products and goodies!

…and more

My guest host this time around is Kevin (@gsc_kevin) from the WEB team!

Perhaps the broadcast will be slightly more… English than normal! (Don’t get your hopes up though!)

I hope to see you there!! ☆ 

゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\


∧_∧
( ・∀・) .。0 (WonFes…)
oノ∧つ⊂)
( ( ・∀・).。0 (…is just around the corner now!)
∪( ∪ ∪
と__)__)

Anyway, see you all again next week!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

RoboCop ED-209

“I shall show you the true power of Omnicorp!”

Hello everyone, Kahotan here! (@gsc_kahotan)

I still haven’t had the time to go watch Big Hero 6 and everyone is talking about it except me! I’m definitely going to go watch it this weekend!!

Anyway, today I’m going to be taking a look at a rather large item from threezero…

RoboCop ED-209: Black!

Omnicorp’s unmanned bipedal weapon!

From the 2014 remake of the popular film ‘RoboCop’ comes a fully articulated model of the Enforcement Droid 209, or ED-209 – the peacekeeping machines created by Omnicorp. The coloring is based on the black version that appears in the later scenes of the film.

The model stands approximately 16″ (40cm) tall, comes with fully posable action joints, articulated head arms, legs and toes allowing for all sorts of scenes from the movie. A light-up feature in also included in both arms and the font section of the head.

It’s enormous!! <○><○>

The first picture was a little bit of a size comparison… but you can hardly see the Nendoroid Petite: Mikudayo she’s so small in comparison!! The ED-209 stands an impressive 400mm in height!

The size isn’t the only amazing part of this model though!

Look at the incredible robotic sculptwork! (´□`。)

The mechanical charm of the figure is so different to that of a human figure, yet it’s still so very appealing in a completely different sense! ♡

Another thing to note is threezero’s speciality ‘damaged paintwork’!

You can see the machine has been through a couple of battles! (‘-‘*)(,_,*)(‘-‘*)(,_,*)

The layers upon layers of paintwork create such a realistic looking appearance and texture!

There are also joints all over – from the head all the way down to the legs, allowing you to create all sorts of poses from the film! Σ(・ω・ノ)ノ!

Not to mention there are other fun options too! ★

Even little things like this open up! (/ω\)

The attention to detail on even the smallest areas is simply incredible!

Not only that but the playability that the articulation gives the model is great! You could play around with it for ages and never get bored! ε=(。・д・。)
Everywhere you look you’ll notice some extra little detail as well! ♪

This is the size compared to a figma! ヽ(゚◇゚ )ノ

Another thing to note is that the legs can stretch out longer, so you can adjust them to fit any pose you need! ♥︎

The parts that look a bit like a washboard extend out with a clunk sound as you pull them! (I hope some people know what I mean!)

Parts like this on figure’s remind me that they’re really just toys for the older generation! There is so much fun to be had! (。・ω・)ノ゙

Great to look at, fun to touch and play around with! threezero’s latest product! ♡

PLUS! 

I’m also going to be taking a look at once more huge item today!

Packed up carefully in Styrofoam…
 

\ Ta-da!! ☆ /

The RoboCop ED-209’s alternate color version!

This Desert Yellow version is exclusive to the threezero store!
It is currently up for order!! φ(.. )

Also, batteries are sold separately, but when you add them…

The head and arms light up like this!! (●´ω`●)

Of course the light-up effect is on the black color version as well!!

Fun light-up effects like this are what make threezero so much fun!!

You can even play with the models in the dark!! 

 

Have fun! Stare in awe! Experience the world of RoboCop!

RoboCop ED-209: Black

The figure is currently up for preorder!

Be sure to find your local threezero distributor and grab it! (*´Д`)=з

This product will also be on display at the
Volks Akihabara New Hobby Tengoku store!

Be sure to stop by and take a look if you’re in Akihabara! (σ・∀・)σ

Also check out the threezero and ThreeA blogs below!

https://www.facebook.com/threezeroHK
http://www.worldofthreea.com/threea-production-blog/

・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

Finally a quick notice! ♪

Kahotan Station: January Edition is coming up fast!

Kahotan Station: January Edition

Date: 23rd January 2015 from 20:00JST~

URL: http://live.nicovideo.jp/gate/lv206846094

Contents: 

◇ January Highlights!
A Look at some of the figures that were announced this month

◇ Upcoming Items!
A look at various upcoming products and goodies!

…and more

My guest host this time around is Kevin (@gsc_kevin) from the WEB team!

Perhaps the broadcast will be slightly more… English than normal! (Don’t get your hopes up though!)

I hope to see you there!! ☆ 

゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\


∧_∧
( ・∀・) .。0 (Huge figures…)
oノ∧つ⊂)
( ( ・∀・).。0 (…are so exciting to play with!!)
∪( ∪ ∪
と__)__)

Anyway, see you all again tomorrow!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

ROBOCOP (2014) © 2014 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. & Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.

Nendoroid Haruna

“High-speed battleship Haruna, reporting for duty.
You’re my admiral, correct? Let’s get started.”

Hello everyone, Kahotan here! (@gsc_kahotan)

I recently got my hair cut for the first time in ages! It’s been about 5 years since I’ve had short hair! But anyway, today I’m going to be taking a look at…

Nendoroid Haruna!♡

From the popular browser game ‘Kantai Collection -KanColle-‘ comes a Nendoroid of the high-speed battleship ‘Haruna’! She comes with three expressions including her standard face, a smiling face and a worried face allowing for all sorts of situations!

Optional parts include her ‘rather heavy’ ship parts together with firing effect parts, as well as a special background sheet showing anti-aircraft fire! A special crane part to recreate the docks are also included. A teapot and tea cup are also included, which are great to display her together with her sister ships!

Ooooooooooooooooohhhhhh!!! (´□`。)

The cheerful, reserved and modest Haruna is joining the Nendoroids! 

Of all the Kongo-class sisters, her outfit definitely looks the closest to a miko priestess’ outfit! Her lovely long black hair flows out behind her just like in the original illustration ♡

With Haruna joining the collection, all four of the Kongo-class sisters have been made into Nendoroids! 

· Nendoroid Kongo (Released in August 2014)
· Nendoroid Hiei (Released in November 2014)
· Nendoroid Kirishima (Currently up for preorder!)

She is said to be the more gentle and reserved of the four sisters, but when it comes to battle she can be just as valiant as any of the others!

“I will not allow such selfishness!”

She even comes with shooting effect parts to show her in combat! ♥︎

(・∀・) “Her confident expression is great, but you can also enjoy quite the opposite!”

We’re joined by Nendoroid Haruna’s planner –  Kyojin!

 (・∀・) “She also comes with a worried expression that makes her look rather unsure of what to do next in the heat of battle!”

I wish I could jump to her aid!!

It really is a lovely expression! It definitely conveys worry while still somewhat keeping her more elegant side in tact! I can see it being useful in all sorts of situations! (/ω\)

(・∀・) “Haruna also comes with a background sheet showing anti-aircraft fire! This connects onto her stand to bring out the atmosphere of battle more effectively! I’m sure it’ll work great with any other KanColle Nendoroids too!”

It’s amazing how much a background can bring out a different atmosphere!

(・∀・) “Haruna is definitely best known for the way her hair is blowing outward in her key illustration, which is why we kept that look on the Nendoroid!” 

A refreshing pose that makes it look as if the wind is blowing across her! ♡

(・∀・) “It almost give her a kind of ‘main character’ kind of feel in my opinion! The cross section on her ship parts are also fitted with a joint making it easier to make different poses!” 

Another thing to take close notice of if you decide to add her to your collection, is the difference between her ship parts and Kongo’s! The intricate little differences have been faithfully preserved!

Anyway, let’s move onto her optional parts! ♪

“I shall work just as hard as the dock cranes to support the admiral and the fleet!”

(・∀・) “A special dock crane is included to display with her!”

It’s huge for an optional part!! (´□`。)

(・∀・) “The hooks on the crane can even be used to hold up the ship parts by the cross part, as seen in the previous photo!”

There have been some pretty large parts included with previous KanColle Nendoroids, I wasn’t sure if we’d get another one but I’m certainly not disappointed! <○><○>

The previous part could all easily be used with other characters as well… can the crane be used with other characters without too much effort?

(・∀・) “Of course! Take a look!”

An extra…. crane piece?
But it seems like the hooks have been swapped out for a round thing… 
(°д°;)

(・∀・) “The round thing is a special adaptor that connects to Nendoroid joints! What this means is that you can attach all sorts of other ship parts!”

For example… here we have Nendoroid Hiei’s X-shaped parts! ♪

I look forward to trying to dock some of the other characters! ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

 (・∀・) “By the way, the hook section can also move up and down the crane, so you can move it around back and forth to suit your pose or character best!”

(´-`).。oO (Connects to Nendoroid joints?! The possibilities are endless…!)

I can see this part being fun for both KanColle and other Nendoroids alike! ☆

But hang on a second!!
Does she still come with a tea time part?! 

I guess she doesn’t seen she comes with the huge crane… 

(・∀・) “We still managed to include a little something! She comes with a tea cup that matches with Kongo’s!”

Phew! Now she’ll fit in with the others! (´∀`。)

The gentle smiling face makes her look ready to enjoy her delicious cup of tea too! 

(・∀・) “Haruna is a very gentle character, we wanted to include a smile that captured that as best as possible! Oh, and she also comes with a saucer and teapot set!” 

Aha! This solves the teapot-less tea time dilemma! (´□`。)

Simply place it on the table included with Nendoroid Hiei, and…

A complete tea time set for the Kongo-class sisters!

They’re finally all together in Nendoroid size! ヽ(゚◇゚ )ノ

(・∀・) “Yep! I hope fans look forward to collecting the full set!”

Nendoroid Haruna!

She is up for preorder now! ☆

Product Page: http://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/4819/

You can also preorder her from the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP which will include the usual bonuses of a special box sleeve as well as a special Nendoroid stand! Be sure to get your preorders in!(σ・∀・)σ

GSC Online Shop: http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/top/gscnenwd00495.html

 

Additionally, to commemorate all of the sisters now being up on the site, we have made a special wallpaper for fans to use! You can download it here: http://www.goodsmile.info/en/post/4036/

If you check the current top page of the GSC site, you’ll also notice a random fortune will appear when you access the page!

Take a look at the text in the red box!

大吉 = Excellent Luck!
中吉 = Great Luck!
= Good Luck!
= Bad Luck!

The luck represents how your ships will fare on the seas today! I’m hoping for the best for you! (●´ω`●)

The GSC home page can be found here: http://www.goodsmile.com

・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・

Finally a quick reminder!

This Kongo-class ship is also up for preorder! 

Nendoroid Kirishima!

She also features a bonus box sleeve and Nendoroid stand when ordered from the GSC Online Shop!

Orders close on the 21st January 2015 at 21:00JST! Don’t miss out!

GSC Online Shop: http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/top/gscnenwd00491.html

 

゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\


∧_∧
( ・∀・) .。0 (I hear there may be some…)
oノ∧つ⊂)
( ( ・∀・).。0 (…new KanColle goodies at WonFes!!)
∪( ∪ ∪
と__)__)

Anyway, see you all again tomorrow!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

©2015 DMM.com/KADOKAWA GAMES All Rights Reserved.

2014 Blog and Product Ranking

Hello everyone, Kahotan here! (@gsc_kahotan)

Yesterday was Coming of Age Day here in Japan, where those who have turned twenty over the past year dress-up and celebrate becoming adults! I still can’t believe they all must have been younger than me! They were wearing kimonos which make them look so mature and grown-up!

Anyway, we’re already well into 2015 now, but today I’m going to be taking a look at the 2014 most popular blog articles as well as the most popular products of 2014!  (`・ω・´)ゞ

By the way, this is this year’s Nendoroid Calender! ♡ 

*The calender given out at WonFes will be a school calender starting fro April, so it will be a little different to this one!

Anyway, let’s start off with my blog ranking!

Kahotan Blog: Access Ranking! 

*Based on the Japanese access numbers

1st Place: Nendoroid Kongo

2nd Place: Nendoroid Ryuko Matoi

3rd Place: Snow Miku 2014: The ‘Spell Book Stand’ Revealed!

4th Place: 1/7th Scale Benten

5th Place: figFIX Shimakaze: Half-Damage ver.

6th Place: Yamato Kai: Light Armament Ver.

7th Place: Nendoroid Kaga

8th Place: Nendoroid Honoka Kousaka

9th Place: Nendoroid Aoba & Ren

10th Place: Nendoroid Renge Miyauchi

 

11th Place: Nendoroid Sakura Kinomoto
12th Place: Nendoroid Yoshino
13th Place: Nendoroid Elsa
14th Place: Satsuki Kiryuin: Senketsu Ver.
15th Place: Nendoroid Shoyo Hinata

Nendoroid Kongo took the crown this year!

The popularity of KanColle has not died down at all over 2014! Once again the KanMusu are all over the top articles! ε=(。・д・。)

Don’t forget you can currently preorder Nendoroid Kirishima, one of Kongo’s sister ships! ♡

Orders are open at the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP, which also include a special sleeve and Nendoroid base as a bonus!

Orders are open until the 21st January 2014 at 21:00JST!
Don’t miss out! φ(.. )

GSC Online: Nendoroid Kirishima

Plus fans have another KanMusu to look forward to…!

I get the feeling you might want to check the GSC site tomorrow…!

Another thing worth mentioning is the popularity of male figures! Three out of the top fifteen… I’m sure we’ll be seeing more and more! φ(.. )

Even at the moment you can order Nendoroid NoizNendoroid Tobio Kageyama and figma Kirito: GGOver.!

 

I’m sure male figure fans will have a lot to look forward to this year as well! ♡

Anyway! Let’s now take a look at figure popularity – based on the total number of items sold! ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

 

2014 Product Sales Ranking

1st Place: Nendoroid Shimakaze

2nd Place: figma Mikasa Ackerman

3rd Place: Nendoroid Snow Miku: Magical Snow Ver.

4th Place: figma Shimakaze

5th Place: figma Levi

6th Place: figma Eren Yeager

7th Place: Nendoroid Link: Windwaker Ver.

8th Place: Nendoroid Kongo

9th Place: Nendoroid Akagi

10th Place: Nendoroid Levi

As I’m sure you can tell, last year’s most popular products were definitely focused around Kantai Collection -KanColle-  and Attack on Titan!!

I look forward to seeing which items will make the rankings of 2015!

゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

That’s all for the rankings! But I want to end today with a quick introduction to the Max Factory blog! (●´ω`●)

The blog obviously focuses on Max Factory’s products, but often features exclusive photos or information for fans to enjoy! ★

I personally would like to recommend these articles! (・ω・)ノ

Written by the ‘Socrates of the Posing World’: Masu-senpai!

The stylish figma posing really shines in these posts! The Avenger’s series blogs are some of my best!

· figma Thor
· figma Iron Man Mk.7
· figma Captain America

Written by the “Intelligent Gorilla” IG Sakai! 

You can really feel his love for figures and the characters in his blogs!☆ The easiest to recommend is definitely this one! ♪

figma Goro Inogashira

By the way… have you seen Max Factory’s New Year card…?
figma Goro is being rereleased…! 

 

Written by the the man who openly works in the back, Takumi Jyoutouhei!

He does blogs in various categories and about various figures… plus he is an ex-editor for a magazine!!

The most recent article is written by Takumi, so be sure to take a look! 

Introducing the 1/350th Scale Shimakaze Battleship Model!

It might only be in Japanese, but be sure to give the Max Factory blog a look when you have the time! ♡

゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\


∧_∧
( ・∀・) .。0 (I hope…)
oノ∧つ⊂)
( ( ・∀・).。0 (…you’ll support my blog this year too!!)
∪( ∪ ∪
と__)__)

Anyway, see you all again tomorrow!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

Hatsune Miku: Risa Ebata Ver.

Hello everyone, Kahotan here! (@gsc_kahotan)

Everyone in the GSC offices is catching a cold! I am wearing a mask almost all the time to try prevent it from spreading to me…! With all the preparations for WonFes, this is the worst time to get sick!

Anyway, today I’m going to be taking a look at a product that has been up for preorder since last year… Max Factory’s…

Hatsune Miku: Risa Ebata Ver.!

The world of Hatsune Miku, as illustrated by Risa Ebata.

A 1/7th scale figure of Hatsune Miku based on an illustration by the popular illustrator Risa Ebata! The unique translucent and delicate appearance of Risa Ebata’s illustration has been carefully preserved in figure form.

She is seated on a magnificent floating diamond that shines beneath her with a love innocent smile on her face, as her long winding twintails are swaying in the wind behind her. A truly intricate piece of sculpting that fans are sure to fall in love with. Enjoy a different side and all new charm of Hatsune Miku through this collaboration!

Oooooooooooooohhh!! (/ω\)

For those of you who aren’t aware, Risa Ebata is the character designer and animation director for Macross F! She drew this adorable Miku, which has now been transformed into a lovely figure by Shining Wizard @ Sawatika!

She is posed leaning forward as she sits on a lovely pink diamond that makes up the stand for the figure! Also note the angelic smile on her face… she simply HAS to be angel!!

Speaking of Macross F and Max Factory, they have previously released this amazing figure of Sheryl Nome(´∀`)

 Both Miku and Sheryl are connected by their amazing singing voices! ♡

But let’s get back to Miku before we get too sidetracked! 

The long winding twin tails have been sculpted in such lovely detail as they flow out behind her, matching with the long flowing look of her bustle skirt!

Even though she is in a sitting pose the angle means that even a view from the side is filled with highlights! ♪

The diamond is not the only part to make use of translucent parts either – the end parts of her hair as well as the inner fabric of her sleeves are also a little see-through! 

(・∀・) “We decided if we were going to make her, we had to do as best as possible!”

We’re joined by the figure’s planner, Akane Eiseihei!

(・∀・) “The original illustration was used on the front cover of the 1st album of VocaloP: SmileR, but when we decided to transform her into a figure, Risa Ebata went and drew us a nice fresh illustration to work with! The feeling of translucence in the illustration really appealed to me, so I worked with the team to bring it out in the figure with these translucent parts!”

The overall feeling of this Miku seems more mature than most others! ♡

(・∀・) “Yep! That also comes out in the outfit. Normally Miku has a somewhat metallic outfit, but this Miku makes use of a matte finish for a more relaxed appearance. Combined with the very unique design of the oufit, it gives this Miku a very unique charm when compared to others!”

Looking from this angle you get a little glimpse of her back! The frilly black area at her shoulders also looks lovely – I think they make her look even sexier than if there were no sleeves at all! 

A similar effect can also be seen on her hands!! <○><○>

The translucent gloves (there is probably a better word for these than gloves!) kind of cover the skin but you can still see it, creating an almost teasing charm to the design! I really love the way it looks!╭( ・ㅂ・)و  !

(・∀・) “I know how you feel because I feel exactly the same way! Another area where the semi-transparent look really shines are her stockings covered in musical notes!”

There couldn’t be a more suiting design for Miku’s stockings! (●´ω`●)

Her calves and thighs look so lovely and soft… plus the garterbelt features the same design normally seen on Miku’s wallet chain! 

(・∀・) “Yep! There are actually quite a few interesting connections between this design and Miku’s official design! Another thing I’d like to point out are her adorable looking shoes! ♡”

I think most girls would agree they have a lovely design! (*´Д`)=з

(・∀・) “Miku-san herself is amazing, but this figure really comes together when you look at her together with the details of the accessories and outfit!”

There are quite a few little intricate details that you might miss if you don’t look close… like the pins on her neck tie here, or the heart shapes around the edge of her sleeves! (‘-‘*)(,_,*)(‘-‘*)(,_,*)

(・∀・) “As mentioned before the stockings and matte look give her a more adult charm than most Miku figures… but there are also still lots of musical notes, ribbons and other cute motifs that show the cuter side of Miku for fans to enjoy too!”

Her expression has a rather innocent and playful feeling to it as well! ♪

I love the fact you can just see her top teeth sticking out! ε=(。・д・。)

Ah! I have something I want to ask, Eiseihei!!

Miku-san is sitting on a diamond… but when you look up close it seems like it’s floating?!

(・∀・) “Yep, the diamond itself isn’t held down to the base, but don’t worry – we’ve done lots of tests and there are more than enough dress frills to support her! I wanted to keep as much detail to the figure without adding unnecessary supports! I got a lot of great advice from Shining Wizard @ Sawatika… the sculptor who also worked on Hatsune Miku TYPE2020!” 

Shining Wizard@Sawatika is really amazing with hair and dress sculpting!! ♪

Even though the hair looks so light and fluffy, the edges are still so beautifully sharp!! What amazing work!! ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

(・∀・) “It’s definitely a Miku that has never been seen in Max Factory’s line-up before, and I hope fans will enjoy the rather unique charm she has to bring!”  

A lovely mix of cute and sexy on the electronic diva!

Hatsune Miku: Risa Ebata Ver.!

She is currently up for preorder! ♡

Orders at the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP are open until the 21st January at 21:00! Don’t miss out!

GSC Online: http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/maxscawd00037.html

Speaking of Miku, don’t forget that you can still order…

Nendoroid Sakura Miku: Bloomed in Japan!

GSC Online: http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/gscnenwd00500-02.html

Orders close at the end of the month, so don’t miss out on this one either!

゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\


∧_∧
( ・∀・) .。0 (Everyone take care…)
oノ∧つ⊂)
( ( ・∀・).。0 (…that you don’t catch a cold!!)
∪( ∪ ∪
と__)__)

Anyway, see you all again next week!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

© 江端里沙・サテライト © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net

FREEing’s IDOLM@STER: Yukata Ver. Figures!

Hello everyone, Kahotan here! (@gsc_kahotan)

The continuous cold days make me wish I could just curl up in a ball by the warm kotatsu all day! The problem is I don’t even own a kotatsu at home… but if I did I’m pretty sure I’d never move away from it!

Anyway, today I’m going to be taking a look at FREEing’s…

Miki Hoshii: Yukata Ver. 

The natural idol Miki Hoshii in a beautiful yukata!

From the popular anime series ‘THE IDOLM@STER’ comes a figure of Miki Hoshii wearing a yukata! The super idol that always takes things at her own pace has been sculpted in an energetic pose that shows off her playful personality for fans to enjoy.

Both Takane Shijou and Chihaya Kisaragi are also scheduled to be joining the ‘Y-STYLE’ series of yukata figures soon, so look forward to them too!

Ooooooooooooohhh!! (/ω\)

A lovely lime green colored yukata to match Miki’s image color, and a brilliant smile brought together as a lovely 1/8th scale figure! ♪

The energetic pose with one leg up in the air also captures her innocent and playful personality nicely!

Not to mention the lovely curves you can make out even under the yukata!

You also get a nice little peek at her calf through the gap made where her leg is lifted up! (/ω・\)*peek*

Outfits that don’t show much skin make the little peeks all the more beautiful! ♥ Also take note of the sandal in her hand, the hair accessory and other little details!

Miki Hoshii: Yukata Ver.!

She is currently up for preorder! ♪

Orders at the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP are open until the 21st January at 21:00JST! φ(.. )

GSC Online: http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/frescawd00070.html

But that’s not all for today! I’m also going to be taking a look at an item that went up for preorder today… the charming…

Takane Shijou: Yukata Ver.!

The idol with a refined, noble air about her – Takane Shijou wearing her yukata!

From the popular anime ‘THE IDOLM@STER’ comes a figure of Takane Shijou wearing a yukata! She has been sculpted in a captivating pose that shows off her mature side, proving that even idols who are new to the scene can be just as charming as the best!

Miki Hoshii: Yukata Ver. has already been announced, and Chihaya Kisaragi: Yukata Ver. will be announced shortly, so be sure to collect all your favorite idols in the ‘Y-STYLE’ yukata series!

Ooohh… ( *゚Д゚)

I’m almost speechless at her beauty… the combination of Takane, Japanese clothes and the umbrella come together to make such an elegant piece of art! ♪

Takane always had a very mature charm to her, but this outfit and pose just bring it out even more!!

The tightly wrapped feeling from her hips down to her knees is also beautifully done!  (●´ω`●)

You can really enjoy the her beautiful body – perhaps some of the best proportions of all the idols! Another great work of art, FREEing!!

Enjoy Takane with an extra dash of Japanese style! ♡

Takane Shijou: Yukata Ver.

She is up for preorder from today! 

Orders at the GOOD SMILE ONLINE Shop will be open until the 4th February at 21:00JST! ♡

GSC Online: http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/top/frescawd00072.html
 

But there’s more…!

As I am sure most of you can tell even from the back, the next of the idols to be joining the set is…

Displaying all three of them together really brings out the atmosphere of a Summer festival! (*´Д`)=з

A cute yukata with morning glory flowers and goldfish!

Chihaya Kisaragi: Yukata Ver.

Yahoooooo!!! (*´Д`)=з

Her blue image color is also used very effectively in the yukata design, with both ponytail tied up by a big red ribbon – the same red as her sash!!

Somehow compared to the other two she definitely looks less experienced with wearing a yukata…

Let’s take a look at the back! ☆

The general shape of her body can easily be determined through her yukata, and the little glimpses of pale skin by her neck and slightly raised feet are lovely!…(´□`。)

The creases all over the yukata also look magnificent – the kind of creases you only see on Japanese-style outfits!

A lovely gentle smile ready to enjoy the festival! 

Chihaya Kisaragi: Yukata Ver.

She’ll be up for preorder sometime this month!

Loads of figures for IDOLM@STER fans to look forward to! ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

I also look forward to what characters will come next in FREEing’s Y-STYLE series!!

There is also a lovely magical girl dressed up in her yukata currently up for preorder! (●´ω`●)ゞ

☆ Mami Tomoe: Yukata Ver.

Orders for her are also open until the 21st January!

・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\


∧_∧
( ・∀・) .。0 (Who will be next…)
oノ∧つ⊂)
( ( ・∀・).。0 (…to join the yukata series!!)
∪( ∪ ∪
と__)__)

Anyway, see you all again tomorrow!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

©BNGI/PROJECT iM@S

Nendoroid Rider

Hello everyone, Kahotan here! (@gsc_kahotan)

I haven’t ridden a bicycle in over three years! If I don’t ride on one soon I get the feeling I might forget how to… (/ω\)

Anyway, today I’m going to be taking a look at…

Nendoroid Rider!

From the popular anime series ‘Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]’ comes a Nendoroid of the Rider-class servant from the 5th Holy Grail War, Rider! She comes with two expressions including both her standard expression as well as a shouting expression ideal for combat scenes.

Nendoroid Rider can be displayed with or without the visor that covers her eyes, and she also comes with her ‘Nameless Dagger’ which even includes a chain allowing for all sorts of poses from the series! Enjoy Rider in Nendoroid size for a cuter experience than ever before!

Ooooooooooooohhhhh!!! (*´Д`)=з

The Rider-class servant of the 5th Holy Grail war is joining the Nendoroids with her mostly black outfit, long purple hair and unique weapon with it’s chain all faithfully converted into chibi size! ♥︎ 

Just look at the detail on things like the creases in her outfit!! Not to mention the rather impressive bosom for a Nendoroid!!

Other things to note are the intricate details on her visor, the mark on her forehead and the collar accessory around her neck! The ‘Nameless Dagger’, which is more like stakes connected by a chain than an actual dagger, also looks amazing! 

Wait a second…. this chain…!! <○><○>

(・∀・) “The Nameless Dagger makes use of a real chain!”

We’re joined by the figure’s planner, Yassan!

(・∀・) “The chain is definitely the highlight of the weapon so we wanted to include it as best as possible… but we also wanted to ensure it didn’t make posing any more difficult!!

I’m sure it’ll be quite fun to make different poses based on where the chain is placed around her! ♪

 (・∀・) “Yep! For instance, you could even do something like this…!”

 (・∀・) “Recreate scenes fight out of the series! The chains really add an extra level of playability to the Nendoroid!”

By the way, the chains do obviously need to be held up by something! I’m simply holding them up with my hands out of the picture here! The chains are rather long though, which gives a lot of room to play around with!

(・∀・) ” You can also choose to display her with her visor completely removed!”

Oooh! She suddenly looks so different! (●´ω`●)

You have the choice to display her in both her standard look, and the more revealed look! What a beautiful face she has!!

(・∀・) “The visor is planned to connect into the back hair parts, so it’ll be very easy to attach and remove as well!” 

Great for clumsy people like myself! ♪ (‘-‘*)(,_,*)(‘-‘*)(,_,*)

(・∀・) “Take a look at her from the back as well!”

She is wearing a black one-piece that has been very faithfully reproduced in Nendoroid size… wait a second!! <○><○>

(・∀・) “Normally characters with long hair cover up the back of Nendoroids entirely… but Rider has such lovely bare skin that we just had to show it off a little! Particularly those shoulder blades!

Sometimes Nendoroids need a little change from the standard to accommodate certain character traits better! ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ
It might be a little hard to tell from the photo… but you have to run your finger along her shoulder blades when she joins your collection! They’re perfect!!

(・∀・) “She only comes with two expressions – her standard expression and a shouting expression… but the addition of the visor works on either expression, meaning you have a total of four different face options! The shouting face can be used without the visor for a pose like this…!”

/Bellerophon\

It never featured in the current anime, but in a separate route of the series she uses this Noble Phantasm to summon a powerful pegasus!

The expression makes her look ready to jump into action!! (((( ;°Д°))))

(・∀・) “The magic circle drawn in her own blood is also included!”

The magic circle was made with very close cooperation with the publishers, allowing for a very precise reproduction! A little stand is also included to display it up vertically with Rider! (。・ω・)ノ゙

(・∀・) “There are all sorts of ways to enjoy her! With visor or not, be sure to display her with the other Nendoroids in the Fate series!” 

Summon this adorable little servant to your side!

Nendoroid Rider!

She’ll be up for preorder from tomorrow!!

See the GSC website tomorrow for more information! (`・ω・´)ゞ

Plus! Orders from the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP will include a special ‘Servant Summoning Circle’! 

The circle won’t be available anywhere else, so don’t miss out!! ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

Also, don’t forget about this Nendoroid from last year…

Nendoroid Archer: Super Movable Edition!

Orders for Archer are open until 21:00JST today! Don’t miss out!!
っ(σ・∀・)σ⇒ http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/gscnenwd00486.html

Nendoroid Archer also comes with a Summoning Circle when ordered from the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP!

(・∀・) “The first half of the new anime series may have ended, but I’m sure we’ll be working on some more figures in preparation of the second half!”

*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

Finally a quick notice about one of threezero’s items which is currently up for preorder!

From the RoboCop remake comes a figure of the reborn black colored RoboCop!

From the 2014 remake of the popular film ‘RoboCop’ comes a 1/6th scale articulated figure of RoboCop 3.0, following on from the previously announced silver ‘RoboCop 1.0’. The difference between the two is more than just color however – the design differs in all the ways it did in the actual film as well! His visor is fitted with a LED light-up feature (batteries sold separately).
The holsters on his left and right thighs can be used to hold the included stun gun and machine gun respectively. Both guns also come in a second form to display them being held as well, and the machine gun can be extended manually. He also comes with three sets of interchangeable hand parts – relaxed hands, fists and hands for holding his guns.

The figure is not only fully articulated, but also features light-up effects and many more fun functions!

Plus he is a 1/6th scale figure standing 320mm tall! Quite an impressive size! (σ・∀・)σ

Just look at the amount of detail put into his design!! 

Take a look at more photos over on the Product Page! ♪

Be sure to find your local threezero distributor if you want to get your hands on him!! ♪

゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\


∧_∧
( ・∀・) .。0 (More and more Fate characters…)
oノ∧つ⊂)
( ( ・∀・).。0 (…are joining the Nendoroid series!!)
∪( ∪ ∪
と__)__)

Anyway, see you all again tomorrow!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

©TYPE-MOON・ufotable・FSNPC
ROBOCOP (2014) © 2014 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. & Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.

Happy New Year 2015!

 

Happy New Year!!

 

Thanks for a wonderful 2014 everyone!!

This year I will once again be writing up all sorts of blogs about GSC and it’s products here on Kahotan Blog, and I hope you’ll all stop by once in awhile to take a read!

I’m sure that many of you started work or school again as of yesterday… how has the start of 2015 been for you? I still don’t think I’ve eaten enough New Year’s goodies yet! Personally I like to eat my mochi with sweet soy sauce or shichimi soy sauce!

Anyway, I’ve decided that the first blog of 2015 is going to be some interviews with the GSC Planning Team members! (`・ω・´)

They will each answer the following three questions!

1) What was your first dream of the New Year?
2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?
3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

Let’s get started! ♪


The man behind all the KanColle and Nintendo Planning, with hobbies ranging from mountain climbing to Nagoya idols! He also stands 186.5cm tall… perhaps the tallest of anyone in the offices! (Translator’s Note: Liez! I’m taller!)

\ Kyojin /

1) What was your first dream of the New Year?

I went to a concert and met someone I never expected to see there. “What! I never knew you were a fan?!”

2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?


Snow on New Year’s day at my parent’s place!

3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

No rest (in moderation), no moaning, always be grateful!

Kyojin is the force behind products such as Nendoroid Suzuya and Nendoroid Kumano, which are both still up for preorder!!

 

 

The man behind all IDOLM@STER and Monogatari series figures! Living in the world of producers, idols and Freedom Wars! Also the creator of the upcoming ‘Nendoroid-Code’ series!

 

\ Otanaka /

1) What was your first dream of the New Year?

One of my friends was warning me that something was coming in the second half of the year.

The problem is… I don’t remember what that something was…

2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?


I caught a cold. Spent half my out enjoying myself and the other half stuck in bed.

I had a headache most of the time I was out causing more trouble than it was worth… but I went out to watch ‘Big Hero 6’ which made the whole year end worth it!

 3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

To reach for the unknown!

It’s always scary to try new things when the old things are still working, but at the same time it’s a great thrill and can be well worth the effort. I want to put some time and effort into that and see what comes out!

 

I hope you get well soon! More information about the upcoming ‘Nendoroid Code’ series will be coming up at WonFes!!♪

 

The planner behind all the Disney and Marvel figures! Also an ex-design team member who draws well! 

 

\ Enon /

1) What was your first dream of the New Year?

I dreamt my teeth were falling out of my mouth.

(It was kind of scary, but I think it’s actually a good omen!)

 

2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?

Sitting watching New Year’s Eve TV while playing around on Twitter!

3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

I want to make a little sister!! 

…?! Oh! You want to make a Nendoroid of HER little sister! … (。・ω・)ノ゙

 

The leader behind all the goods! The reliable designer of the planning team!

 

\ Horikoshi-neesan! /

1) What was your first dream of the New Year?

I haven’t remembered any dreams this year yet!
I’ve been sleeping too well…

2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?

I went to Yamaguchi Prefecture!

The city I was in was in Taiga drama mode, as it is to be the setting of the yearly ‘Taiga drama’ this year! I met my lovely nephews too!

3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

Become the GSC Goods Watchman! We had lots of goodies at Comiket, but more are coming up for WonFes!! ♪

We’ve been increasing the amount of goods we make ever since Horokoshi-neesan joined GSC! (`・ω・´) I see an interesting looking wooser T-shirt in the first photo too!!

 

 

The planner behind Haikyu! and Date A Live figures! Easily one of the biggest lovers of anime characters in the offices! (Also looking for a real girlfriend!)

 

\ Chanshuu-senpai /

 

1) What was your first dream of the New Year?

I become a Kamen Rider!!

But I woke up before transforming… I really wanted to transform!!

 

2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?

Eating Thai food with Oono-shi from the WEB team at Tokyo Station!

The lights along the trees were really beautiful!!

3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

Be stronger!

Last year I kept getting sick – this year I want to watch my health and be stronger! I also hope to make another character following on from Nendoroid Tobio… especially with a movie version on the way!

I’m sure there will be many more male Nendoroid to look forward to this year!

 

The head planner of Love Live! and Hatsune Miku related figures! The closest to an idol in the offices! 

\ Hamako! /

1) What was your first dream of the New Year?

I become the main character in a certain Seventh Dragony RPG and went on an adventure!

2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?

I went to visit my family, and then prepared traditional New Year’s dishes as soon as I got home!

It really look ages to get the cooking done… I spent a good few hours on it! It was really tasty though!!

 3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

Nendoroid Hatsune Miku: Senbonzakura Ver. has been so well received by everyone, that I can’t wait to plan some other characters too! 

The atmosphere of the Senbonzakura world is so lovely! I look forward to more!

 

The GSC Lab Member and planner for Fate and Madoka Magica products, as well as Kahotan Broadcasts cameraman! 

 

\ Yassan! /

  1) What was your first dream of the New Year?

I want to a New Year’s party with a primary school friend and bumped into a friend from high school.

I think that’s what caused it, but I dreamt we were all playing baseball and tennis together.

2) What was most memorable about the end of the year?

After the above mentioned party, we went to Gotenba where I got an amazing view of Mt. Fuji!

I should have taken a photo but I didn’t want to look like a tourist… now I really regret it and wish I had taken a photo though! The illustration shows Fuji-san from the car window!

  3) What are your aspirations for 2015?

I want to face everything with determination!

I also hope to work on more Fate figures with the second half of the series coming up soon!

Yassan was of course the planner behind Nendoroid Archer: Super Movable Edition! It’s currently up for preorder and even includes a special summing circle bonus if preordered from the GSC Online Shop! Don’t miss out! (σ・∀・)σ

You can also find his own blogs over at the GSC Lab, but they are only in Japanese!

GSC Lab Blog: http://ameblo.jp/blog-shinsotsu2012/

 

That’s the planning team! Everyone here as well as myself will be working to bring you all sorts of lovely products to enjoy this year!! ε=(。・д・。)

 

We hope you’ll support us throughout 2015!! 
 
゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

/Kahotan’s Inner Voice\

         ∠Y”´゙フ
  ,,:;;;;;::;:;;;;;:ゝ‘,,ェ) 
.。oO(Baa! Baa! )
    ::;:;::;:;::;:;::;:
 ゙、::;:;::;:;::;:;::;:
  し-u―し―J


Anyway, see you all again tomorrow!

Planning Team / Kahotan
Twitter ID: gsc_kahotan

Last Post for 2014 ★ Thank you so much for a great year!

Good day to you all.

Kaho-tan, here!  (@gsc_kahotan)  And even though I eat plenty of sweets as it is, I’m afraid of looking at the scale for the next few days.

But as they say, you grow a bit more with each passing year!  (Be that in width.)

Well then, today is the very last post of 2014!  (`・ω・´)

I’d like to thank you all for reading the Kaho-tan blog this year!

We’ll do something a bit different than last year, and finish off this year’s blog with the interview of 3 certain individuals.

We’ll take a look back at the top ranking blog entries and best selling products next year!

So, on to the first interviewee!

Here he is, supporting Good Smile’s very first domestic factory (Lucky Factory), and with a magnificently husky voice!


【Tori-Bird】(Lucky Factory, GSC Manufacturing Dept.)

 

1 Please share with us again your thoughts on being stationed at Lucky Factory!
Up until now, figure production was entrusted entirely to Chinese factories.  We want to thoroughly manage the manufacturing process, to continue making a consistent finished product – we do have a lot of assurance in our factories now, but we’ve also begun to realize that there are technological constraints.  In order to continue making figures in the future, we’ve got to be able to control every aspect of the manufacturing process.  In addition to understanding the costs and turnover time, we must also continue improving product quality.  The talk of Lucky Factory couldn’t have come at a better time, and I immediately asked to be transferred.In order to prove myself to the people at Good Smile who trusted me with the position, as well as to everyone who has high hopes for the domestic factory, I promise to put all I’ve got into creating products you can be proud of!

 

 

Tori-bird Senpai… You’re serious about this! (´□`。)

Tori-bird:

I’m always take things seriously! lol

But it’s also due to the fact that I have to talk in front of so many people recently!

Of course, taking something on like this means you have to do be diligent about a myriad of things.

Tori-Bird has such a smooth way with words that at the Factory Grand Opening live webcast, someone made the comment, “Is he some TV personality!?”

And though I wish I could have his eloquence, I hope I can learn something from him as a senpai.  (whispers)

 

Let’s move on to the next question.

 

2 Lucky Factory has finally opened!  What’s it like there now?Though we continue to train people for the production of our very first product, the speed at which the factory workers gain skill is a total surprise!Gradation painting in particular is incredibly difficult, so I thought it would be an uphill battle, but even people who had never touched an airbrush before in their life can now beautifully execute brushwork.  We only have about 40 people, which is still on the low side, but they continue to exchange ideas on how to improve product quality, so it’s a very passionate atmosphere.

That’s for sure!

I met all of the workers at the Factory Grand Opening, and they were all like, “We’re all in this together, to make this a factory from the ground up!”  A sense unity and mutual understanding seemed to come naturally to them. ε=(。・д・。)

 

Tori-Bird:

The factory manager, Mr. Kakuda, and Haryu and I may form the core, but all of the factory workers are out there putting in a lot of effort, too, so there’s this feeling that we’re all working hard together, which makes me quite happy.

Now for one final question. (。・ω・)ノ゙

 

3 It looks like you’ll have a challenging year ahead of you, but what hopes do you have for 2015? First off, I want to make sure that Nendoroid Sakura Miku: Bloomed in Japan ships out in March without a hitch.  This will be the very first product manufactured in Japan, so we’re finalizing the production schedule to make sure that everyone can have a product they’ll be satisfied with.

Next up they’ll be manufacturing the figma Horse (Chestnut), and figma Horse (White), but future items are already in consideration and underway.  I hope that Lucky Factory products arrive with a standard of quality enough to be recognized as a brand in their own right this year!

Based on the idea that “no matter where you are in the world, you always see the same moon,” every factory established by Good Smile up until this point has had the word “moon” in it.  (Even our domestic factory – the “Tsuki” in “Rakutsuki” Lucky Factory is this very moon.)

Even if we’re separated by great distances, “We want to distribute superior products around the world, and bring smiles to as many people as possible.”  This core principle has never changed. (`・ω・´)

We hope you’re looking forward to what’s in store at Lucky Factory, too!

And with Wonder Festival rapidly approaching, there seems to be something special in the works that involves Lucky Factory, too… !!

Keep you’re eyes open for it!  (●´ω`●)

・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚

Moving on to our next subject!

The second person we’d like to share a few words with is this person, (in conversation style rather than Q&A) ♪

Head of the company that boasts such notorious members as Nitohei Kaneko and IG Sakai, it’s the President of Max Factory!

 

【Max Watanabe】(President and CEO of Max Factory)

【1st Topic】What kind of year was this for you?

 

I suppose this was a year we were able to release a lot of figma.  As for statues, we had quite a few challenging ones, including Yamato Kai: Heavy Armament Ver. but despite all that hard work, there were still a few complaints about how things have gotten so expensive…  And handling that concern will be a priority for us next year.

 

Kaho: You also invested a lot of work into the development of Dougram and other plastic models this year.

As far as plastic models are concerned, yes.  As one who’s also known as a “Modeling Superstar,” you could say it’s my passion.  I think our projects now are ones where you can use the modifiers “at last” and “long awaited!”

Kaho: Would you say that the addition of Taishou Shimizu (@shimizu_mxf)  (from the plastic model field) to Max Factory was a significant contributing factor?

From kit development all the way to after care, substantially moving along product planning, he definitely has a lot of pride in his work.  And as a comprehensive hobby manufacturer, we want to slowly expand into other fields via our products.  We have a long and close relationship with the plastic model field, and based on that we wish for this to be one of mainstays moving forward.

Kaho:Would you say that you laid the foundation for that mainstay this year?

To be honest, I’d that still lies ahead of us.  Even among plastic models there are various categories, but for now we’re just focusing on lineups.  Some from this series, some from that – that’s how we’re moving forward.  But our very first series, the “Fang of the Sun Dougram” series was well received, which gave us momentum.  Nonetheless, I still think we have a long way to go.  We’re currently developing a product for release at Wonder Festival next year, so I’d say that we’re continuing to move forward one step at a time, building our lineup.

Kaho: Aside from the company, how was the year for you personally?

I think you could say that I built way too many models!  I really threw myself into it – and though this kind of bleeds into next year, I hope to cut down a bit in 2015.  We had the Dougram of course, but as I made a lot of appearances in hobby publications this year, and it seems that I’m known even more widely as “That old guy who likes plastic models”…  But even so, I plan to tone it down a bit next year! 

 

 

【2nd Topic】figFIX debuted this year? What was the idea behind it… ?

 

The idea behind it…  there were so many elements that spurned the birth of the figFIX, to go into details would take forever… lol  But one of the reasons I mentioned earlier, which is the price of “static” figures.  With the continued cheapening of the Japanese Yen, production costs suddenly rose, and it’s impossible foresee how long it will continue.

 

Kaho: But if that’s the case, then there’s still the possibility for static figures to become less and less attainable.

We’ve got to eliminate that concern, and offer them at an affordable price, but we also want to have a statue series with remarkable quality and high collect-ability now more than ever!  And it’s the vibe we’ve been getting from fans, too.  This has been in production for a while, but it’s only now coming to light.

 

Kaho: There really are all kinds of people getting into figures nowadays, too.

We’ve always put a lot of thought into people who are so-called “light-users,” so to be honest, we’ve never solely made products for core fans.  This especially goes for fully-assembled and painted products, like scale figures and figma – we make things that people can enjoy and play with today that will still be there tomorrow, so I don’t think we’re losing focus on that core concept at all.

Kaho: Does that apply to plastic models as well?

That’s a good question.  We try to make them so that they assemble quickly and easily, but if that doesn’t appeal to some I hope they at least like the box art.  Of course, there’s also a well-established group of people who take plastic models to the extreme, and we want to have a product that they’ll enjoy, too!

Kaho: Would you say that figFIX is a mainly product for figma fans?

I would say just that – it’s a product for figma fans to take home and look at and collect dust.  I want them to say, “It’s so cute even if it isn’t poseable!”  I want them to have poses that a figma can’t do, to manifest the beauty of a statue but at an affordable price – and therein is the merit of the figFIX.  We know there were customers out there saying, “I’ve really been wanting this,” and I hope we’ve been able to strike a chord with them.

Kaho: I’m sure they’re looking forward to where you take this series next year!

This is ultimately a product for the customer; it’s up to them to decide, but we here at Max Factory are really committed to it and want to continue!

【3rd Topic】What do you think next year holds in store? 

 

With the figFIX and plastic models, I think we’re able to show everyone products that were a bit out of the ordinary this year, but we want to continue in this direction moving forward, offering slightly different products as well as product categories.  I think in 2015 we’ll have people saying, “I had no idea you could do that!” with the products we have in store, so please stay tuned!
As for me personally, I think I want to do everything I can to cooperate with and support Lucky Factory in Tottori Prefecture.  This is one project that absolutely cannot fail, so I want to do my part and lend them all my energy.  More saying that it’s “Made in Japan,” showing the world that we can make these products at this this price, and with this level of quality is something that we as a manufacturer want to say with unwavering confidence.  Even domestically, manufacturing requires a high level of attention and is hard work.  Which is exactly why I want as much a hand in it as possible.Who knows – I may even be in Tottori myself next year! lol

 

I never really have the opportunity to speak much with Mr. Max, so I really enjoyed the conversation!

Thank you so much for your time.

We’ve all seen Max at Lucky Factory wielding an airbrush but…

You never know, maybe we’ll see him inside the factory next year after the production lines are really moving… !

 

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Now for our final interviewee!

You may not be able to recognize him with his new hair cut!

It’s none other than our eccentric President and CEO, who also appeared this Halloween as that “certain plumber!”

 

【Takanori Aki】(Good Smile Company President and CEO)

【1st Topic】What kind of year was this for you?

 

A pretty uneventful one!

 

Kaho : Really?!


The figure industry has been undergoing a gradual shift since sometime last year.  For example, people aren’t after this-and-that a figure, but now they want “something with extra features.”  We ourselves have united with animation teams, and thought up various experiments we can try together, and have taken a new look at the industry to figure out the best way to move forward.  Maybe you could say that we’re still in preparation, or that we’re going into preservation mode.  So there wasn’t really a lot of output this year – doesn’t that make it rather boring?

 

Kaho: But we had so many new projects this year… !

“Let’s establish a domestic factory!”  “Let’s try the Red Bull Air Race!”  I told you about these projects, right?  We really wanted to do something that was totally original and unique, but none of these things have reached fruition… Even the factory won’t release any products until next spring, and the Red Bull Air Race is next May.  That feels like a long way off.

Kaho: I guess you could say that most of these things won’t be realized until 2015.

Yes, exactly!  This is related to what I was talking about earlier, we’ve recently crossed the bounds of the figure world, and have increased our friends in the animation world via USP (Ultra Super Pictures).  We joined forces with various teams this year, so I guess you could say it was a year of beginnings.  And through the blessings of all these new friends, many of those projects are about to take off.

Kaho: I guess you could say you have more people at your side, watching your back?

I would.  And thanks to these associates, we’re able to conduct trial projects on a large scale.  Some projects that have been underway for many years are finally becoming a reality.  Talking to everybody and taking a look at what’s out there in the world, I think we’re about to head out and say, “Alright, this is it!”  And I think this year was one of those years where we laid the groundwork.

 

Kaho: I get the feeling that more and more projects are on the move!

What would you say the year was like for you personally?

I really went so many different places this year… I think I traveled farther and met more people than ever before.

Kaho: There were quite a few stretches where you were out of the office!

In Japan and all over the world.  But I think the people I met will play a big factor in what to come next year and the year after that.  And of course, I also visited the factory in Tottori!

【2nd Topic】Lucky Factory in Tottori Prefecture is officially open… !

 

 

We said we’d establish a domestic factory, and we did it!  It really was a profound moment for me.  And the impact the Tottori Regional Governor had on me was surprising, too – lol!

 

Kaho: I was there with him on the live webcast, but he was even more enthusiastic than the rumors!

Maybe you can say it’s something of the local color, but you really get the sense that people there are good people.  I participated in the factory staff interview process, and everyone was earnest and hardworking.  It’s just one more thing that lets me khow Tottori was the right choice.

Kaho: I think that Factory Manager Kakuda, as well as Tori-Bird and Haryu all adjusted to the move very quickly.

The surrounding environment and people there have all been very kind to them, but all of them are extremely positive minded!  Especially Kakuda – he’s been involved the establishment of many factories, so he’s reliable.  I think we have some great people on board.

Kaho: I think everyone at Oshiage wants to work together with those at Tottori do the absolute best we can!

Speaking of working together, we’re receiving the assistance of all kinds of manufacturers at Lucky Factory.  They even interviewed factory workers with us.  And are instructing them in various manufacturing techniques.

Kaho: Even in the interviews… !  You don’t say!

When we said Good Smile will make a domestic factory, some said, “Whoa!”  But I think others said, “Can you really do it?”  Of course we can do it.  We have allies we can depend on (manufacturers who have been with us for a long time).  Knowing that we’re not in this alone is reassuring, even if being in the figure industry is a challenge… Even if there are pressures, I think one of our greatest strengths is turning that into a drive to work harder.

Kaho: It’s like everyone has a hand in creating Lucky Factory… I look forward to what the future holds in store!

I do, too.  For one thing, at Lucky Factory we’re incorporating all of the know-how acquired from Chinese figure manufacturing, but what I’m really looking forward to is what happens after that.

Kaho: By which you mean… ?

Figuring it out as we go along.  There will probably be things that we realize for the first time ever manufacturing in Japan, and we may find that other aspects are more difficult.  Some of this may be influenced by the start of a new year, but while preparing for manufacture and making all the last adjustments, we’re moving forward into actual production.  Some of it may be a fumble at first, but because this is Lucky Factory I want it to be simply the best, most advanced place it can be.

【3rd Topic】What do you think 2015 has in store?

 

All sorts of things we’ve been preparing are about to make their way into the world, so I hope it goes well.  Most of these things are totally new, so there are unknown variables, but we still want to pitch at full strength.  We’ll be happy if they’re received well, but if it doesn’t work out we’ll try again.  So many people have gotten involved in these projects, and for their sake we’ll make no compromises.  And even though we’ll probably try all sorts of new things next year, we still have even more new projects to undertake.  I invite you all to sit back and enjoy the show!

Kaho: It all starts with Wonder Festival!  We’re going to have all sorts of new developments in store!

…So there you have it!

What did you all think!?

There sure was an awful lot of text this time around.

If I ever have the opportunity, I’d like to try this interview-style post again! (。・ω・)ノ゙

Let me say again one last time…

Thank you all so much for an excellent year!

I hope you’ll tune in again to the Kaho-tan Blog in 2015!!!

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<Kaho-tan’s inner voice>

 

    ∧_∧
    ( ・∀・) .。oO(I hope next year)
  oノ∧つ⊂)
  ( ( ・∀・) .。oO(is a wonderful year, too!)
  ∪( ∪ ∪
    と__)__)

 

 

 

Thanks for tuning in!

I hope to see you all again next year in 2015!

 

Planning Department・Kano-tan (Blog #338) twitterID:@gsc_kahotan

※ The next update will be on (Tue) Jan. 6, 2015

“Nice work, Admiral!” Paying a Visit to the Popular “Mamiya Sweets Cafe!”

\Merry Christmas

Good day to you all.

Kaho-tan here (@gsc_kahotan), and I just can’t wait to watch Home Alone.

I want to eat ice cream to my heart’s content just like Kevin does in the movie… !

Moving on!  Today I was deployed out into the holiday decked streets to visit the “Kantai Collection -KanColle-” collaboration cafe that’s being held at the GOOD SMILE x animate Cafe “Mamiya Sweets Cafe!”  Here’s the full report!

 

Mamiya Sweets Cafe
Dates Open: (Sat) Nov. 29, 2014 – (Sun) Feb. 22, 2014
Location: GOOD SMILE x animate Cafe in Akihabara
Official Site: http://www.animate.co.jp/special/cafe/pc/akihabara/collabo_menu/kancolle/

 

And this time I’m not alone! 

I went together with newly graduated Lab member Suwabe (@gsc_suwabe)!

I love how she can say the most despicable things with a cute face♥︎

 

First we’ll take a look at the entrance!

There’s snow piling up here and there! ε=(。・д・。)

You get a sense for staff’s playfulness and attention to detail right from the entrance♪

And as you walk in, a hand-drawn Mamiya and Irako are there to greet you♥︎

Rensouhou-chan’s lifebuoy wreath is so cute, too!  

It’s even decorated with a “Zekamashi” bunny-ear styled hairband… ! (*Ze-ka ma-shi ➡ Ka-ze shi-ma!)

Oh, one more thing before I forget!

Every seat, every day at the GOODSMILE x Animate Cafe is available by lottery-style reservation only!

Visit here for more details ⇒ http://www.animate.co.jp/special/cafe/pc/reserve/

So, we went right to our seats and got to orderingヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

There’s an exclusive menu, featuring items that were created with special consideration for each KanColle character’s history!!!

Let’s take a look at the food!!

They all look so delicious…! (Drools) 

Out of all the KanColle girls, Suwabe especially likes Kumano, so she went for the “Kumano Steak.”

I had a really hard time deciding, but as I could detect the scent of a delicious curry wafting over from a nearby table, I ordered the “Kongo Sisters’ Curry,” and since this is a sweets cafe after all, I went for the dessert with the most volume and ordered the “Irako Set,” too (σ・∀・)σ

Now let’s take a look at the drinks!

A selection of fantastic drinks featuring colors from the character♪

Suwabe ordered the “Yuubari’s Various Effort Melon Soda,” an unusual combination of melon syrup, soda, and melon ice cream, and being a fan of the enemy fleet, I ordered the “Wo-Class Black Sesame Soy Milk.”♥

And as it was cold outside, a “KanKolle Art Latte” to warm up!

…Oh, dear… We really did order a lot… (This happens every time)

When you’re ready to order, you use the sheet that’s on the table, putting tally marks to indicate how many of each item you want to order, and then call over a staff member.

Don’t worry, the waitress will read off everything you’ve ordered to make sure there aren’t any mistakes. φ(.. )

The paper napkin holder is so Christmas-y☆

By the way – The waitstaff will bring you your first glass of water, but from there on out it’s self-serve! (。・ω・)ノ゙

Look for the Natago wall scroll in the self-service area to find your way!

 

Right next to it is the staff door leading to the kitchen…  but it says “critical hit!”

It’s on the service trays, too…!

They’ve covered every little nook and cranny!  I love it!

Though I can’t provide an image to accompany this description, every single table is covered in adorable decorations, so when you go to visit be sure to check it out! (‘-‘*)(,_,*)(‘-‘*)(,_,*)

Since this “Kamiya Sweets Cafe” is a collaboration event, every menu item you order comes with a prize!

And that prize is one of 18 different KanColle coasters

They’re handed out at random, so you can wait in anticipation of which girl you’ll get! (/ω\)

Getting excited about who it might be, I took a look around the shop until my drink arrived!

 

All the wall scrolls and illustrations look so cute hanging on the walls. ♥︎

Oh!  And the first image in this post is a Christmas tree in front of the stage, with Mamiya and Irako cut-outs! ヘ(゚∀゚*)ノ

To the left and right of the stage are display cases, showing off Good Smile Company’s newest figures as well as ones that are already on sale.

Yamato Kai: Heavy Armament Ver.: Scheduled for release in Spring 2015

 

 

Nendoroid Kirishima: Available for pre-order now!

Nendoroid Kongo, Nendoroid Hiei, Nendoroid Kitakami, and Nendoroid Ooi: On sale now”

And looking over the figures on the stage are these costumes by ACOS Akihabara!

ACOS Akihabara is the shop right next to the cafe, so be sure to peek over there when you leave ヽ(゚◇゚ )ノ

And right in front of these mannequins is the traditional trading notebook

We hope you’ll leave us a message to commemorate your trip to the cafe ヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

And the wall right when you walk in is covered in merchandise for sale.

You can buy this glittering gold “Mamiya Yokan” (with sticker included) right inside the cafe☆

The “Houshou Sake Box” that went on sale 12/20 was there, too!

You can also order it as a set with Japanese Sake from the menu, which I highly recommend to all admirals of legal drinking age! (whispering)

There’s also a “Junhyou Laughing Beer Mug” for sale at the corner, but if you order a draft beer it will be served in the glass, which will be more fun♥︎

All the products I mentioned above are limited edition items you can only find here and nowhere else, so be sure to check them out <○><○>

You can also buy trading-style pin badges from the vending machines by the entrance.

All you admirals can come over here to test your luck!

While I was busy doing this and that, the drinks arrived!

 

And each one of them came with a random coaster!

Each coaster features not one but two girls♪  I like the sound of that! (whispers)

The “Wo-Class Black Sesame Soy Milk” was delicious, with lightly sweetened whipped cream, richly fragrant black sesame, and mild soy milk blending to create the perfect flavor.  (gulp, gulp!)

How about yours Suwabe?

What does the “Yuubari’s Various Effort Melon Soda” taste like!?

(・∀・) This is a true melon soda…!  The refreshing taste of the melon syrup and soda water provides the perfect compliment to the creamy melon ice cream.

After that I was like – hey, let me try it!  The melon soda flavor was as melon-y as an actual melon.  (Excuse my lack of vocabulary.)

If you’re wondering what that tastes like, I hope you’ll try it ヘ(゚∀゚*)ノ

Just as the latte with the anchor art floating on top had warmed me up…  the food arrived!

This is the “Kongo Sisters’ Curry!”

To my delight, Kirishima and Haruna were on the coaster prize!!

Just as I was thinking that must mean today is my lucky day (not really), I realized that the coaster that came with Suwabe’s “Kumano Steak” also had Kirishima and Haruna!!

 

Just as you’d expect from something that’s handed out at random, but I still got a kick out of how it was contrary to my expectations!

In addition to the all the food and things on display, this is one more thing you can enjoy at the cafe

Now let’s review how it tasted!

“Kongo Sisters’ Curry”

It wasn’t all that hot, but the spices were delicious!

And the chicken on top of the curry was very filling.

As there was plenty of rice on the plate, I’d also recommend this dish to anyone who’s in the mood for a big meal!

“Kumano Steak” 

Even more meat than I was anticipating!

And you can really taste how juicy it is☆

The sauce was also tasty so I finished all bread and vegetables that came with it, nearly licking my plate clean ♪


Just as we were reminiscing about how delicious it was and how full we were… the waitstaff asked if they should bring over dessert! 

We had completely forgotten! Σ(・ω・ノ)ノ!

So last but not least, Suwabe and I became dessert buddies to finally try the “Irako Monaka Set!”

As you can see, it was super cute and fancy! (´□`。)♡

By mere coincidence, the coaster that came with it featured Akashi, whose hair color was the same color as the heart-shaped monaka!

There was whipped cream spread on the bottom of the monaka and waffle cup, to prevent them from sliding off of the plate…!  What work of art… !

The green tea ice cream inside the waffle cup was slightly sweet, so we gobbled it right up!  Isn’t it mysterious that there’s always room for dessert!

The red bean paste and rice dumpling monaka and the berries and whipped cream monaka tasted completely different, adding to the variety.

You could eat it all by yourself, or share it with that (those?) someone (someones?) special!

Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the cafe!

I hope you’ll all go and check it out, too!ε=(。・д・。)

【Mamiya Sweets Cafe】Official Site

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Lastly, an announcement!

The other day, we released all sorts of “When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace” itemsヽ(*・ω・)人(・ω・*)ノ

Like this “When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace Clear-File 2-Piece Set”

 

“Nendoriod Plus: When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace Rubber Straps Vol. 1”

 

“When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace 3-Piece Pin Badge Set”

 

As well as all of these items to be released soon ♪

 

⇒ Nendoroid Plus: When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace Stickers

⇒ Nendoroid Plus: When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace Clear Cards

⇒ Nendoroid Plus: When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace Clear Cards

 

And we also plan to have “When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace” items available at the Comic Market 87 Ultra Super Pictures booth, so be sure to check the following link for more information!★

 Items On-Sale at Comic Market

http://event.goodsmile.info/event/event-2265/

 

・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚ ゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚゚・*:.。..。.:*・゚


<Kaho-tan’s Inner Voice>

 

 

    ∧_∧
    ( ・∀・) .。oO(Just a few more days!♪)
  oノ∧つ⊂)
  ( ( ・∀・) .。oO(Until 2015!♪)
  ∪( ∪ ∪
    と__)__)

 

 

Thanks for tuning in!  I hope to see you all again next time!

Planning Department・Kaho-tan (Blog #337) twitterID:@gsc_kahotan

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