Post by FixedInPost on Nov 19, 2017 18:28:24 GMT -5
Very interesting stuff here.... (I BOLDED some of the more interesting parts)
Finally we are here to offer the exclusive interview on November 15 in the main office of Bandai Co. Ltd. (Asakusa, Tokyo) rilasciataci from Ryuzo Noda "Chief Global Sales & Marketing Team / Collectors Toy Department" and Daiki Fukaura "Global Sales & Marketing Team / Collectors Toy Department ".
Do not waste any more time!
Here is the full and complete interview, with much anticipation and revelations.
P4F it has just made official the opening of a Tamashii Web Shop in America.
Given the great success of Bandai / Tamashii Nations produced in Europe, it is scheduled the opening of a reference e-commerce site?
For us in Europe and in Italy it is difficult to find the range of products sold at the fair and then put up for sale the following months through TWS or directly announced as TWS Limited.
B. Obviously reperibiltà are difficult as they are products that are made for the Japanese public.
As mentioned, we have opened a Web Shop American Tamashii to propose to the United States products of the line Limited Tamashii Nations, but unfortunately it did not work out as we hoped; Therefore, for the American territory, we decided to adopt a cautious approach, relying perhaps to external sites such as Amazon.com.
We are aware that the EU market is important, but we are still discussing to develop an idea that will work for this market in order to avoid what happened in the USA.
For this reason, to please the fans, we want to try to expand more in Europe through a "phased" approach that does collapse the market at the risk of failing.
And this, certainly, do not want to happen.
P4F they have just concluded the stages of Barcelona and Lucca's Tamashii World Tour and we could not help but notice that the exposures were significantly reduced compared to that in Paris last month: Why did you decide to divide the number of products on display in two exhibitions choosing contemporary dates, instead of making two complete fairs?
B. The purpose of the Tamashii World Tour was to want to spread our brand in the world.
For this reason, we decided to start bringing and showing the products of the most popular lines; For example, in Barcelona, they have not been exposed to the SOC, however, have played a central role in Lucca.
Moreover, behind this choice, there were managerial problems: the space we had available in Lucca, as you have seen, it was limited and as the Tamashii Nation / Tamashii World Tour is a crowded trade, there would be too many people in a confined space; Participants, therefore, could not have been fully enjoy the products on display, especially those on which we focused and we knew that fans would have liked. We refer to the Mechanical Base with SOCDC GX-70 Mazinger Z and SOCDC GX-76 Grendizer.
If we had opted for a complete exposition, fans, surely, would not have a good memory of that experience so chaotic.
Of course, if the dates of the fairs in Barcelona and Lucca were not contemporaneous, we would also concentrate more on Dragonball and Saint Seiya, but because they opted for this solution, we decided to focus on Dragonball and Saint Seiya Barcelona and the SOC in Lucca.
P4F What, then, to the Italian fans of Dragonball and Saint Seiya who went to Lucca?
B. The conclusion of the Tamashii World Tour in Lucca is not the end of the Tamashii Nation in Italy.
Next time we might bring a greater number of special products, more prototypes and to increase attention in Saint Seiya, more than what has been done in Barcelona.
P4F The point is that in Italy there are only two really important leading trade fairs: the Lucca Comics & Games and Romics.
So people interested and intrigued by Tamashii Nation are so remained affected in seeing the display of the Soul Of Chogokin, especially the world premiere of the DC SOC GX-76 Grendizer, but at the same time they hoped to see the exhibited products of different lines and brand , those of Saint Seiya in the first place.
Do not insignificant considering that the fans, to get to Lucca's fair had to pay the entrance fee, only to find themselves in front of an incomplete exposure.
B. We assure you that you will see more next time.
Obviously such events also serve this, or obtain the necessary feedback to better understand the public's needs and can thus improve over time.
The Tamashii World Tour was also used to this.
Next time, the fair will be much more comprehensive.
P4F It is possible to see in the future an event Tamashii Nation in Rome?
B. Of course, there is the possibility to hold a Tamashii event in Rome, especially after the good results obtained in Milan (ed exposure Tamashii inside the Yamato Shop store); the next major city would undoubtedly Rome.
Among other things, we have observed and taking into account of one of the exhibitions you spoke, Romics, in which we saw the potential to be reckoned with.
But, as happened with Milan, our strategy is to improve and spread the market through the shops, because we believe are important to send a message, to be able to transmit and display the quality and value of our products on display.
In general we prefer holding events in shops as they have often already established bases with an already broad customer base of fans and collectors.
P4F Last year on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Sensei Kurumada career were announced three major new projects related to Saint Seiya (a live-action film with the participation of Hollywood, the anime adaptation of the manga spin-off Saintia Sho and a remake by Netflix Original series): have you already planned to release products related to one or more of these projects? You can provide information to us about?
B. Yes, of course, we already have projects and we would like to release more products possible and give the fans what they want. As manufacturers of the brand, however, we must make choices and selections. Our job is to satisfy the fans, and this is not simply about "What to deploy", but "How to release it." In relation to the release mode serves an appropriate context; For example, Siegfried was shown for the first time in Mexico at the World Tour in South America. So we have plans, but we have to think before other priorities, for example, allow fans to complete their collections and drop the Asgardian Former and new Myth Cloth Classic. Furthermore, as happened for Soul of Gold, the next event we could prepare something special dedicated to these projects.
P4F By the way, what do you think of Netflix license plate number?
B. It will be something completely different from the classic series Saint Seiya, just because it will be conducted by Netflix. I think Netflix is focusing more on the new generations, rather than those related to the classic series; the essence of the project, therefore, should be to further this reboot to the present wire, with the result that will look more fashionable and, therefore, more stylish, more sharp and incisive action scenes. The imminent Tamashii Nation 2017 will know more.
P4F fans are very loyal to the art and the visual style of the classic series, adore him.
B. Yes, we are fully conscious; we know that is the cornerstone of the classic Saint Seiya fans, but this reboot is also important to try to involve new generations, in order to excite them to the brand Saint Seiya. Since the anime and manga culture is growing, we believe it is the right time to launch this project; If, however, we rilasciassimo a product linked to a new set, without even an acknowledgment by new fans, that would result would be a failure, and it is not what we want.
The goal, then, is to engage new fans, releasing its products only when those same fans will be ready to feed a collector's interest in them. Of course, we keep in high esteem also the historical fans of the classic series.
P4F Well, you want groped to involve an actual and younger audiences through a new animated project for Saint Seiya that it is closer to current trends and such that we can afford to produce the merchandise: so was this your hope behind the experiment by Toei when it was realized Saint Seiya Omega?
B. (Laughs)
P4F At least in Italy the new movie "Mazinger Z Infinity" has just been screened in cinemas already getting a great success.
Are you going to realize other Mecha Nagaiani for Metal Line Build?
B. Yes, we have plans for other Mecha.
Obviously Mazinger Z was the undisputed star of the film, but also the Great Mazinger has played an important role in the film.
First of all, the reason why we decided to make this new incarnation of Mazinger Z like Metal Build is the fact that in the film there are many action scenes in which the Z sports a new look full of detail.
The Soul Of Chogokin line was created to express the passion against the "nostalgic" and "classic", while Metal Build line to express the passion towards the "details" and "action" (with the help sometimes effect of some parts).
For the occasion, we thought this new Mazinger Z was perfectly suited for the Metal Build line.
If fans show appreciation in terms collezionistici to this new incarnation, and the times will fall in our marketing plans, then we will think the realization of other subjects for this line.
P4F Basically you want to wait before the release of Metal Build Mazinger Z and see what sells in the market.
B. Exactly.
P4F We saw that there was an exchange of goods for Metal Build line that are built to the Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite (and vice versa).
Why have you chosen to make the 0 Gundam Wing Endless Waltz as a GFFMC and not as MB?
We will see more of the Gundam Universal Century rendered as Metal Build?
B. Metal Build and Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite are two distinct brand between them and for different costs and realization.
To satisfy the desires of all the fans, we could genuinely make two different products, each belonging to one of the two lines, each with its own concept, but would have been made from different approaches by separate teams of designers and artists; to achieve better final product, we opted for the Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite line, specifying, however, that it is a product that, unlike the other of the same line, it will have points of contact with that Metal Build.
P4F The line DX, intuitively, should follow the numbering of the SOC.
So after Combattler DX-03, we will see the Grendizer version DX?
If yes, when?
B. You should know that behind the production and release of DX is a new strategy.
We decided to release the DX at regular intervals of about two years.
According to rumors, the next to have to be released should be Grendizer and we know how the fans will go crazy.
We intend to realize in 2019 the DX as Grendizer Full Set containing Spazer and all other vehicles, as was done for the GX-04S.
At the moment, with regard to the production of DX and in general of all the SOC, it is entrusted with a major Chinese factory with which we have a good relationship; must, however, understand that The fundamental problem consists in a lengthening of the time of production due to new technologies employed, considerably more complex and sophisticated than in the past, as well as in constant evolution.
For this reason, at the base of production there are specialized factories, like the one we just mentioned, capable of one embodiment of mass; at the moment, however, are at full capacity and, therefore, to make new products, especially those concerning the DX line, times are necessary and considerable resources.
So as not to overload it work, at the risk of creating negative effects that inevitably would fall on the production line, we prefer not to take it too the limit.
P4F The DX-01 Mazinger Z has reached astronomical figures.
Sara will be a reprint?
B. Taking up the argument made earlier, we have to take into account the timing of the factory which is currently in full swing.
We can, however, report that for the foreseeable future, it is already planned.
Consider that we have plans to announce at least 5 new SOC for 2018. Taking into account these programs if the timelines we permit it, and be able to add, then it will be realized.
P4F finally have also introduced the GX-76 Grendizer Dynamic Classics for the SOC line.
The Spazer, at this point, we assume that will be part of a separate set option.
Think enter Spazer along with all the other vehicles?
B. The SOCDC GX-76 has been shown in world premiere at the Lucca Comics & Games during the Italian leg of the World Tour Tamashii to stimulate the Italian fans and get by their confidence in the products pertaining to Tamashii Nations line.
To begin with, we decided to show along with Grendizer even the Spazer, although it had not been officially announced yet, to reassure the total relaxation of fans who feared its failure to release.
To answer the question whether or not it will be released a Full Set containing Spazer and other vehicles, the answer is, for now, negative.
If we put it all in one package price it would be far much higher; However, if, by analyzing markets and researching the best price, we could figure out how effectively people would be willing to spend to buy it, then after the release and commission-only sales Spazer we will dedicate ourselves to the creation of a Super Deluxe Version of Grendizer .
P4F Dynamic Classics line, which is based on OAV reference, is getting a big success.
The sculpt of Getter 1 was much appreciated.
Have you thought of producing Getter 2:03 even if they are not present in the OAV?
B. We have plans for the DC line and the release of its products, but it is still a work in progress.
The DC line, as you know, is based on OAV and we are following that line to move with the new products.
As mentioned, however, we must also take into account fans' budget, since, although there are people who are able and willing to always buy everything at once, we do not want to rely only on those fans, but we want to find a balance, that is a fair compromise between all DC's online fans.
We are aware that many would like also the realization of the Getter Getter 2 and 3, but we do not want to saturate the line because, inevitably, you end up excluding some fans from their purchase. If rilasciassimo still there, without taking into account economic needs of buyers, we would end saturating the market with too many products and the result would be a failure with subsequent collapse and removal of the DC line; not to mention that fans would find themselves to leave their incomplete collections.
Of course this is not what we want.
If such products will still be required, and there will be time and space after the release of Spazer, we will do our best to please the fans and make other products in the DC line.
P4F Why the color of Getter 1 is gray, but the heavenly?
B. The staff has discussed long and we came to the conclusion that it could be a different idea for a new line, based solely on the OAV.
Your idea it was gray surely comes from how it appeared in the animated TV series, but that the film was the reference color, original and official, to make the product.
P4F How come the SOC GX-75 Mazinkaiser not part of Dynamic Classics line?
B. The Mazinkaiser was released the same year in which happened to the DC line.
As said before, we did not want to force the new line fans have to buy too many things in a short time; we analyzed that, despite the rising appreciation for the DC, the Mazinkaiser however, had a solid base of loyal estimators. This is the reason why, in the end, we decided it was worth releasing it as GX and not as DC.
P4F The GX-01 has for years been the subject of customization by modelers to make Damaged.
For collectors it was a great joy, in fact, see the production of the GX-70D.
Are there other projects of this kind, perhaps regarding the Great Mazinger?
B. For now we have no plans to do so, but a lot will depend on the results of the market SOCDC GX-70D Mazinger Z Damaged.
We are convinced, however, that the GX-70D will be greatly appreciated by the fans, also because it has never been released before a similar product; Mazinger Z is one of the most unique on the market.
If we will, therefore, the desired results, we will think about what the fans want to see in the DC line.
P4F The GX-71 Voltron SOC line was really an unexpected but appreciated output.
Can you tell us what you have in the pipeline?
What is your next major Chogokin?
Toshi Gordian? Kotetsu Jeeg?
B. We have released in the past few pictures and sketches (ed album for the thirtieth anniversary of the line SOC) and we are in the midst of a process of renewal of different models such as Mazinger or Grendizer.
Many fans are waiting to see the Jeeg realized for the Soul Of Chogokin line, but, unfortunately, not able to see very soon because it is a subject very difficult to achieve at best, full of details and issues to be considered as, for example, the use of magnets.
There are ongoing discussions in our implementation team about the use or not of the magnets; the conclusion for now is that the technology to achieve it should be improved.
We have in the pipeline for next year, among other things, another subject which, however, we still can not talk about why not 100% confirmed, although this on our production list.
We're not sure if we can for next year, because, as the SOC line absolutely one of high-quality license plate Tamashii Nations lines, requires a long time to control their implementation, costs, coloring, packaging, design and all the rest; we will still try our best.
P4F Why the Black General was carried out as Figuarts Zero and not as Soul Of Chogokin?
B. As for the Black General, if instead of a Figuarts Zero had we made it as a product made of die-cast, it would have been too heavy.
We chose to achieve it as Figuarts Zero, however, because as well, due to its weight and its fattezza, is perfectly suited to the combination with the other SOCDC.
But we understand that you prefer the products of Soul Of Chogokin line made of die-cast?
P4F Yes, of course, it would be preferable to a product in die-cast such as General Black realized by Aoshima.
B. Aoshima? (reflection)
P4F It Aoshima, the various versions of Nero General are very popular.
How come you have not tried to make it like that Aoshima, but at the same time in a better way?
B. Of course we discussed it with our staff, but if we actually did it as a SOC in die-cast the price would be double, if not triple.
We thought it would be really nasty towards fans, even though we have never released before a General Black; that we are producing within the Tamashii Nations line is the first and we will not push prices too as not all fans can afford to spend so much.
If in general the prices of the DC line remain similar, fans can continue to buy the products of the line.
Considering that is still part of that set of products dedicated to the DC line, we have preferred to opt, in its first embodiment, for the best balance between a good and faithful suitable product to the DC line that, at the same time, could remain in the same range of prices for other products.
It may be that we will achieve a better Nero General in the future, perhaps in the Soul Of Chogokin line (GX) or even in the DX.
As manufacturers we have to manage the market and to do the best we can not meet all the demands and expectations towards a product, or we would end up rilasciarne a complete and definitive; you have to understand that our goal is to sell, keeping alive the market.
We are a company and we have to keep working: this is the law of the market.
Also, just because it is a constantly moving process, we have the opportunity, over time, to release better products and technologies as more and more advanced, making the most of the wishes of the fans.
P4F A Lucca have shown a colorless prototype of Siegfried, instead of the one already shown a month ago in Paris: why?
Should we expect changes?
B. Hard to say, we need more information on the various amendments and, to do this, we need to receive from fans opinions on the use, perhaps, different colors or change of or sculpt, again, of the facial detail and so Street.
Obviously this kind of suggestions we receive from the Japanese public through special questionnaires or posted comments on our Facebook and Twitter pages; although we can also get feedback from foreign users, translating their comments - always welcome - what would prefer, we find it difficult to incorporate opinions and feedback of most Italian fans, Spanish and French.
Receiving these comments would be best suited to improve mode.
Obviously, for us, the prototype shown already represents the best possible product, but they are always fans to have the final decision; our intent is to completely satisfy them.
P4F We noticed that at the Tamashii World Tour Abel have revived the Sun God and the Goddess of Discord Eris, taken from the OVA, which had already shown a couple of years ago.
There is the intention to achieve them in action figures Plain Clothes version as has been done for Saori Kido and Pandora?
There is the possibility that with these Gods are also realized Myth Cloth of the Knights to their faithful?
B. There is that possibility, yes.
At the core fans they are inextricably linked to the classic series and we did nothing, over time, releasing the characters of the series to have a positive response from fans related to Saint Seiya; at this point we think that users will be enlarged enough.
We believe therefore that this is the right time to devote, over the next decade, to characters ever released so far. All this will be possible if the market is favorable, and fans will want them.
For this reason we would like to listen to the demands and questions that fans have to be ourselves, to help us go further and to make the right decisions.
P4F As for the caste of Gold Saints Renegades in Surplice version of the line Myth Cloth EX, now only appeal lacks Aphrodite (of which, however, have shown the prototype) and Shion.
Regarding its Shion, we will have to wait much longer?
This long wait will reward us perhaps with a set also containing the clothes to be High Priest?
B. If this is a request from the fans and it's really what you want, we will evaluate if you achieve it; as we could happily see the Premium Set (ed set that contained a copy of Gemini Saga Myth Cloth Ex version Soul Of Gold, a copy of Gemini Saga Myth Cloth Ex Revival version and a copy of the robes of the high priest of Arles) it was a great success and we saw an opportunity to present a new series of EX.
If there will be also signs for wanting a Complete Set for Shion Surplice, and feedback of the fans they will become a priority, we will discuss it and, if necessary, we will put our marketing plan.
P4F So when will we see Shion Surplice Ex?
B. When? It's a difficult question to answer because, at present, we have no voices and demands of the market; only if we have proof that the fans very much want, then we will realize it as soon as possible, so as to enable them to complete their collections.
P4F view of the proliferation of static theme Saint Seiya by many manufacturers, have you ever thought of opening a line dedicated to Saint Seiya?
B. Again it comes to brand strategy.
For Saint Seiya we recently launched the DD Panoramation line, but its yield not brilliant we further confirmed the fact that fans want to have the Myth Cloth for characters ever made before.
We have many ideas and plans for the statues, but if we were to concentrate on this to suffer would be precisely the Myth Cloth in general, not to the point of blocking the production, but certainly this would result slowed; however, we believe it is a propitious time to release a more Myth Cloth EX.
Then yes, of course you could do.
We should test the feasibility of such a project, but, for the moment, we want to concentrate the marketing of Saint Seiya Myth Cloth in achieving rather than statues.
In addition, it should be considered as follows: if producessimo statues of medium-sized, not only, as mentioned before, it would take away time to the Myth Cloth realization, but it would, inevitably, by making conflict of both products the lines depicting the same subjects with similar dimensions; if, instead, we dedicated ourselves to higher scales, ignoring the fact of rising costs, we would end up competing with other companies that already more than admirably realized by time statues of this size, such as Tsume-Art.
P4F We will see new Myth Cloth Tamashii Nation unannounced to December?
B. We can not be precise, but we can assure you that the Saint Seiya fans will not be disappointed by this Tamashii Nation of decades.
This interview leaves no doubt ample space for reflection on the future release by Bandai / Tamashii Nations.
Our hope is to see realized all projects emerged and revealed during the interview and, most importantly, be able to complete our beloved collections that are, for now, resting in our display cases.
Passion4Fun, then, echoing the various industry fan, wants to take the commitment to promote continuous survey aimed to know what are the real demands of collectors.
We thank warmly Ryuzo Noda and Daiki Fukaura for the availability shown us, and of course, Bandai Co. Ltd. for the hospitality.
Andrea M.
Thanks to the Passion4Fun friends for giving us this wonderful and exclusive interview.
Finally we are here to offer the exclusive interview on November 15 in the main office of Bandai Co. Ltd. (Asakusa, Tokyo) rilasciataci from Ryuzo Noda "Chief Global Sales & Marketing Team / Collectors Toy Department" and Daiki Fukaura "Global Sales & Marketing Team / Collectors Toy Department ".
Do not waste any more time!
Here is the full and complete interview, with much anticipation and revelations.
P4F it has just made official the opening of a Tamashii Web Shop in America.
Given the great success of Bandai / Tamashii Nations produced in Europe, it is scheduled the opening of a reference e-commerce site?
For us in Europe and in Italy it is difficult to find the range of products sold at the fair and then put up for sale the following months through TWS or directly announced as TWS Limited.
B. Obviously reperibiltà are difficult as they are products that are made for the Japanese public.
As mentioned, we have opened a Web Shop American Tamashii to propose to the United States products of the line Limited Tamashii Nations, but unfortunately it did not work out as we hoped; Therefore, for the American territory, we decided to adopt a cautious approach, relying perhaps to external sites such as Amazon.com.
We are aware that the EU market is important, but we are still discussing to develop an idea that will work for this market in order to avoid what happened in the USA.
For this reason, to please the fans, we want to try to expand more in Europe through a "phased" approach that does collapse the market at the risk of failing.
And this, certainly, do not want to happen.
P4F they have just concluded the stages of Barcelona and Lucca's Tamashii World Tour and we could not help but notice that the exposures were significantly reduced compared to that in Paris last month: Why did you decide to divide the number of products on display in two exhibitions choosing contemporary dates, instead of making two complete fairs?
B. The purpose of the Tamashii World Tour was to want to spread our brand in the world.
For this reason, we decided to start bringing and showing the products of the most popular lines; For example, in Barcelona, they have not been exposed to the SOC, however, have played a central role in Lucca.
Moreover, behind this choice, there were managerial problems: the space we had available in Lucca, as you have seen, it was limited and as the Tamashii Nation / Tamashii World Tour is a crowded trade, there would be too many people in a confined space; Participants, therefore, could not have been fully enjoy the products on display, especially those on which we focused and we knew that fans would have liked. We refer to the Mechanical Base with SOCDC GX-70 Mazinger Z and SOCDC GX-76 Grendizer.
If we had opted for a complete exposition, fans, surely, would not have a good memory of that experience so chaotic.
Of course, if the dates of the fairs in Barcelona and Lucca were not contemporaneous, we would also concentrate more on Dragonball and Saint Seiya, but because they opted for this solution, we decided to focus on Dragonball and Saint Seiya Barcelona and the SOC in Lucca.
P4F What, then, to the Italian fans of Dragonball and Saint Seiya who went to Lucca?
B. The conclusion of the Tamashii World Tour in Lucca is not the end of the Tamashii Nation in Italy.
Next time we might bring a greater number of special products, more prototypes and to increase attention in Saint Seiya, more than what has been done in Barcelona.
P4F The point is that in Italy there are only two really important leading trade fairs: the Lucca Comics & Games and Romics.
So people interested and intrigued by Tamashii Nation are so remained affected in seeing the display of the Soul Of Chogokin, especially the world premiere of the DC SOC GX-76 Grendizer, but at the same time they hoped to see the exhibited products of different lines and brand , those of Saint Seiya in the first place.
Do not insignificant considering that the fans, to get to Lucca's fair had to pay the entrance fee, only to find themselves in front of an incomplete exposure.
B. We assure you that you will see more next time.
Obviously such events also serve this, or obtain the necessary feedback to better understand the public's needs and can thus improve over time.
The Tamashii World Tour was also used to this.
Next time, the fair will be much more comprehensive.
P4F It is possible to see in the future an event Tamashii Nation in Rome?
B. Of course, there is the possibility to hold a Tamashii event in Rome, especially after the good results obtained in Milan (ed exposure Tamashii inside the Yamato Shop store); the next major city would undoubtedly Rome.
Among other things, we have observed and taking into account of one of the exhibitions you spoke, Romics, in which we saw the potential to be reckoned with.
But, as happened with Milan, our strategy is to improve and spread the market through the shops, because we believe are important to send a message, to be able to transmit and display the quality and value of our products on display.
In general we prefer holding events in shops as they have often already established bases with an already broad customer base of fans and collectors.
P4F Last year on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Sensei Kurumada career were announced three major new projects related to Saint Seiya (a live-action film with the participation of Hollywood, the anime adaptation of the manga spin-off Saintia Sho and a remake by Netflix Original series): have you already planned to release products related to one or more of these projects? You can provide information to us about?
B. Yes, of course, we already have projects and we would like to release more products possible and give the fans what they want. As manufacturers of the brand, however, we must make choices and selections. Our job is to satisfy the fans, and this is not simply about "What to deploy", but "How to release it." In relation to the release mode serves an appropriate context; For example, Siegfried was shown for the first time in Mexico at the World Tour in South America. So we have plans, but we have to think before other priorities, for example, allow fans to complete their collections and drop the Asgardian Former and new Myth Cloth Classic. Furthermore, as happened for Soul of Gold, the next event we could prepare something special dedicated to these projects.
P4F By the way, what do you think of Netflix license plate number?
B. It will be something completely different from the classic series Saint Seiya, just because it will be conducted by Netflix. I think Netflix is focusing more on the new generations, rather than those related to the classic series; the essence of the project, therefore, should be to further this reboot to the present wire, with the result that will look more fashionable and, therefore, more stylish, more sharp and incisive action scenes. The imminent Tamashii Nation 2017 will know more.
P4F fans are very loyal to the art and the visual style of the classic series, adore him.
B. Yes, we are fully conscious; we know that is the cornerstone of the classic Saint Seiya fans, but this reboot is also important to try to involve new generations, in order to excite them to the brand Saint Seiya. Since the anime and manga culture is growing, we believe it is the right time to launch this project; If, however, we rilasciassimo a product linked to a new set, without even an acknowledgment by new fans, that would result would be a failure, and it is not what we want.
The goal, then, is to engage new fans, releasing its products only when those same fans will be ready to feed a collector's interest in them. Of course, we keep in high esteem also the historical fans of the classic series.
P4F Well, you want groped to involve an actual and younger audiences through a new animated project for Saint Seiya that it is closer to current trends and such that we can afford to produce the merchandise: so was this your hope behind the experiment by Toei when it was realized Saint Seiya Omega?
B. (Laughs)
P4F At least in Italy the new movie "Mazinger Z Infinity" has just been screened in cinemas already getting a great success.
Are you going to realize other Mecha Nagaiani for Metal Line Build?
B. Yes, we have plans for other Mecha.
Obviously Mazinger Z was the undisputed star of the film, but also the Great Mazinger has played an important role in the film.
First of all, the reason why we decided to make this new incarnation of Mazinger Z like Metal Build is the fact that in the film there are many action scenes in which the Z sports a new look full of detail.
The Soul Of Chogokin line was created to express the passion against the "nostalgic" and "classic", while Metal Build line to express the passion towards the "details" and "action" (with the help sometimes effect of some parts).
For the occasion, we thought this new Mazinger Z was perfectly suited for the Metal Build line.
If fans show appreciation in terms collezionistici to this new incarnation, and the times will fall in our marketing plans, then we will think the realization of other subjects for this line.
P4F Basically you want to wait before the release of Metal Build Mazinger Z and see what sells in the market.
B. Exactly.
P4F We saw that there was an exchange of goods for Metal Build line that are built to the Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite (and vice versa).
Why have you chosen to make the 0 Gundam Wing Endless Waltz as a GFFMC and not as MB?
We will see more of the Gundam Universal Century rendered as Metal Build?
B. Metal Build and Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite are two distinct brand between them and for different costs and realization.
To satisfy the desires of all the fans, we could genuinely make two different products, each belonging to one of the two lines, each with its own concept, but would have been made from different approaches by separate teams of designers and artists; to achieve better final product, we opted for the Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite line, specifying, however, that it is a product that, unlike the other of the same line, it will have points of contact with that Metal Build.
P4F The line DX, intuitively, should follow the numbering of the SOC.
So after Combattler DX-03, we will see the Grendizer version DX?
If yes, when?
B. You should know that behind the production and release of DX is a new strategy.
We decided to release the DX at regular intervals of about two years.
According to rumors, the next to have to be released should be Grendizer and we know how the fans will go crazy.
We intend to realize in 2019 the DX as Grendizer Full Set containing Spazer and all other vehicles, as was done for the GX-04S.
At the moment, with regard to the production of DX and in general of all the SOC, it is entrusted with a major Chinese factory with which we have a good relationship; must, however, understand that The fundamental problem consists in a lengthening of the time of production due to new technologies employed, considerably more complex and sophisticated than in the past, as well as in constant evolution.
For this reason, at the base of production there are specialized factories, like the one we just mentioned, capable of one embodiment of mass; at the moment, however, are at full capacity and, therefore, to make new products, especially those concerning the DX line, times are necessary and considerable resources.
So as not to overload it work, at the risk of creating negative effects that inevitably would fall on the production line, we prefer not to take it too the limit.
P4F The DX-01 Mazinger Z has reached astronomical figures.
Sara will be a reprint?
B. Taking up the argument made earlier, we have to take into account the timing of the factory which is currently in full swing.
We can, however, report that for the foreseeable future, it is already planned.
Consider that we have plans to announce at least 5 new SOC for 2018. Taking into account these programs if the timelines we permit it, and be able to add, then it will be realized.
P4F finally have also introduced the GX-76 Grendizer Dynamic Classics for the SOC line.
The Spazer, at this point, we assume that will be part of a separate set option.
Think enter Spazer along with all the other vehicles?
B. The SOCDC GX-76 has been shown in world premiere at the Lucca Comics & Games during the Italian leg of the World Tour Tamashii to stimulate the Italian fans and get by their confidence in the products pertaining to Tamashii Nations line.
To begin with, we decided to show along with Grendizer even the Spazer, although it had not been officially announced yet, to reassure the total relaxation of fans who feared its failure to release.
To answer the question whether or not it will be released a Full Set containing Spazer and other vehicles, the answer is, for now, negative.
If we put it all in one package price it would be far much higher; However, if, by analyzing markets and researching the best price, we could figure out how effectively people would be willing to spend to buy it, then after the release and commission-only sales Spazer we will dedicate ourselves to the creation of a Super Deluxe Version of Grendizer .
P4F Dynamic Classics line, which is based on OAV reference, is getting a big success.
The sculpt of Getter 1 was much appreciated.
Have you thought of producing Getter 2:03 even if they are not present in the OAV?
B. We have plans for the DC line and the release of its products, but it is still a work in progress.
The DC line, as you know, is based on OAV and we are following that line to move with the new products.
As mentioned, however, we must also take into account fans' budget, since, although there are people who are able and willing to always buy everything at once, we do not want to rely only on those fans, but we want to find a balance, that is a fair compromise between all DC's online fans.
We are aware that many would like also the realization of the Getter Getter 2 and 3, but we do not want to saturate the line because, inevitably, you end up excluding some fans from their purchase. If rilasciassimo still there, without taking into account economic needs of buyers, we would end saturating the market with too many products and the result would be a failure with subsequent collapse and removal of the DC line; not to mention that fans would find themselves to leave their incomplete collections.
Of course this is not what we want.
If such products will still be required, and there will be time and space after the release of Spazer, we will do our best to please the fans and make other products in the DC line.
P4F Why the color of Getter 1 is gray, but the heavenly?
B. The staff has discussed long and we came to the conclusion that it could be a different idea for a new line, based solely on the OAV.
Your idea it was gray surely comes from how it appeared in the animated TV series, but that the film was the reference color, original and official, to make the product.
P4F How come the SOC GX-75 Mazinkaiser not part of Dynamic Classics line?
B. The Mazinkaiser was released the same year in which happened to the DC line.
As said before, we did not want to force the new line fans have to buy too many things in a short time; we analyzed that, despite the rising appreciation for the DC, the Mazinkaiser however, had a solid base of loyal estimators. This is the reason why, in the end, we decided it was worth releasing it as GX and not as DC.
P4F The GX-01 has for years been the subject of customization by modelers to make Damaged.
For collectors it was a great joy, in fact, see the production of the GX-70D.
Are there other projects of this kind, perhaps regarding the Great Mazinger?
B. For now we have no plans to do so, but a lot will depend on the results of the market SOCDC GX-70D Mazinger Z Damaged.
We are convinced, however, that the GX-70D will be greatly appreciated by the fans, also because it has never been released before a similar product; Mazinger Z is one of the most unique on the market.
If we will, therefore, the desired results, we will think about what the fans want to see in the DC line.
P4F The GX-71 Voltron SOC line was really an unexpected but appreciated output.
Can you tell us what you have in the pipeline?
What is your next major Chogokin?
Toshi Gordian? Kotetsu Jeeg?
B. We have released in the past few pictures and sketches (ed album for the thirtieth anniversary of the line SOC) and we are in the midst of a process of renewal of different models such as Mazinger or Grendizer.
Many fans are waiting to see the Jeeg realized for the Soul Of Chogokin line, but, unfortunately, not able to see very soon because it is a subject very difficult to achieve at best, full of details and issues to be considered as, for example, the use of magnets.
There are ongoing discussions in our implementation team about the use or not of the magnets; the conclusion for now is that the technology to achieve it should be improved.
We have in the pipeline for next year, among other things, another subject which, however, we still can not talk about why not 100% confirmed, although this on our production list.
We're not sure if we can for next year, because, as the SOC line absolutely one of high-quality license plate Tamashii Nations lines, requires a long time to control their implementation, costs, coloring, packaging, design and all the rest; we will still try our best.
P4F Why the Black General was carried out as Figuarts Zero and not as Soul Of Chogokin?
B. As for the Black General, if instead of a Figuarts Zero had we made it as a product made of die-cast, it would have been too heavy.
We chose to achieve it as Figuarts Zero, however, because as well, due to its weight and its fattezza, is perfectly suited to the combination with the other SOCDC.
But we understand that you prefer the products of Soul Of Chogokin line made of die-cast?
P4F Yes, of course, it would be preferable to a product in die-cast such as General Black realized by Aoshima.
B. Aoshima? (reflection)
P4F It Aoshima, the various versions of Nero General are very popular.
How come you have not tried to make it like that Aoshima, but at the same time in a better way?
B. Of course we discussed it with our staff, but if we actually did it as a SOC in die-cast the price would be double, if not triple.
We thought it would be really nasty towards fans, even though we have never released before a General Black; that we are producing within the Tamashii Nations line is the first and we will not push prices too as not all fans can afford to spend so much.
If in general the prices of the DC line remain similar, fans can continue to buy the products of the line.
Considering that is still part of that set of products dedicated to the DC line, we have preferred to opt, in its first embodiment, for the best balance between a good and faithful suitable product to the DC line that, at the same time, could remain in the same range of prices for other products.
It may be that we will achieve a better Nero General in the future, perhaps in the Soul Of Chogokin line (GX) or even in the DX.
As manufacturers we have to manage the market and to do the best we can not meet all the demands and expectations towards a product, or we would end up rilasciarne a complete and definitive; you have to understand that our goal is to sell, keeping alive the market.
We are a company and we have to keep working: this is the law of the market.
Also, just because it is a constantly moving process, we have the opportunity, over time, to release better products and technologies as more and more advanced, making the most of the wishes of the fans.
P4F A Lucca have shown a colorless prototype of Siegfried, instead of the one already shown a month ago in Paris: why?
Should we expect changes?
B. Hard to say, we need more information on the various amendments and, to do this, we need to receive from fans opinions on the use, perhaps, different colors or change of or sculpt, again, of the facial detail and so Street.
Obviously this kind of suggestions we receive from the Japanese public through special questionnaires or posted comments on our Facebook and Twitter pages; although we can also get feedback from foreign users, translating their comments - always welcome - what would prefer, we find it difficult to incorporate opinions and feedback of most Italian fans, Spanish and French.
Receiving these comments would be best suited to improve mode.
Obviously, for us, the prototype shown already represents the best possible product, but they are always fans to have the final decision; our intent is to completely satisfy them.
P4F We noticed that at the Tamashii World Tour Abel have revived the Sun God and the Goddess of Discord Eris, taken from the OVA, which had already shown a couple of years ago.
There is the intention to achieve them in action figures Plain Clothes version as has been done for Saori Kido and Pandora?
There is the possibility that with these Gods are also realized Myth Cloth of the Knights to their faithful?
B. There is that possibility, yes.
At the core fans they are inextricably linked to the classic series and we did nothing, over time, releasing the characters of the series to have a positive response from fans related to Saint Seiya; at this point we think that users will be enlarged enough.
We believe therefore that this is the right time to devote, over the next decade, to characters ever released so far. All this will be possible if the market is favorable, and fans will want them.
For this reason we would like to listen to the demands and questions that fans have to be ourselves, to help us go further and to make the right decisions.
P4F As for the caste of Gold Saints Renegades in Surplice version of the line Myth Cloth EX, now only appeal lacks Aphrodite (of which, however, have shown the prototype) and Shion.
Regarding its Shion, we will have to wait much longer?
This long wait will reward us perhaps with a set also containing the clothes to be High Priest?
B. If this is a request from the fans and it's really what you want, we will evaluate if you achieve it; as we could happily see the Premium Set (ed set that contained a copy of Gemini Saga Myth Cloth Ex version Soul Of Gold, a copy of Gemini Saga Myth Cloth Ex Revival version and a copy of the robes of the high priest of Arles) it was a great success and we saw an opportunity to present a new series of EX.
If there will be also signs for wanting a Complete Set for Shion Surplice, and feedback of the fans they will become a priority, we will discuss it and, if necessary, we will put our marketing plan.
P4F So when will we see Shion Surplice Ex?
B. When? It's a difficult question to answer because, at present, we have no voices and demands of the market; only if we have proof that the fans very much want, then we will realize it as soon as possible, so as to enable them to complete their collections.
P4F view of the proliferation of static theme Saint Seiya by many manufacturers, have you ever thought of opening a line dedicated to Saint Seiya?
B. Again it comes to brand strategy.
For Saint Seiya we recently launched the DD Panoramation line, but its yield not brilliant we further confirmed the fact that fans want to have the Myth Cloth for characters ever made before.
We have many ideas and plans for the statues, but if we were to concentrate on this to suffer would be precisely the Myth Cloth in general, not to the point of blocking the production, but certainly this would result slowed; however, we believe it is a propitious time to release a more Myth Cloth EX.
Then yes, of course you could do.
We should test the feasibility of such a project, but, for the moment, we want to concentrate the marketing of Saint Seiya Myth Cloth in achieving rather than statues.
In addition, it should be considered as follows: if producessimo statues of medium-sized, not only, as mentioned before, it would take away time to the Myth Cloth realization, but it would, inevitably, by making conflict of both products the lines depicting the same subjects with similar dimensions; if, instead, we dedicated ourselves to higher scales, ignoring the fact of rising costs, we would end up competing with other companies that already more than admirably realized by time statues of this size, such as Tsume-Art.
P4F We will see new Myth Cloth Tamashii Nation unannounced to December?
B. We can not be precise, but we can assure you that the Saint Seiya fans will not be disappointed by this Tamashii Nation of decades.
This interview leaves no doubt ample space for reflection on the future release by Bandai / Tamashii Nations.
Our hope is to see realized all projects emerged and revealed during the interview and, most importantly, be able to complete our beloved collections that are, for now, resting in our display cases.
Passion4Fun, then, echoing the various industry fan, wants to take the commitment to promote continuous survey aimed to know what are the real demands of collectors.
We thank warmly Ryuzo Noda and Daiki Fukaura for the availability shown us, and of course, Bandai Co. Ltd. for the hospitality.
Andrea M.
Thanks to the Passion4Fun friends for giving us this wonderful and exclusive interview.