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日本語/Japanese  Fri 05/02 20:51 JST
So far we have taken a look at the offices of Good Smile Company, Max Factory, Kotobukya and brief look at Nitro Plus. Today we have a look at the offices of figure and related merchandise seller Hobby Stock.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
This is where they take all the figure pics.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
A closer look reveals maid Komaki.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Before I forget, you can see the rest of the office tours in the Japan Office Tour category.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
The recently released Yuki by Alter.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Stacks O figures.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Hobby Stock exclusive dakimakura covers modeled by Hector.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Another Hobby Stock exclusive dakimakura cover - Masane from Witchblade. Killer eyes and killer toe - check her right foot.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
More figures in the other corner.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Good Smile Moetan.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Too cute?
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Some mecha pandas - forgot what series they are from - name that series.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
And this is the main area of their office. As you can see they have an open layout which is the typical office layout in Japan.
The first company I was at in Japan was the same. I had my own office in Amazon and Microsoft had partitions between the desks that were high enough so that you couldn't see others when you sat down.

Back in Seattle Amazon headquarters, we had a room for two developers and where there was an open hall, there were partitions high enough so that you cant see anybody when standing up.

Some people say that open partitions create good teamwork - some people say that folks need some privacy when working.

Some bosses like open office layouts so that they can watch the employees which is totally wrong in my opinion. Employees should be trusted and not presumed to be wanting to do no work.

What sort of office layout do you have? If you had your own company, would you have your office open layout (employees screens visible) or partitioned (employee screen not visible)?
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
The most most cutesome Good Smile Haruhi Nendo Puchi.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Mikuru lurve.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
The frog outfit is most cutesome. Is there anybody here who has not watched Haruhi?
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
We had barbecues in their old warehouse - Miku joins in.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Oppai mouse pad - Chu Chu Idol.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Comrade Shimazo-sans desk full O goodies.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Name that girl with the big eyes.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Name those mechas.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Hobby Stocks mascot character - forgets name.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
This is Nard Tan right?
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Hobby Stock have been doing quite well and have moved their warehouse to a bigger one. We had a celebration BBQ at their old warehouse.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
The word for "burnable rubbish" is "moeru gomi." The "moe" in "moeru" beans "to burn."
The "moe" used here however means "moe" as in "moe girl" - a play on words. I guess folks who understand a little bit of Japanese will get this one ^^;
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Most of the food gone.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Nabbed this from Hobby Stock - a pair of pantsu that they gave away with Nard Tan ^^;
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Could not be bothered to cast off Fauna so stuck it on her leg in "pantsu-falling-down-leg" style.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Konomi ecchi.
Hobby Stock (click to enlarge)
Categories
Polls
chibihien in Singapore
National Servicemen
Registered on 2008/01/19 21:22
when are you going to visit Alter...
(ID #179768) Posted on 2008/05/02 20:58
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 10:54
When I get back from Germany mid May ^^
Anything you want to see in particular?
(ID #179769) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:00
Blackster in Germany
BioInformatician
Registered on 2007/11/20 20:34
you're here?

where exactly are you in germany?
around frankfurt?

that would rock! ;)


cheers
Florian
(Living near Frankfurt)
(ID #179778) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:20
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 10:54
Ich werde in hamburg mit einer Rede.
(ID #179783) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:25
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:30
I have been nosy, hate me. :)
Interesting read though.
http://www.trendbuero.de/index.php?f_categoryId=155&f_articleId=2718
(ID #179806) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:19
FatBastard in police line-up. 2nd from the right
World Traveller
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:04
Whoa ho ho... good find you little detective. Danny can run, but he can't hide from you, Tami.
(ID #180037) Posted on 2008/05/03 04:52
Last{[0]}Raven in ☆DANNYCHOO Site ☆ XboxLive silver membership
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/02 12:43
lol. have a safe trip sir ^^
(ID #179814) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:35
XII in Munich, Germany
Student
Registered on 2007/06/05 01:36
That's too bad. Why don't you come to Munich, it's much nicer here!
(ID #179842) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:20
killswitch in Wiesbaden, Germany
Bounty Hunter
Registered on 2008/03/22 07:51
damn last week i was in Hamburg x(
(ID #179851) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:34
Blackster in Germany
BioInformatician
Registered on 2007/11/20 20:34
hmmm hamburg. thats unfortunately 550km away from here.
living right next to killswitch ^^
15km south of wiesbaden.


you should come and visit 'The Rheingau'. Nice and comfy valley with good wine and food! ;)

(ID #179894) Posted on 2008/05/03 01:13
killswitch in Wiesbaden, Germany
Bounty Hunter
Registered on 2008/03/22 07:51
hahaha yeah Blackster :D
good idea x)
(ID #180025) Posted on 2008/05/03 04:03
Tempest in Germany
Student
Registered on 2007/11/07 06:44
How about Mainz? 1 hour away from me if I take the train ;)
(ID #180049) Posted on 2008/05/03 05:34
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 10:54
I will be traveling around but don't know what the schedule is ^^;
Will let you know as soon as I find out.
(ID #180117) Posted on 2008/05/03 08:39
killswitch in Wiesbaden, Germany
Bounty Hunter
Registered on 2008/03/22 07:51
great ^^
(ID #180457) Posted on 2008/05/03 20:51
chibihien in Singapore
National Servicemen
Registered on 2008/01/19 21:22
Reinforce Zwei..

i must see for myself how they create that hovering effect for her magic tome

of course.. that and any other figures not under any sort of embargo

Many thanks
(ID #179803) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:15
Kazuya-kun in Canada
Rogu!!
Registered on 2008/04/12 10:32
Yes, see if they are making anymore Saber figures please :D
(ID #180071) Posted on 2008/05/03 06:16
Neil Duckett in Yoyogi, Tokyo
Software Engineer
Registered on 2007/11/06 13:25
Love the site visits, always interesting.
(ID #179772) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:05
Skywalker in The Grand Line
Student
Registered on 2008/03/14 04:30
Love the cute little Haruhi figures ^^
(ID #179773) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:11
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:45
i prefer partitions around my desk. i feel uneasy with people looking at me when i work.
(ID #179775) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:17
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:30
Panda-Z for the mecha panda, no clue bout the rest.
Nice bright office though, i only had one bright office... the other ones were always pretty dark, lack of sunlight and dark furniture etc. pp. :/
I personaly like my seperated private space at work, i wouldn't mind an open one though, it's not like i have anything to hide. :)
And there are always some black sheeps, a old co-worker of mine used to take a packet of CD-Rs (unused ones... 100er box) and used them as frisbees... he was ranked above me though. ^^; The office was a mess most of the time. *sigh*
If any of my offices had just 1% of the  figures, pictures and so on like those offices you tend to show us, my productivity would be far higher though. :p
For now all i can do is look at my iPods anime theme now and then + the music depending on how much is to do. :/
(ID #179777) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:20
Neutrinos in Singapore
Engineering research
Registered on 2008/03/25 10:12
Hector looks slightly put out in the photos, did you force him to pose for you?? xD
(ID #179779) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:22
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 10:54
LOL.
At point blank rage ^^;
(ID #179780) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:24
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:04
Lol Danny, you naughty, you.. Poor Hector. 

lol j/k. ^^
(ID #180000) Posted on 2008/05/03 03:22
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:36
Maybe Hector was super happy looking at those dakimakura covers, until Danny stopped him with a "Good timing, we need you to hold on those covers so I can take pictures of them. You can resume nosebleeding on them after".
Poor poor Hector. lol!
...kidding, of course.
(ID #180079) Posted on 2008/05/03 06:54
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:30
Those mecha pandas look like they have Mazinger Z wings. 
(ID #179788) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:33
Ben-Ohki in Ottawa - Canada
Programmer
Registered on 2007/12/03 11:18
Like Tami said, the mecha animals are from "Robonimal" featuring Panda-Z - a series of 5-minute episode anime. Look for them on Youtube!

Megahouse had the license for vinyl toys but I'm not sure if they still do. 
(ID #180074) Posted on 2008/05/03 06:37
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:21
Hectors pillow cover was Precia from Prism ark (not to be confused with PriNcia from the prequel game, prism heart)

The poster girl is also from Prism Ark, she's precias bodyguard by the name of Kagura and the mecha underneath her are the 3 forms of Getter Robo G. 
For shame for not recognising them!!!
(ID #179789) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:37
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 10:54
Forgive me orz
(ID #179793) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:51
wcloudx in Singapore
Artist
Registered on 2008/01/12 02:48
Nice office tour as usual!! ^^

Gotta love that line up of haruhi casts in frog suit XD

and LOL at Fauna with the pantsu hanging on her foot XD
(ID #179790) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:40
woho in Germany
Mediadesigner
Registered on 2008/04/22 01:25
I personally prefer the open office - like at my jobs place. Luckily my employer has nothing against personal stuff on the desk ... so i quite of outsourced some figures there :)
(ID #179791) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:41
Hayden in London, UK
Custom Pc Builder, Night Sniper
Registered on 2007/01/06 05:41
lol the Oppai mouse pad is quality!!
(ID #179794) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:51
Timotei in Sweden
NEET
Registered on 2008/02/17 09:16
Awesome photos, can't wait to see more. 

About the question, I would probably say open office. 
(ID #179795) Posted on 2008/05/02 21:52
e-jump in Malaysia
Test Engineer
Registered on 2007/12/22 21:22
Why cant they have english page?
*same goes to AmiAmi ;__;
(ID #179804) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:19
Tiny Red Man in シンガポ-ル, ミニ東京、
Registered on 2007/04/11 16:39
the office i'm at now has no one but me alone most of the time..so...=3
(ID #179808) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:27
Last{[0]}Raven in ☆DANNYCHOO Site ☆ XboxLive silver membership
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/02 12:43
gosh the mascot character is so kawaii o-o
(ID #179815) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:36
jiatlormee in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/07/19 15:27
wooo chibi pantsu lol~
Anyways the mecha panda series is called, Panda Z  =)
(ID #179821) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:48
Fabian in Germany
student
Registered on 2008/01/09 00:12
Aww..the Mikuru nendoroids. So cute! :)

Personally, I don't like partitions at work. They make me feel like working in a detention cell. 

How about a cycling shorts edition of the pantsu? Some 2D girls wear those instead of regular pantsus. 



 
(ID #179823) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:54
jiatlormee in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/07/19 15:27
amen to yr view on partitions
(ID #179833) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:05
Cavalock in Singapore
Copywriter
Registered on 2008/02/23 14:30
am in an open concept right now, lots of people. don't really like it...used to share a room with 2 other writers. that was fun, we would play loud music and other people would come in and hang out with us.

open area also makes it hard to display my figures cos all kinds of people would walk by and play with them and break them or something. i have seen it happen!
(ID #179824) Posted on 2008/05/02 22:55
Evil King in The Netherlands, a mostly cold and windy place...
student and full-time otaku
Registered on 2007/12/19 00:12
Oh, man, so much nice stuff to buy from them. Komaki, Miku and Mikuru, all so cutesome =3. 
And alas, I must confess, I have not seen Haruhi yet, but I'm starting with the DVDs tonite XD.
And about office space, I guess it depends on the company. While hobby-related offices like we've seen here can be perfectly open, I don't suppose employees from eg KLM or Boeing need to hear everything the boss discusses.
(ID #179829) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:02
Martin Wandering in Taibei
Student, Spiral Warrior
Registered on 2008/02/04 09:49
To answer Danny's secondary question, I have not seen any Haruhi anything, and find myself perplexed and mystified in the face of it all. o___O
(ID #179835) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:08
meronpan in カリフォルニア
ソフトウェアエンジニア
Registered on 2007/12/30 07:14
definitely something to put on your watch list. it's not a long series and suddenly thousands of references will make sense ^_^ 

not to mention aya's voice acting is always a pleasure :D
(ID #179963) Posted on 2008/05/03 02:33
Snare in Horsham, England
Pre-Press Technician
Registered on 2008/04/30 23:55
*sigh* I'd love to work in a creative atmosphere like that with interesting things all around. I get to work on mac's all day, but nothing majorly creative :(
(ID #179837) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:11
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:45
the tiny pantsu looks kinda weird. the upper portion looks too high. ('~')
(ID #179839) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:13
lostandfound in your brain... WAHAHAHA!
Human being. Really, I'm not joking!
Registered on 2007/10/22 01:58
Pantsu for tall people?
(ID #179933) Posted on 2008/05/03 02:10
ceasol in Edmonton, Canada
Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/08 05:26
Hey Danny, could you please suggest to the guys at Hobby Stock to make an English website and sell overseas?

PLEASE!!!!
(ID #179852) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:35
FatBastard in police line-up. 2nd from the right
World Traveller
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:04
Ditto. I would buy from Hobby Stock if they were setup for the international market.
(ID #180035) Posted on 2008/05/03 04:47
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:30
*signs the petition right behind FatB* ^^v
(ID #180040) Posted on 2008/05/03 04:53
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 10:54
Looks like I'm going to have to build the site for them then ^^;
(ID #180119) Posted on 2008/05/03 08:40
ceasol in Edmonton, Canada
Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/08 05:26
Go for it Danny!!! There are 3 or 4 figures I only found in Hobby Stock. Any one interested this is the time!!
(ID #180229) Posted on 2008/05/03 12:44
e-jump in Malaysia
Test Engineer
Registered on 2007/12/22 21:22
HS and AmiAmi in english has been relevant to my interest.
Kid Nemo do offer attractive prices, but theyre located half hemisphere away from where I am.

As for office space, either one fine with me, as long I have plenty space for myself to display my powerlevelz :D
(ID #180241) Posted on 2008/05/03 13:05
chibihien in Singapore
National Servicemen
Registered on 2008/01/19 21:22
do it for free... and demand a x% cut of profits. I'm sure it pays better that way
(ID #180591) Posted on 2008/05/03 23:10
elysium in HK
Registered on 2008/02/05 23:26
afraid i'm one of the rare few who haven't seen haruhi yet *ducks* but will do for sure!  summer hols are just round the corner..
(ID #179853) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:37
Boris in USA
Interactive Media Design and Graphic Design
Registered on 2006/12/26 00:00
fun visit of Hobby with a lot of goodies. Did you get a few new goodies that are not out yet? hehe my current work place is divided into offices though my office is very big and there are 2 other designers with me. Most other offices hold at lest 2 people in them. I visited WashingtonPost.com office and that was an open office. Though they had far less goodies and fun stuff on their desks comparing to my current work.
(ID #179861) Posted on 2008/05/02 23:53
tick tock in Tokyo
Full-time student へへ
Registered on 2008/04/08 02:41
nice mousepad ^^
(ID #179883) Posted on 2008/05/03 00:34
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:05
i would rather have an open layout office ^^

it is not that i don't trust my fellow employees but i want an open environment and it won't be restricting for them ^^
(ID #179890) Posted on 2008/05/03 01:11
super rats in Philadelphia, PA (USA)
Everything
Registered on 2007/01/15 11:21
I've worked in both my own office and in an open office.  Can't say it makes that much of a difference, though sometimes when people are talking it makes concentrating a bit of a pain.  I work in a home office now, so it's a different environment.
(ID #179891) Posted on 2008/05/03 01:11
super rats in Philadelphia, PA (USA)
Everything
Registered on 2007/01/15 11:21
Also, I was kind of expecting a huge warehouse with rows and rows of figures...like 200 Yuki figures staring at you or something. ^^
(ID #179893) Posted on 2008/05/03 01:13
Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada
Medical Research and Design
Registered on 2008/02/17 03:42
We have a bit of both worlds where I work.  We have open 'pods' but have walls between some zones to prevent too much noise from getting around.  I find it to be a really effective design and quite comfortable.   I'm totally on the same page as you, Danny, with the idea that employees should be trusted.   If an employer is fair and gives good benefits/pays well they should have zero worries about productivity.   The bad workers always come to light sooner than later.

Very nice office tour, and nice exclusive Dakimakura shots!
(ID #179897) Posted on 2008/05/03 01:28
Akiba-Kid in California, USA
Online Shop
Registered on 2008/01/17 11:23
Nice stuffs as usual from office tours!  Those nendoroids look so cute, kyaaa @o@
(ID #179916) Posted on 2008/05/03 01:55
lostandfound in your brain... WAHAHAHA!
Human being. Really, I'm not joking!
Registered on 2007/10/22 01:58
Aatgh! Army of Mikurus are going to invade us!
If that were to happen... What would you do? LOL
(ID #179937) Posted on 2008/05/03 02:14
gurugurutrex in Vancouver, B.C., Canada
オタク by moonlight, Graphic Designer by daylight
Registered on 2007/11/08 03:25
My office has open layout. I don't like it of coz. But it really help us not to being lazy and fooling around on the internet. =P
(ID #179943) Posted on 2008/05/03 02:21
chun in vancouver
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:21
gosh it's like play time! LOL thanks for sharing with us Danny and thanks Hector for modeling XD
(ID #179970) Posted on 2008/05/03 02:39
kid nemo company in City of Industry, California
CEO / GFX
Registered on 2008/01/24 01:39
hobbystock is a great model for a online retailer in the figure market.

the work they put into spotlighting the figure itself is greater than sites such as hobbysearch or amiami in my opinion.

thier site really excites the customers to see what is new and promote more sales from thier viewers/customers.

honestly, hobbystock was really the reason kid nemo company was started. i thought hobbystock had a brilliance to the site that really was unique and i wanted to translate that into the kid nemo company site also. im a big fan of hs!

on the topic of open versus partioned offices, i prefer open offices. it really promotes teamwork and union between the staff and everyone has a better time.

thats how kid nemo company's office is set up.
(ID #179973) Posted on 2008/05/03 02:41
squee in Singapore
Techie
Registered on 2007/09/27 04:59
My office is partioned but the upper halves are made of glass so we can see each other. I actually need the partition so that my stuff do not fall off the desk ^^;
(ID #179991) Posted on 2008/05/03 03:12
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:04
Try both formats for different sections of the same departments and see which format delivers better performance. Uhum, I think I will do that. ^^
(ID #180001) Posted on 2008/05/03 03:24
imodey in Honolulu, Hawaii
Plastic train engineer
Registered on 2008/02/01 08:01
I love it.  Cool looking office where they can all let the inner otaku flow freely.  I need to find a place like that.
(ID #180016) Posted on 2008/05/03 03:45
Hakushaku in US(United Shame)
In Insanity mode v2.35
Registered on 2008/03/13 03:21
Hatsune Miku!!!!...kawaii....ate BBQ few days ago...
(ID #180023) Posted on 2008/05/03 04:00
undyingSoldier in East London, South Africa
Software Developer
Registered on 2008/03/06 01:50
The figures are all very cute. As far as office layout goes, im gonna have to go with open, because we used to have a closed layout at work, i.e., each developer viewed his own screen, but they recently moved all the desks around to make space for new employees. The office seems more open, so we talk a lot more and joke around. The mood seems lighter, so you dont feel quite as tired by the time 5pm rolls around.
(ID #180026) Posted on 2008/05/03 04:06
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:18
So many figures I want....
(ID #180032) Posted on 2008/05/03 04:34
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:36
Those Masane daki look really odd in terms of proportions (not specifically talking about the eyes, mind you)... Moetan and the Haruhi nendoroids look so cute! Frog suit power!
(ID #180080) Posted on 2008/05/03 06:56
Wave Rider in NJ United States
Student/Daemonhunter
Registered on 2007/01/22 05:57
That is so awsome lol. 

Ahh I cant wait for Otakon this year, gonna buy tons of stuff lol. 
(ID #180081) Posted on 2008/05/03 06:57