Kyoka Midarezaki
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81)
Fri 2008/07/25 23:11
Did you say you wanted more exclusive goodies from the Good Smile offices?
OK, before I continue I need to quickly say "(c) Akira/ Published by Enterbrain Inc./ 超常現象対策局分室" ^^;
OK, before I continue I need to quickly say "(c) Akira/ Published by Enterbrain Inc./ 超常現象対策局分室" ^^;
Apart from getting to be the first to publish pics of Unity Mei, Good Smile also gave me the opportunity to be the first to publish these pics of one of their up n coming Nendoroids - Kyoka Midarezaki.
I must have been living under a rock for a while as I never heard of the recent anime show Kyoran Kazoku Nikki - OP below. On your watch list?
The sculptors desk full of other stuff that cant be shown right now.
One of the challenging things for figure makers is licensing.
The way it works is that a figure has to be made and then submitted to the license holder for approval. The license holder may say "it looks great" or "the colors are wrong" or "skirt is too short" or "we would prefer if the skirt cant cast off" - because of the last reason, some skirts are glued down even though they were made to be cast-offable.
The figure maker needs to contact the license holder every time photos of a figure are published and getting a decision in Japanese society can take a long time.
Somebody needs to ask their boss, that person needs to ask their boss and so on and so on.
Many people say that the Japanese cant take responsibility but I think the problem in many cases is that they are not *given* responsibility. Is it like this in your society?
One of the challenging things for figure makers is licensing.
The way it works is that a figure has to be made and then submitted to the license holder for approval. The license holder may say "it looks great" or "the colors are wrong" or "skirt is too short" or "we would prefer if the skirt cant cast off" - because of the last reason, some skirts are glued down even though they were made to be cast-offable.
The figure maker needs to contact the license holder every time photos of a figure are published and getting a decision in Japanese society can take a long time.
Somebody needs to ask their boss, that person needs to ask their boss and so on and so on.
Many people say that the Japanese cant take responsibility but I think the problem in many cases is that they are not *given* responsibility. Is it like this in your society?
Illustrations of Kyoka that are used for the different expressions. Nendoroids usually come with 3 different faces.
And this is a closeup - click to enlarge.
I've seen a few comments from folks who say they only buy figures of characters they are familiar with.
I personally buy figures which look nice and in many cases I start to watch the anime/read manga/play game *after* I get a figure that I have never heard of. This is what got me started with Gundam. I got the Fix Figuration GP01, watched Stardust Memory and then fell in love with Gundam.
Do you have figures in your collection of characters that you were not familiar with at time of purchase?
I've seen a few comments from folks who say they only buy figures of characters they are familiar with.
I personally buy figures which look nice and in many cases I start to watch the anime/read manga/play game *after* I get a figure that I have never heard of. This is what got me started with Gundam. I got the Fix Figuration GP01, watched Stardust Memory and then fell in love with Gundam.
Do you have figures in your collection of characters that you were not familiar with at time of purchase?
Once this is painted, photos will be taken for pre-order announcements. By this stage, a clone of the figure is already done and on its way to the factories in China.
I think I need to say "(c) Akira/ Published by Enterbrain Inc./ 超常現象対策局分室" one more time - Im actually required to say that in order to be able to publish these pics ^^;
Ah - no release date yet but will let you know.
I think I need to say "(c) Akira/ Published by Enterbrain Inc./ 超常現象対策局分室" one more time - Im actually required to say that in order to be able to publish these pics ^^;
Ah - no release date yet but will let you know.
A lookie at one of the painting stations.
Airbrush equipment and fan. This area is specifically for primer.
And lets look around the office for other stuff. Hmmm - there's something over at Mikatan's desk.
This is Figma Kanu which has been delayed a bit for last minute alterations.
This is a sample and not the final version.
Her hair is really long so you will be able to do many poses without the stand.
Suzakuuuuuu!
Figma Suzaku will be available at the Wonfes next week.
Figma Suzaku will be available at the Wonfes next week.
Meetings at Good Smile beat meetings at Amazon and Microsoft any day - just a load to play with.
Love playing with the goodies in the glass cabinets.
And as always, we have lunch at Max Factory owned Indo Tei.
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
Is there anybody out there that does not want this figure?
...(more)
Tue 07/29 22:59 comments (184)
PhysicsMajor/Someting/Photo/Pharm Tech
I have been following this series for a while and I really like to get Kyoka. Soo many but soo little money.
(ID #247363) Posted on 2008/07/25 23:30
Love the Figma!!!
(ID #247369) Posted on 2008/07/25 23:37
Student and full-time otaku
Don't know that girl, but the nendo looks nice; grr, must save to buy nendoroids and figmas. My anime and figure watchin/buying is completely separated; as long as the figure looks great, I really don't care what it's from (although I do like to know at leat the name of the show/game).
(ID #247374) Posted on 2008/07/25 23:43
That show is pure insanity. I like it.
(ID #247382) Posted on 2008/07/25 23:53
Full-Time Otaku!
The nendo is cut, but i still want a full size (read 1/8) figure of her.
(ID #247384) Posted on 2008/07/25 23:56
Full-Time Otaku!
*cute
(ID #247386) Posted on 2008/07/25 23:57
I have wonder for so long about the watch that Danny wear.Two clock? for two time zone or for more memory space? the clock is already two time zone available anyway eh?
(ID #247389) Posted on 2008/07/26 00:08
Probably because friends/customers/partners for Danny are in different geographical zones.
(ID #247758) Posted on 2008/07/26 08:50
i have that anime on my long long list of backlogs arghhhh gotta love the character design though, cute
(ID #247392) Posted on 2008/07/26 00:10
Diverse
Wahaha Kyouka-sama! Already up to date with the recent fansubs, and I remember someone mentioning in a chat the other day how it would be great if there was a Nendo Kyouka.
(ID #247406) Posted on 2008/07/26 00:25
Videogame Magazine Editor
*Squeeel* Kyoka Midarezaki! I love her character in the show! She's like Haruhi, only a bit more manic and crazy. :D I'm definitely going to put in a preorder for her when she's available! At first, I used to buy figurines of anime characters that I'm only familiar with. But then I realized I was missing out on so many great figurines with fantastic designs, so I decided to expand my collection. Plus it helps to expose me to other series, games, or visual novels that I might not have considered in the first place.
(ID #247423) Posted on 2008/07/26 01:01
Marine Biologist
wow,pretty cool Danny,love the Kyoka Midarezaki Sooo cute^^ haha can't wait to see better pictures of it:) and the Figma is cool,somebody with big eyes besides Mikuru haha and yes I collect figures/gundams without knowing the show at all,sometimes I don't even know anything about the character,I just buy and worry about investigating later haha but I'm a little new at watching Anime,didn't really buy or have the channel to watch Anime so Youtubes my only hope,but I'm sure I'll watch some more Anime because it's summer:D
(ID #247425) Posted on 2008/07/26 01:06
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
I watched the first episode. It was.... strange.... to say the least. But alright. I liked the ed. Cute Nendoroid tho. I like the character design style too. Tis different. Intresting.
(ID #247426) Posted on 2008/07/26 01:07
University Student.
Kyouka-sama?? O.O Want! But my wallet says otherwise.
(ID #247428) Posted on 2008/07/26 01:18
Kyoka-sama! Must...resist...till they...make a PVC...version...GAHHHHH
(ID #247430) Posted on 2008/07/26 01:23
Even though i wont be watching this anime...i really want to buy that nendroid but I can't T.T
(ID #247433) Posted on 2008/07/26 01:28
I have been watching Kyoran Kazoku Nikki from the start and I like it. Kyoka kicks ass:)
(ID #247443) Posted on 2008/07/26 01:58
Full-time student へへ
figma kanu got delayed about a month... ><
(ID #247448) Posted on 2008/07/26 02:04
おたくと大学生。
Kyouka-sama! must get! and Miku, and Tachikoma, and... ah if only I had money...
(ID #247449) Posted on 2008/07/26 02:08
Vampire
If it screams 'buy me' when I first see it, and if I randomly see it a month later and it still screams 'buy me' well then I guess I have to reconsider. I used to have a rule of only buying figures I was familiar with but the Shuraki series broke that rule for me :3
(ID #247461) Posted on 2008/07/26 02:23
Secretary
I used to be the same way, then one day I got over that hump and now I LOVE my collection :D
(ID #247645) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:16
Until now I've never been interested in nendroids but this one might be too cute to pass up! ^_^
(ID #247464) Posted on 2008/07/26 02:26
Is that food indian or thai? it looks indian cause of that crispy papad in the plate and the curries look familiar. I buy figures if i like them. I don't have any preference regarding which anime/ game they're from or whether the character acted in a negative role or not. I don't play games so don't know characters from games. I just do some research on them after i buy them :)
(ID #247478) Posted on 2008/07/26 02:46
CEO MIrai Inc
Its Indian food and its fantastic.
(ID #247800) Posted on 2008/07/26 09:57
Max Factory always serves Indian food? I've only seen pictures of them when you visit there ^^.
(ID #248330) Posted on 2008/07/27 00:30
I tried watching Kyoran Kazoku Nikki, but I just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure what it was, either.
(ID #247506) Posted on 2008/07/26 03:09
i should really pick up a figma. they look so cute! btw, going off a tangent. anyone know if there's an equivalent to 'thank god it's friday!' in japanese? not a direct translation but like a saying that's in line to TGIF. thanks in advance!
(ID #247519) Posted on 2008/07/26 03:18
Kanu looks good... but I haven't watched the series yet :o I stick to familiar characters. Even so, I would only get Suzaku will ill intentions. I'd prefer Lelouch between the two, by a long shot. If only they'd make C.C. a figma... and/or Kallen.
(ID #247538) Posted on 2008/07/26 03:34
Student & Authorized Chicken Slapper
Working for a company like Good Smile sure beats everything else, Looks mad fun with all the toys and what not.
(ID #247554) Posted on 2008/07/26 03:44
and you had to end this article with lunch at Max Factory owned Indo Tei...now i really hungry....
(ID #247590) Posted on 2008/07/26 03:59
I use that rule to curb purchases but have broken it once so far :L
(ID #247604) Posted on 2008/07/26 04:15
full time student, 60% of the time.
Anyone else notice that the figma lelouch has his zero cape on? figma accessories on the way???
(ID #247605) Posted on 2008/07/26 04:15
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
YAY! Suzaku! ...Not that I can spare any from my cash pool... T_T
(ID #247609) Posted on 2008/07/26 04:19
This will be the first nendo I get :3!
(ID #247610) Posted on 2008/07/26 04:19
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
Heee nice pics. :D SUZAKU *squeek* i need to cross my fingers so my source in Japan manages to get me one. ^^; Well i bet those meatings beat about everything which could be a work related meeting, or are at least in the top 10. As for Kyoran... nope havent watched it yet, not sure... nice figure though, but... it's no figma. :P
(ID #247611) Posted on 2008/07/26 04:24
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Never heard of that anime too Danny. But now on my watch list, as well as the nendoroid on my buy list. How could I refuse a loli-cat girl? UNPOSSIPLE!
(ID #247613) Posted on 2008/07/26 04:28
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
Kyoka!!!!!!!! I want!!!!!!! I want some of these stuff!!!!!!!! I wonder when Kyoka is coming out?
(ID #247623) Posted on 2008/07/26 04:39
Secretary
MOST figures I have/buy are ones I am not familiar with! Although when I get one of a character I like, it's that much better. I treat figures like art, in that if it's pretty and well made, I'll get it XD
(ID #247642) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:09
Evil Fanfic Writer
Only buy stuff I'm familiar with. And if it looks nice, I'll watch the show before I buy it :P
(ID #247644) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:14
Software Developer
gyaaa Kyoka-sama!! Want want want ^^; The show is so absurd that I love it.
(ID #247648) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:20
NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
kyouran has been on my watch list... it's random and crazy, but it's all good...
(ID #247650) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:20
College Student
I tried watching this anime (Kyoran Kazoku Nikki), the cat goddess character's personally kept making me want to strangle her. And maybe at the time I really wanted to watch a serious anime.
(ID #247663) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:41
That's quite the workspace and you can see the effort going into making the nendroid...hm well I mostly purchase figures based on what I know about the characters, but sometimes if I find one with very good detail, I get it first then run a background check...
(ID #247666) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:45
Hotdog Repairman
I didn't know anything about the background of the figures I have. In a way, that's a compliment to the creator since the figure itself left a big enough impression to entice me to get it. Don't have many figures, so it has to be extra special for me to pick one up.
(ID #247669) Posted on 2008/07/26 05:54
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
So much fun! sometimes I buy a toy/figure cos I think it looks goot ^^ doesn't have to be into the series (it's a plus/danger tho) and that person painting the eyes, steady hands O_O! can you actually see the brush strokes on the mock up Danny?
(ID #247680) Posted on 2008/07/26 06:20
CEO MIrai Inc
Brush strokes are not visible on the body but you can see that the eyes in particular have been painted as they obviously look so much better than PVC printed eyes.
(ID #247799) Posted on 2008/07/26 09:56
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Domo danny! :D I'm glad to know this cos when I paint some of my doll's rubber face (the eyes esp) the visible strokes drives me batty! I'll take pix of my Mamachapp and my painted doll's face close up for comparison in future ^^
(ID #247818) Posted on 2008/07/26 10:30
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Looking froward to that chun. I've painted eyes on figures before and never found it easy. Then again I tend to be to picky.
(ID #247893) Posted on 2008/07/26 12:19
unconcerned & oblivious slacker
Yay another anime I never heard of -> watchlist
(ID #247690) Posted on 2008/07/26 06:51
だいがくせい
i need more nendo/figmas!!
(ID #247703) Posted on 2008/07/26 07:27
Kyoran Kazoku Nikki is definitely on the watch list. Kyoka's interactions with her family and crazy ideas are hysterical. Recommended I purchase figures I am not familiar with because its not the characters I like it's the overall artwork. It's the reason why I ordered Fauna and Rock star Ch Chu Astram. I would miss out on a alot of figures if I only stuck to what I know.
(ID #247720) Posted on 2008/07/26 07:50
Kyouka-sama!! I started watching the anime 'cause I thought she looked cute. A nendoroid will just take it to the next level ^^. Kyouran Kazoku Nikki is one of my all-time favourites!
(ID #247729) Posted on 2008/07/26 08:12
I haven't seen this anime series yet. It looks interesting enough and I don't mind getting figures I haven't seen before. However, I'm more selective wihen it comes to nendoroids, as opposed tothe normal pvcs. So far, I only have nendoroid Nao (Mabinogi) and the Lucky Star petit nendoroid. Oh, and nendoroid Miku.
(ID #247749) Posted on 2008/07/26 08:34
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
Well, I would buy a figure if it looked good, but I haven't any figure of that kind yet in my collection, except for maybe the Hatsune Miku nendoroid. But I would love to by the Ignis figure ;p Although I must say that characters that you really like have a higher priority ^^
(ID #247766) Posted on 2008/07/26 09:01
I only have figures of characters that I already knew. Although, seeing a figure I like, I may get interested enough to find out where it comes from. If I enjoy the series or wherever its from, I'll consider getting the figure. I like to know the background and history of the objects I choose to own. E^D
(ID #247843) Posted on 2008/07/26 11:08
4th Year Designer Uni Slave
That show looks epic-random... will add it to the watch list. As for getting stuff done, I find it really depends on who you're dealing with. Normally though you can generally go straight to the decision maker. By the same token, maybe not so much in this instance but in others, it's often said that a lower ranked person has a better bargaining position. Where a high ranked person has to make a decision on the spot, the office gopher can say "Ok, I'm not sure, will have to ask my boss", walks out of the room for half an hour and can come back with a "decision". So it's quite situational as well.
(ID #247846) Posted on 2008/07/26 11:12
wow, the more i look at it, the more i want her. Kyoran Kazoku Nikki is on my watch list, not bad.
(ID #247860) Posted on 2008/07/26 11:38
Kyouran RULES!!!! Kyoka RULES!!!! I'm getting this figure
(ID #247872) Posted on 2008/07/26 11:47
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Like these last two figure reviews Danny. I like to see all the photos you take at home. i also enjoy these photos of the sculptors at work. Probably because I have built resin figures and I'm interested in trying to do my own casting. Well, you know why I enjoy photos... ^o^ A big thank you to the people at people at Good Smile, Unison Shift and Enterbrain Inc. for letting you share this all with us. I'm glad they gave you and us an exclusive first look at these two figures. Sure, I have bought many figure that I'm not familiar with. Sometimes I do the research of the background materials and decide if I still want the figure. I agree with you. It's a case of the Japanese not being given the responsibility. In the US I have a feeling it is also the same as well as, not wanting to take responsibility if something should go wrong. I can't wait to try the food at Indo Tei! おいしいそ!
(ID #247891) Posted on 2008/07/26 12:16
I'm glad that Goodsmile is the company you go to most, their quality of figures, and designs are excellent. Much like Danny I tend to buy figures that look nice, and then consiquently end up watching the anime. Figure painting looks like tedious, but fun and rewarding work.
(ID #247902) Posted on 2008/07/26 12:30
when i started to collect figures i'd only buy figures i was familiar with, until i saw Danny's figure Naru! i was like "OMG...(drool) WHO'S THAT?!?!?!" & then i found out it was Naru from LoveHina, then i bought that same figure & started to read the Manga & watch the Anime
(ID #247910) Posted on 2008/07/26 12:36
Student Engineer
Fun stuff! I have something in the works right now, design wise in regards to designing a painting/venalation area for my garage. I bought Igunis and had no idea what anime/game she was from.
(ID #247950) Posted on 2008/07/26 13:54
Ignis is from the eroge Jingkai Makyo (塵骸魔京) by Nitroplus. http://www.nitroplus.co.jp/pc/lineup/pro_08.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingai_Makyo Some would claim she's the best 2D heroine out there.
(ID #248634) Posted on 2008/07/27 09:24
Awesome! Danny I got a question, since they use Mr. Color on the airbrushes (I assume), what's their paint to thinner (mixing) ratio? I really wanna know! The results are amazing!
(ID #247953) Posted on 2008/07/26 13:57
I generally just buy figures of my favourite characters, but it seems a lot of my favourites get overlooked by figure companies. I'd love to see a Figma Gunsmith Cats series... Oh well! Kyoran Kazoku Nikki looks absolutely nuts! I'm sure I've seen it in Megami now and then, but I've never paid any attention to it...
(ID #248104) Posted on 2008/07/26 17:27
helen (Registered on 2008/07/26 17:59)
Do they really hand paint those? How do they get the paint smooth and even?
(ID #248120) Posted on 2008/07/26 18:01
engineer
sick man! no one is as lucky as you!
(ID #248235) Posted on 2008/07/26 22:23
Nendoroids are CUTE but I want a real non deformed character better.
(ID #248313) Posted on 2008/07/27 00:10
I'll be keeping an eye on Kyoka announcements. If she isn't exclusive I'll probably chase her. She kind of reminds me of Ichigo from Tokyo Mew Mew. Typically I buy a figure after I love the series/video game/manga they came from but there are many exceptions to that. Like the Shuraki are stand alone with currently no show or anything. I ADORE Shining Tears figures but the US never got a release of that game. But then again I also heard that the only thing fabulous about that game were the character designs. But with Simca I got her and then immediately started watching Air Gear. Although I buy some figures and tell myself not to watch the show so I don't look at the figures a different way. For example I really disliked watching Air. I happen to have the max Factory Kanon figures and I'm not watching the anime for fear of not being as keen on the figures anymore. I know that will sound crazy to a lot of people though.
(ID #248328) Posted on 2008/07/27 00:28
fresh grad
Danny! Is that a Lelouch Figma leaning on the monitor in the Suzaku figma pic? I've never seen one with a cape before.
(ID #248359) Posted on 2008/07/27 01:07
Kyoka-sama looks awesome, I love that anime.
(ID #248455) Posted on 2008/07/27 02:55
Lowlife
I don't see the point in spending 40+ on a figure of some character you don't really care about. to me figures are about love... and stuff.
(ID #248575) Posted on 2008/07/27 07:12
Student, Gamer, Part-time EFSF Pilot
My very first gunpla was a HG 1/144 Scale Gundam Virsago from Gundam X, which I bought on a trip to the US when I was aroud 12 or 13 Y.O. - Had absolutely no clue what a gundam was, but it was a damn cool robot, so why not? A couple years back I started getting into gunpla, and gundam and then remembered that HG kit I had. I went and took it apart from it's straight assembly, tore it's ugly chrome stickers out and painted it. Couple months after, I ordered my first MG - Strike Noir, but only after watching Stargazer ^_^'
(ID #248658) Posted on 2008/07/27 10:35
Student, Freelance Figure Review Writer
kyoka-sama! wow, they are making a nendoroid of her! now that'll be cool...cool to burn my wallet!
(ID #249189) Posted on 2008/07/28 04:07
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
Kawaii! I have yet to see the anime/read the book but... I definitely have my eyes on this ^-^ Thank you for the info, Danny. It's always appreciated, makes me want to be able to make figurines T_T
(ID #249803) Posted on 2008/07/28 21:18
Marketing and Law Student
Lovely workshop! Wish i could be there also...
(ID #250397) Posted on 2008/07/29 13:14
Is it just me or does she look like she has a sweat mark (no.3 pic from the top)
(ID #254591) Posted on 2008/08/02 17:19
Web Developer
I envy these people with steady hands. Figma figures are world of win!
(ID #264680) Posted on 2008/08/13 20:58
Humanitarian worker slash undergraduate student
cool!!!!!!!
(ID #306819) Posted on 2008/09/19 17:06
He is so good with painting them >_<!
(ID #464646) Posted on 2009/01/28 00:19
Another Otaku Shoujo
kawaiii desuuu >_<
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