Wonderful Hobby Life
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61)
Wed 2007/08/22 22:14
I was invited by Good Smile Company together with Akibablog and Moeyo.com to a figure event called "Wonderful Hobby Life for Wholesaler & Retailers."
The event was set up for folks in the figure industry to talk business and is not open to the public. This is the second time that this event was held and takes place after the Wonfes. The last one was held at the Good Smile offices - this time it was one stop away from Akihabara in Kanda.
The event was set up for folks in the figure industry to talk business and is not open to the public. This is the second time that this event was held and takes place after the Wonfes. The last one was held at the Good Smile offices - this time it was one stop away from Akihabara in Kanda.
I finally got to meet up with Monpuchi from Moeyo - our schedules had put off our meeting for months. Also met the man who runs Akibablog too. Apart from the bloggers, also got to network with companies such as Organic, Orchid Seed, Hobby Stock, Atelier-sai, Solid Theater and others.
And now for some Mirai-chan figure talk. You remember from this post that I went along to the Good Smile offices and you also saw Mirai-chans illustrations sprawled across the desk.
I said I was going to make some sort of announcement on the 15th of August. The announcement was actually not for a Mirai figure but for something else that we spoke about at the meeting. Technical issues have been causing the delay of what I wanted to announce but will let you know as soon as I have the "Go" sign.
Now back to Nendoroid Mirai. Mirai will be released as a figure but only if I can produce a forcast that shows 10,000 units being sold. If we price the figure at over 4,000 yen for a Nendoroid then the number of units what we need to sell would be a bit less.
This site receives an average of 50,000 unique users a day - the most this month was 76,042 users on the 6th of August. I am realistic and do realize that only a small percentage of these visitors are going to go for a Mirai figure and I need to build up the user base and get more press coverage before I feel confident that we are going to be able to shift those units.
I have already cleared the hurdle of making good contacts in the figure industry already so I guess all we are waiting for is a report and forecast from me ^^;
When we do decide to go into production, what figure would you prefer?
Bikini-Mirai, Default-Mirai, Maid-Mirai or Nendoroid Mirai?
I said I was going to make some sort of announcement on the 15th of August. The announcement was actually not for a Mirai figure but for something else that we spoke about at the meeting. Technical issues have been causing the delay of what I wanted to announce but will let you know as soon as I have the "Go" sign.
Now back to Nendoroid Mirai. Mirai will be released as a figure but only if I can produce a forcast that shows 10,000 units being sold. If we price the figure at over 4,000 yen for a Nendoroid then the number of units what we need to sell would be a bit less.
This site receives an average of 50,000 unique users a day - the most this month was 76,042 users on the 6th of August. I am realistic and do realize that only a small percentage of these visitors are going to go for a Mirai figure and I need to build up the user base and get more press coverage before I feel confident that we are going to be able to shift those units.
I have already cleared the hurdle of making good contacts in the figure industry already so I guess all we are waiting for is a report and forecast from me ^^;
When we do decide to go into production, what figure would you prefer?
Bikini-Mirai, Default-Mirai, Maid-Mirai or Nendoroid Mirai?
A shot of Yamato's rendition of Shunya Yamashita-sans work - more from this event later today and throughout the week.
Next up is the Code Geass stuff from Chara Hobby.
Been waiting for a decent figure of K...(more)
Tue 08/21 08:17 comments (37)
Wow, that is awesome Danny. Count me in for buying one of the Nendoroid Mirai's when they come available. As for a regular figure, I actually prefer a Bikini Mirai. But, wow, just too cool :) Congrats again and I'm sure you'll be able to forecast 10,000 units.
(ID #55112) Posted on 2007/08/22 22:07
Mandalorian in training + Otaku...
A bikini-Mirai would be awesome. And I reckon sales wouldn't be a big problem, there a legion of us waiting for a Mirai figure XD
(ID #55114) Posted on 2007/08/22 22:17
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
I think the bikini would be the obvious choice.. so just like the MG 100 Gundam, you should do something completely different. I think the maid would be awesome, especially if she is in the pose where she holds a mini statuette of herself. Plus, this wouldnt make us all look like eroge freaks. Booyah.
(ID #55115) Posted on 2007/08/22 22:24
Bikini would definitely sell if you give it the right face expression. Although nenodroids are cute, I really don't think they will make everyone desire a SD figure.
(ID #55116) Posted on 2007/08/22 22:27
Sales would not be a problem if you manage to convince the GSC or MaxFac to make and sell a Mirai figurine. A default one would be good though. I would buy one if the quality is acceptable,and the price is reasonable,say 5000+ yen for a 1/8 Mirai.I think the quality of the product would be guaranteed,especially if it's done by MaxFac. I'm awaiting your announcement for a Mirai figurine =D
(ID #55117) Posted on 2007/08/22 22:30
I think the default "school girl" Mirai would be a better choice. You know how school girl uniforms are a sign of Japan. And Pantsu too. If you ever get them ready, I'm willing to buy!
(ID #55118) Posted on 2007/08/22 22:40
Plast Processing Engineer
I simply have no interest in nendoroids, and wouldn't buy one. But would surely buy ANY Mirai-san figure. - preference being Bikini Mirai. - She strikes a pose we haven't seen others do (and looks damn cute doing it), whereas Default Mirai comes pretty close, in pose, to so many others... (she still looks cute though ;)
(ID #55120) Posted on 2007/08/22 22:59
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42)
I'd vote for normal Mirai. although looks like Bikini Mirai has the most votes. ^^; then again, I'd buy whichever Mirai figure that comes out anyway. ^^
(ID #55122) Posted on 2007/08/22 23:16
Professional Student
I'd prefer a normal or bikini version of her. Maids are cool, but I just feel those two choices fit her better. I never liked nendoroid figures.
(ID #55123) Posted on 2007/08/22 23:28
Student
For sure if a Mirai figure comes out, I will indeed buy it! I perfer the normal or the maid Mirai ;D
(ID #55124) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:05
Graphic Designer
Well I definitely going for the nendroid Mirai, she's so cute. I would like one where she's dress up in Miko though but the default one just looks as nice ^^
(ID #55125) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:14
I'd like a nendoroid, I find them more appealing being cute & chibi. Too much maid, school girl, bikini blah figures out there. The event & stormtrooper version would be fun to have, since you have cast-off features you like ^^
(ID #55126) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:22
i confirm will buy and support if release because Mirai-san really cute. i prefer the default or maid or nendoroid Mirai.
(ID #55127) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:24
Student
Hum I'm not a fan of Nendoroids so I would prefer the default one (school girl) or the Bikini one with cast off included ^^. If any of them or both ever comes out you can count on me to buy them.
(ID #55128) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:26
Animator/ graphic designer
i want a nendoroid!
(ID #55130) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:40
I have to say I don't have alot of use for nendroids in general and this really isn't an exception, however any other style of mirai figure that's made I'll be sure to get.
(ID #55131) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:44
anime/cosplay events organizer
wow! you got to meet the people behind moeyo and akibablog ^^ @mirai figure count me in to buying your mirai figure ^^ btw, i vote for both the default school uniform, the maid mirai and the bikini mirai :3 the price would be an issue but with a lower price comes high demand even though it would have a limited supply but this way you will know how many people bought the figure and obtain Good Smile's expectations and maybe they will consider producing more at the same price ^^
(ID #55132) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:52
Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
Jeez, achieving the Otaku dream. Gotta meet you one day if I ever go to Japan. :) @ Mirai-chan figures: I will purchase one no matter what Danny. Even though I said I wouldn't purchase figures I would purchase one to help a dear friend no matter what the figure might be. I'm seriously leaning towards Mirai Maid but everyone is wanting a bikini-clad Mirai so I guess I won't fret too much. :3 P.S.: You gotta write a book on how you succeeded this far just so... I can learn a few things here and there. :P
(ID #55133) Posted on 2007/08/23 00:58
Student artist
Danny to some degree I think the figure should be relase right after the anime or manga. I think its hard enough selling 10,000 units of those. I might be wrong. Btw I would definately buy one, and is there one model of Mirai as futeristic cyboryish (not gundums)
(ID #55135) Posted on 2007/08/23 01:20
Count me in! I was anxiously waiting for some Mirai figure news since August the 15th. ^^ I prefer a Nendoroid version of Mirai, but I certainly have no problem with a regular (school uniform) version of Mirai.
(ID #55137) Posted on 2007/08/23 01:30
VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.
its either maid mirai or a nendoroid one for me as i love all things kawaii. by the way, a maid mirai with a cast off would be really nice.^^
(ID #55138) Posted on 2007/08/23 01:32
I'd go with the nenodroid version, she'd be quite cute! If it's possible you could have an alternate costume with it (like stormtroper)but I'm pretty sure that couldn't happen for a reasonable price. But no matter what count me as one who would buy her as soon as she was available.
(ID #55140) Posted on 2007/08/23 01:43
I would pick up a maid Mirai but bikini's are alright with me ;p. 10,000 might be a bit much for figures to be sold but I love the price of 4000 yen, be happier if it was lower lol.
(ID #55141) Posted on 2007/08/23 01:45
Director/代表取締役
Thanks all ^o^ Demacrez, Will do write ups from time to time ^^ BTW, some of you maybe under the impression that the figure will sell for 10,000 yen - 10,000 is the number of figures I need to sell. The price will probably be from 4000 - 6000 yen.
(ID #55142) Posted on 2007/08/23 02:06
neil in Quezon City, Philippines
maid one is best, will surely buy that one if it comes out
(ID #55144) Posted on 2007/08/23 02:22
I look forward to any figure made. Despite my enthusiasm for figures, I rarely buy them, both due to cost considerations (which will change soon) as well as the fact that most of the really good figures aren't exactly "modest", and therefor off-limits for me. I'll do my best to purchase a Mirai figurine, though. I'm hoping equally for a "default" or a "nendoroid" version. Despite my admiration for the gorgeous new Mirai maid pic I can see at the top of the site (I love it!), I'm not so sure I'd be enthusiastic about a figure version--but I suppose that really depends on how the figure came out. I'd certainly be enthusiastic about a bikini version, but... off-limits for me. I do guess it'd sell better overall, though.
(ID #55147) Posted on 2007/08/23 02:49
nendroid = chibi? if so nedroid = cheaper than the rest + looks cute ^^ so nendroid ^^
(ID #55154) Posted on 2007/08/23 03:20
It's great that you're dealing with all these heavyweights of the toy industry! I would definitely buy a Mirai figure... but it would depend which manufacturer produce it, if it's from the Goodsmile group a 'Maid Mirai' would be great cause of their HQ standards it will turn out to be an awesome fig (though I assume, quite pricey), from any other manufacturer a 'default Mirai' would be nice... I don't buy bikini versions unless I'm a HUGE fan of the character (so far I only own one bikini fig), and I pretty much hate nendoroids (except for Saber) xD But you can count with me as a buyer for a Maid/Default Mirai for sure!
(ID #55157) Posted on 2007/08/23 03:49
will buy any version of mirai but prefer default xD . bikini wise, maybe if is gasaphon i'll get :P
(ID #55158) Posted on 2007/08/23 04:05
danny, if you are really going sell the unit i would definately buy it. but i am at singapore, are you able to ship it over to us at overseas ? btw, a maid would be nice, bikini is too flashy for me and my friend might call me a pervert for that lol even though i like bikini too.
(ID #55160) Posted on 2007/08/23 04:14
I am definately for the default or bikini. Not a big fan of nendroid. I would buy any of them though, especially if cast-off.
(ID #55162) Posted on 2007/08/23 04:37
Software Developer
Would buy any Mirai-chan version, as far as the figure(s) respects Azamiyuko-sensei works :D looks like there are a lot of leaning figures on GSC display :( Especially the iDOLMASTER ones ;_;
(ID #55165) Posted on 2007/08/23 05:24
Student
I'll be able to buy one as long as it's imported to a store like Kid Nemo or something. Otherwise I'm not allowed to make orders overseas ^^; but anyway I've been thinking about collecting Nendroids for a while. I may start this school year, since I don't have time for Gundam building anymore. I would probably go with a standard Mirai in some dazzling pose first, and then get the swimsuit version.
(ID #55166) Posted on 2007/08/23 05:27
.NET/Web Developer
I've never taken a liking to nendoroid figures. Although some may be cute I just can't see myself buying one. That said, I'd love to buy a school-girl Mirai. ^^
(ID #55169) Posted on 2007/08/23 05:42
Games addicted
Danny... Definitively i'd love to see Mirai dressed up as maid and if is it possible with glasses too... What do you think?
(ID #55172) Posted on 2007/08/23 06:14
IT, Programmer, ...
Any Mirai figure would be fine, but it seems Bikini Mirai is getting the most picks. Btw, Danny, wouldn't it be possible to have the figure be sold at shops like Aso Bit, Animate, Hobby Figure,... ? Even in small quantities. 10000 to sell is a lot,just through the site (even if you have 70000 views at max). But I guess you'd have to do some advertising for those shops. Maybe a doujin/manga of Mirai would help sales in the Akiba shops (or any other place Nakano) ;p. (you might include a cameo appearance of the storm trooper in the manga ;p)
(ID #55173) Posted on 2007/08/23 06:25
I will definately put in an order the second it's available. As for which one to choose..hmm..normally i would say the Bikini version for aesthetic appeal, but i think the Default one would be nicest, not only was it the first design, but it seems to be her standard costume so i recon it would be a good place to start ^_^
(ID #55174) Posted on 2007/08/23 06:25
Student artist
i wonder if china will try to make boot leg copirs of it O.o
(ID #55175) Posted on 2007/08/23 06:37
Hi Danny...don't have any bikini figures yet so...Mirai bikini would be a nice one to start :D . Looks hot. Can imagine that the production costs would be staggering. Maybe just a "limited edition" version is an option: limited edition always turns people on ("greed is good" haha) so you could ask more. Anyway, love the site, keep it up!!!
(ID #55176) Posted on 2007/08/23 06:52
I'm abit worried that the Bikini Ver.'s towel would snap off too easily...and the Maid Ver. would be complicated and costly...so i guess starting off with the default school uniform(orange) would be the best.
(ID #55177) Posted on 2007/08/23 07:30
I'd be interested in a bikini or nendoroid Mirai - figures in seifuku tend to bore me unless I really like the facial design or there's an interesting pose. But if the Mirai figure has a great pose I reckon she'll sell well regardless of whether it's the bikini or uniform version really =)
(ID #55179) Posted on 2007/08/23 08:09
Mirai-chan gonna go 3D! For me, i would prefer Mirai-chan in seifuku considering it's her first PVC or is it not? Either way, i go for the normal look first then if sales are good, go do Mirai-chan with more costumes or awesome poses.
(ID #55183) Posted on 2007/08/23 10:04
IT TechGuy
I want her in bikini! ^^;;;;
(ID #55187) Posted on 2007/08/23 11:04
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
I'll have to say the bikini model would do best. Since I deal with anime wholesalers here in the US along with Good Smile Company, I would stock up on Mirai figures in a heartbeat.
(ID #55192) Posted on 2007/08/23 11:26
Dang, Definately default! would be more easier to recognize ;p though bikini would be good too!
(ID #55194) Posted on 2007/08/23 11:30
What is sue is that I'll never buy any Nendoroid figure !
(ID #55211) Posted on 2007/08/23 12:52
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
i prefer bikini followed by maid followed by schoolgirl. :p
(ID #55212) Posted on 2007/08/23 12:58
Dang! I thought I was gonna choose default, but my naughty mouse moved over to the bikini xD well, either way is good as long as I can get a hand on her when she's out.. Heheh~ It sure is going to sell~
(ID #55221) Posted on 2007/08/23 14:27
Gundamjehutykai in Foundation II: Stellvia
being a resin whore, I probably wouldn't be interested in a normal Mirei. May be interested in a nendoroid tho...
(ID #55224) Posted on 2007/08/23 15:20
Pro Fansub Downloader
Sorry this is so late: I also liked what some people said about starting with the default and working through different costumes/poses. If you give the majority what they want up front, they may not come back for more later (no way, that's just wrong, YOU GOTTA GET 'EM ALL!)
(ID #55229) Posted on 2007/08/23 16:15
You guys are crazy, why the "bikini"! the "default" outfit or even the "maid" would be better! Even though I am not the biggest fan on this site I would most likely get the figure!
(ID #55230) Posted on 2007/08/23 16:34
Student
Maid FTW! And best of luck to you and the figure dealings.
(ID #55235) Posted on 2007/08/23 18:13
Lowlife
Polo bikini Mirai plz.
(ID #55241) Posted on 2007/08/23 22:15
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
This sounds great Danny. How could networking get anymore pleasurable. I really need to get my ##@s in gear, wouldn't mind getting invited to meeting like these. I guess you where invited because of the prominence of your website and figure reviews? I would go with maid first... ^^; Like that one should come as a surprise. Then again AndyH's nendoroids would look great as figures.
(ID #55246) Posted on 2007/08/24 00:30
Anything will do as all three are great choices. I believe classic Mirai-Chan is the best, personally. I wonder if you would remunerate AndyH if her Nendoroid was to be released (I hope so). I believe Yuko-San will get her share obviously. Best of luck to you. I sincerely wish this will work in the end.
(ID #55260) Posted on 2007/08/24 02:07
I think it will be either the Maid or Bikini version to be made. Regular DannyChoo users would definately buy one haha. It'll probably sell well with the Bikini one. And in the end, maybe Danny could come up with a competition to let Danny Users to design a figure hehe. (That would be like...own 'figure' + Mirai combo @_@). :s
(ID #55360) Posted on 2007/08/25 00:05