That Character Too! And This Character As Well!!

—First, could you tell us about your current work?

Steven:I head up Universal's international consumer products division. Universal is divided into three divisions: Motion Pictures, which produced Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom(scheduled for release July 13); Illumination Entertainment, which produced Minionsand Sing; and DreamWorks, which produced How to Train Your Dragonand The Boss Baby(scheduled for release March 21).

—You must have very busy days.

Steven:Yes, extremely. The consumer products division is growing rapidly, so we expect to be even busier this year. "Minions," in particular, was ranked number one among all characters in Asia. While they've already been made into BE@RBRICKs, the Minions characters are fascinating from a fashion perspective and for their unique appeal. I look forward to seeing what interesting proposals MEDICOM TOY will bring forward for them.

—Today, we'd like to hear about MEDICOM TOY.

Steven:Our first encounter was with Star Wars. I was with Lucasfilm at the time, and my involvement began when we granted the license for KUBRICK. I still remember it vividly: the New York Toy Fair in February 1999. It was a major snowstorm in New York that day, but I recall having a very productive meeting.

—The first "Star Wars" KUBRICK set, released as a limited mail-order item in January 2003, featured four figures: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Chewbacca, and R2-D2.

Steven:That set, as "Star Wars" figure collectors will know, was modeled after the "Early Bird" set released by Kenner in 1977. Another unique project proposed at the time was to make all the figures in Series 1 (released February 2003) the six bounty hunters who appeared in "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back."the "Early Bird" setthe six bounty hunters who appeared in "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back."

—I was surprised that the regular series started not with main characters, but with the bounty hunters.

Steven:Except for Boba Fett, they didn't have much screen time, so opportunities for merchandise were limited. However, they are a group of skilled bounty hunters assembled by Darth Vader, and they are very popular among core fans. MEDICOM TOY's idea was to tell the story behind them by making them into KUBRICKS. At the time, Lucasfilm hadn't received such unique concept proposals from toy companies, so I was very grateful.

—That was around the time the new trilogy (Episodes 1-3) was gaining momentum.

Steven:From a business perspective, the relationship between Star Wars and Japan—including the influence of director Akira Kurosawa's films—was known among fans. So, I was thrilled to have a partner from a Japanese manufacturer who would bring the interesting stories from past works to life through products. However, getting internal approval was extremely difficult. It took over a year to make them understand the significance of releasing these products.

Page 02.Why Go So Far?

Why Go So Far?

—Why did you go to such lengths to cooperate?

Steven:I was deeply impressed by the commitment to Japanese craftsmanship. Before meeting with MEDICOM TOY, I had worked with Hiroshi Okamoto of Toys McCoyon the 12-inch "Indiana Jones" figure (released in 1999). I truly respected Okamoto's uncompromising approach to product development, his meticulous attention to every detail. Since then, I've developed a relationship akin to family with Okamoto, Ryuhiko Akashi of MEDICOM TOY, and others.

—It's said that you've worked not only with Lucasfilm but also with Disney and Hasbro.

Steven:While at Hasbro, I was involved when MEDICOM TOY collaborated with Takara Tomy to create a transforming Transformer BE@RBRICK. The representative from Takara Tomy was someone I had known and interacted with directly since my Lucasfilm days, so we are very close friends. In fact, the Transformer BE@RBRICK originated from a casual conversation at a home party with Akashi and others, where we thought, "Wouldn't it be great if we had something like this?" For me, the best work comes from collaborating with people I genuinely admire, and we indeed created something wonderful.

Indeed, the Transformer BE@RBRICK also started from a conversation at a home party with Akashi and others, where we thought, "Wouldn't it be great if we had something like this?" For me, the best work comes from collaborating with people I genuinely admire, and we indeed created something wonderful.

—Were you interested in toys from a young age?

Steven:Absolutely! First and foremost, "Star Wars." Then, the original G.I. Joe(Hasbro's 12-inch military action figure, launched in 1964), Evel Knievel(a stunt performer famous in the 1970s for his daredevil stunts), and "Big Trak" (a programmable toy truck) were among my favorites that I played with extensively.

—So, you decided you wanted a career in the toy industry?

Steven:I majored in Toy Design in college, and after graduation, I worked on developing programmable products for LEGO's Mindstormsprogram.

—That's a series with a passionate fanbase in Japan as well.

Steven:My project team worked on that first generation. Coincidentally, the designer who worked on "Big Trak" was my supervisor. The programming for moving the wheels in all directions is fundamentally the same. However, "Mindstorms" might have been a bit too complex for children to play with. Personally, I believe toys should be fun above all else, so balancing the technical aspects was challenging. But it was a valuable experience.

—Could you tell us about some of the most memorable items you've worked on with MEDICOM TOY?

Steven:Of all the projects I've been involved in, my absolute favorite is the KUBRICK of Kermit the Frog, a collaboration with SUPREME (released April 2008).

—That's the frog character created by puppeteer Jim Henson, isn't it?

Steven:I worked on that during my time at Disney Japan. When I tried to get approval from Disney's headquarters in the US, no one there knew about SUPREME. Although they were producing excellent work even then, they were still a relatively niche, underground presence 10 years ago, so obtaining permission was incredibly difficult. When MEDICOM TOY first proposed this project, I wasn't confident we could get it approved. But I explained repeatedly why it was a worthwhile project, and we managed to make it happen. Once a project is approved with the right partners, things move quickly.

When I first received the proposal from MEDICOM TOY, I wasn't confident we could get it approved. But I explained repeatedly why it was a worthwhile project, and we managed to make it happen. Good partnerships allow for swift progress once approval is granted.

Once a project is approved with the right partners, things move quickly.

—Now, SUPREME's collaborations extend to LOUIS VUITTONand generate global buzz with every announcement.and generate global buzz with every announcement.

Steven:SUPREME has collaborated with many companies, and I realize again what an incredible project that was. I even use a photo of it as my computer screensaver, and I cherish the actual item displayed at home.

—I'm envious of those who were able to get their hands on it! (laughs)

Page 03.Second Favorite

Second Favorite

Steven:And my second favorite... In the Star Wars KUBRICK Series 2 (released November 2003), there was an "Indiana Jones" figure as a secret item, wasn't there?

—That was a surprise! Even though Harrison Ford played both Han Solo and Indiana Jones, they are different characters from different series.

Steven:That project was realized because the "Indiana Jones" serieswas also a Lucasfilm production. At the time, attention was focused on the upcoming releases of "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" and

While attention was focused on the upcoming releases of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clonesand Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, I wanted to shine a spotlight on Lucasfilm's older works as well, so I worked hard to make this project happen. From a creative standpoint, I dislike rules. As long as there are no rules, creative endeavors are not limited, and I believe we can realize projects that will delight and surprise fans.

From a creative standpoint, I dislike rules. As long as there are no rules, creative endeavors are not limited, and I believe we can realize projects that will delight and surprise fans.

—Are there any other projects that you found particularly challenging?

Steven:We were able to get most of them approved, but the collaborations between KAWS, Disney properties, and Star Wars were quite challenging. KAWS is an artist, so it took time until he was satisfied with the results.

—You've been instrumental in bringing many of MEDICOM TOY's proposals to life. What are your impressions of working with them?

Steven:Firstly, the precision of their products. I felt a strong passion to express the charm of the original works to the fullest extent. From a branding perspective, they do very unique things, which I find remarkable. In the American toy industry, many companies want to do what MEDICOM TOY does, but they are currently unable to achieve the same level of quality.

Outside of Japan, various industries such as art, music, and fashion are intersecting. People involved in these cultures inevitably discover and take notice of MEDICOM TOY. Akashi, in a word, is 'a man with vision.' He is a fantastic risk-taker with a clear strategy when making decisions. I have personally learned a great deal from him.

—MEDICOM TOY presents items that transcend the traditional concept of 'toys are for children.'

Steven:There are many adult fans worldwide who, despite their age, retain a childlike heart and collect toys. I believe MEDICOM TOY is at the forefront of this movement. When it comes to toys, price points are usually a limiting factor, but MEDICOM TOY's products don't fit into those categories. In that sense, I think MEDICOM TOY falls into the same category as fashion brands like SUPREME, GUCCI, and MONCLER.

—Conversely, do you have any requests for MEDICOM TOY, anything you'd like them to create?

"The Six Million Dollar Man" (aired 1973-1978). I played with toys of the protagonist, Colonel Steve Austin, as a child, so I'd love to see MEDICOM TOY's modern interpretation of them. The Six Million Dollar ManI played with toys of the protagonist, Colonel Steve Austin, as a child, so I'd love to see MEDICOM TOY's modern interpretation of them.

—My imagination is running wild.

Steven:There may be even more surprising projects in the future... please look forward to them.

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