The Latest BE@RBRICK is Multicolor

—First, could you tell us about how you first encountered MEDICOM TOY?

SuzukiIt was around 2005. Before Original Fake (a joint venture by artist KAWS and MEDICOM TOY, operating from 2006 to 2013) opened in Minami-Aoyama, Masamichi Katayama was handling the shop design. KAWS visited nearby properties designed by Katayama to get a feel for the kind of shop he wanted. Since our place was also designed by Katayama, he stopped by. That's when I reconnected with staff from MEDICOM TOY, whom I hadn't seen in a while.

I've always been a fan of "Star Wars" and collected a lot of old figures, so I respected him because he could answer any question about subtle differences in editions.

When Loopwheeler celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009 and we were offered the chance to create a BE@RBRICK, the idea of wrapping a 1000% figure in sweatshirt material was there from the start.

—Were you familiar with BE@RBRICK before that?

SuzukiOf course, I knew about them and bought them regularly.

I have several 1000% figures in my office, including two KAWS BE@RBRICK 1000% figures in gray and blue, released before Original Fake began. I bought them at their original retail price back then. They seem to have appreciated significantly now.

—Now, nearly 10 years later, the highly anticipated second installment has arrived.

SuzukiI'd been in occasional contact with the staff at MEDICOM TOY, so I think the idea of "Shall we do it again sometime?" came up naturally in conversation. The moment we agreed, "Yes, let's do it," the next idea was already there. We decided that if we were going to do it, this time it would be a multicolor version.

We'll also be making a human version using the same fabric, with a very similar color scheme.

—Including the stripes on the back, Loopwheeler's signature colorways are used in various parts. Is the fabric different from the 2009 version?

SuzukiCompletely different. The knitting method is basically the same, but the threads used are quite special. The type of thread changes for gray and navy, making it a very niche detail.

The fleece lining is knitted with three threads: the face yarn, the core yarn, and the backing yarn. Typically, navy is dyed after being knitted with undyed yarn, and heather gray uses gray yarn for the face and core yarns with undyed backing yarn. However, for this fabric, we changed the color and type of the face, core, and backing yarns.

At first glance, you might not notice, but even the dyeing method—whether it's TOP dyeing or yarn dyeing—makes a significant difference. We've employed such meticulous craftsmanship.

—This is an item that longtime Loopwheeler fans will surely appreciate.

SuzukiThose who own the previous version will find great satisfaction in placing this one next to it, as they have a high degree of compatibility. It also clearly shows the evolution. Loopwheeler will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, and I believe this allows people to see nearly a decade of the brand's growth and development.

I'd be happy if even the most discerning fans could appreciate the intricate details, thinking, "Wow, they went to all this trouble for such a difficult process." It's something that those who know will understand.

—And while the 400% model last time featured a flocky finish, this time the focus is on the fabric covering the figure.

SuzukiOver the past nine years, MEDICOM TOY has also developed the capability to create full-body costumes for the 400% size. This 400% version is incredibly cute. In fact, I think the 400% size is more challenging due to its smaller scale. Of course, it will feature the Katakana name tag.

—I imagine you've already received a strong reaction on platforms like Instagram?

SuzukiYes, we have. The popularity of BE@RBRICK has surged globally, especially in Asia, compared to nine years ago. Apparently, more people are collecting the 400% size these days. I hope that seeing this model will inspire those who weren't familiar with our brand to want to collect it as well.

Page 02."Star Wars" is My Textbook

"Star Wars" is My Textbook

—You mentioned collecting "Star Wars" figures. Is this, like your interest in sweatshirts, an admiration for American culture?

SuzukiWhile my collection of vintage sweatshirts is for historical accuracy, "Star Wars" is a bit different.

We experienced it in real-time. The first episode, "A New Hope," was released in the US in 1977. I've watched "Star Wars" countless times, from its theatrical release to VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray, including remastered versions. I've lost count of how many box sets I've bought.

For me, "Star Wars" is a textbook. When I'm in doubt, I watch "Star Wars." I find answers, or at least something close to them, within it. It addresses how to act, how to be as a person, and how to think. Essentially, it's philosophy.

And passion.

Beyond the engaging characters and storyline, I believe it's precisely because these elements are present in "Star Wars" that the films have endured for so long. The original trilogy, especially Episodes IV, V, and VI, is particularly rich in life philosophy.

—The year Loopwheeler was founded, 1999, was also the year Episode I, the first new installment in 16 years, was released.

SuzukiLoopwheeler initially began sales in the UK. The Japanese fashion industry showed little interest, so I decided to try the UK. However, setting aside our design and creative aspects, the teams responsible for sewing and knitting were undoubtedly top-tier by Japanese standards at the time. Therefore, I wanted our high-end products, created by that team, to be recognized.

—Considering that the "Star Wars" series was also filmed in the UK, it feels almost as if you were guided by fate.

SuzukiYes, I believe there's a connection.

—Finally, could you offer a few words as we approach your 20th anniversary next year?

SuzukiWe are currently in the midst of various preparations, so please look forward to what's to come.

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