What Exactly is DesignerCon?

—How did DesignerCon come to be?

BenIt started in 2005 as a small show in Pasadena, California.

At the time, I was running an online-only art toy shop called 3DRetro. I wanted to create an event that could bring together art toy collectors and also help shop owners like myself sell more products, so I decided to organize it myself.

The first show was held in a small conference room at a convention center. Only about 10 people, who sold collectible sofubi figures locally, participated. We had around 100 visitors, but for me, it was a huge success. Everyone had a great time.






—This is the 13th year of the event. When do you feel was the turning point?

BenI felt the biggest turning point was about three years ago. We had been growing steadily, but that year, the vendor spaces sold out unusually quickly. For the first time, I realized there were many companies on a waiting list for cancellations.

Since then, the scale has increased year by year, and even with our current large venue, we still have many companies waiting for space.


—What do you think has contributed to its growth as a show that fans, artists, and vendors can enjoy?

BenDesignerCon is a wonderful event that prioritizes connecting people through community. Artists and fans can gather and interact freely.

The show also attracts major companies looking for freelance talent and independent artists. It offers various opportunities for everyone, making it an enjoyable and exciting show for all.

The Emergence of Art Toys and the Current State of the US Toy Market

—Could you share a personal memory related to toys?

BenI've loved toys for as long as I can remember. Just having my favorite movie or manga characters sitting on my desk as toys made me happy.

I still remember my first encounter with "art toys." Art toys aren't like the regular toys you find in typical toy stores. Each one has a unique shape and color, representing not just movies or manga, but the artist themselves, and serving as a new form of art. When I started collecting art toys, I felt they were truly special.


—How did you first learn about MEDICOM TOY?

BenI first encountered BE@RBRICK at a small toy store specializing in imported toys. It was my first "art toy."

I thought the concept of transforming an artist's canvas into a three-dimensional form through BE@RBRICK was brilliant. To me, they are as valuable as art pieces, and even cooler.

From there, I became interested in the artists designing BE@RBRICK and began collecting art toys as a personal pursuit. I love the collective art pieces created by MEDICOM TOY. While I have many favorites, if I had to choose one from my collection, it would be the "4ft Black Dissected Kaws Companion."


—What are your thoughts on the toy market in the US over the past few years?

BenWhile it's difficult to comment on changes in retail formats, it's clear that large toy stores are becoming obsolete. More customers are getting their toys from online shopping on Amazon or from "big box" retailers like Target and Walmart.

The general consumer market is facing intense price competition, and with the closure of large toy stores, choices are becoming limited. Meanwhile, the market for collectible toys, especially those produced in small batches in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, is seeing increasing demand in the US because they are hard to obtain.








—What are your thoughts on toy culture in Asia, including Japan?

BenI think it's quite different from the US. Firstly, retail stores are very popular in Asia and Japan.

Many people still go to stores to buy toys even though they are available online. I feel that Japanese collectors have a very good sense for toys because they truly know what makes a good item.

In America, many people don't see the value in toy collecting, and they don't even know about collectible toys.

MEDICOM TOY Selected as Official Partner for 2018!

—Could you tell us why you chose MEDICOM TOY as the official partner this year?

BenWe have long wanted MEDICOM TOY to participate in DesignerCon. This is because I believe MEDICOM TOY is the leading force in the "art collector's toy" industry. They were the first company to collaborate with outstanding artists worldwide to create limited edition figures and sofubi, and it was MEDICOM TOY that turned toys into a "platform" where various cultures intersect.

The current art toy industry, spearheaded by DesignerCon, exists based on MEDICOM TOY's vision. Without MEDICOM TOY, DesignerCon might not even exist. It was my dream for MEDICOM TOY to engage closely with the collector community through DesignerCon. I am extremely pleased that they are participating as an official partner this year.


—What specifically is planned for the official partnership?

BenOne aspect is the sale of new event-exclusive products at DesignerCon. For many American customers, this will be their first opportunity to purchase MEDICOM TOY products directly.

Furthermore, many Japanese artists with whom MEDICOM TOY collaborates will be attending. For collectors like myself, MEDICOM TOY becoming an official partner is incredibly special. We expect fantastic new and limited items to be available, and many fans from around the world will come to meet the artists.


—Finally, do you have any intention of expanding DesignerCon globally? We would be delighted if it could be held in Japan as well.

BenOf course, we have always intended to grow DesignerCon and expand it globally. We want more people to learn about and love the art toy genre, and to start collecting them.

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