Now a hugely popular character with music releases and fan club formations, "Tanukyun Friends." Staying true to their momentum, the release of "BE@RBRICK Tanukyun 400%" has been decided! We spoke with Nem Nem, producer of "Tanukyun" and "Tanukyun Friends," also known for her time as a member of Dempagumi.inc.

The immensely popular character "Tanukyun," boasting approximately 43,000 Instagram followers.
In 2019, they held a collaborative show at Sanrio Puroland titled "Tanukyun & Kitty's Best Friends Forever☆," which garnered significant attention. Furthermore, in 2020, Tanukyun formed the handsome idol unit "Tanukyun Friends" with friends Rabiyan and Koala-san. Starting with their debut song "Love Da Yo, Friends!," they released "Bokura no Holiday," "Pure Kyun Heart de Moe Moe Kyun♡," and "3☆3☆3☆Sunshine" (all currently available on major streaming platforms). In July 2021, they partnered with Toy's Factory and established the Tanukyun Friends fan club, striving daily for further success.

To commemorate the release of "BE@RBRICK Tanukyun 400%," we interviewed Nem Nem, producer of "Tanukyun" and "Tanukyun Friends."

Nem Nem
Bookseller, Character Producer.
Known by the nickname "Nemukyun." Born July 14th. Hails from Iga City, Mie Prefecture (Mie no Kuni Tourism Ambassador). A graduate of Tama Art University. Joined the idol unit "Dempagumi.inc" in 2009. Alongside group activities, she was active in various fields, including video production and column writing. In January 2019, she graduated from Dempagumi.inc at their solo concert at Nippon Budokan, and in March, she retired from the entertainment industry. In July 2019, she opened the bookstore "Yumemi Bookshop" in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. While managing the bookstore, she also produces "Tanukyun" and its friends. Her published works include "Maroyaka na Kyoki" and "Yumemi-tei no Ryori."

—Tanukyun is now quite the celebrity. When did Tanukyun first appear before the public?

Nem NemIt first appeared around 2008 as a tanuki friend of mine.
At the time, it was only an illustration, but later it became three-dimensional, could talk, and began appearing in Nem Nem's video works. In 2014, Tanukyun got its own Instagram account.

—In 2020, the handsome idol unit "Tanukyun Friends" was formed with Rabiyan, a yellow rabbit, and Koala-san, a koala with eyebrows.

Nem NemThe unit was formed solely based on Tanukyun's selfish desire to "become popular!" However, we were blessed with a wonderful production team who created amazing songs, signed a partnership agreement with Toy's Factory as the first non-human artist, and established a fan club, making it a fulfilling period. But since the unit was formed during the pandemic, we couldn't hold many real events where fans could meet us...
In that regard, the play "Nemoto Souko Presents 'Tanukyun Friends, Let's Audition! ~A Trio's Rollercoaster!?~'" held at Sanrio Puroland in May this year was a major event for Tanukyun Friends.
We hadn't even had a chance to perform our debut song live yet, so we practiced with immense dedication. Seeing the fans cheering for the singing and dancing "Tanukyun Friends" with penlights and uchiwa fans brought tears to my eyes.

—As a producer, what kind of activities do you hope for them in the future?

Nem NemAfter all, the moments we can meet our fans are the happiest, so we want to increase opportunities for greetings.
My personal wish is for them to have their own radio show, shoot music videos, and expand their activities as handsome idols. We're also aiming for international expansion!

—Tanukyun appeared in BE@RBRICK SERIES 44, released in July, causing quite a stir. Were you familiar with Medicom Toy beforehand?

Nem NemOf course, I knew them! Many of my favorite characters have been made into BE@RBRICKs, and I owned a few, but I thought, "If I really start collecting, I'll be trapped in an endless pit..." (laughs).
I know I'd definitely go for the 1000%.

—When you heard about the "BE@RBRICK Tanukyun," how did you feel? Please also tell us about any specific points you focused on during the supervision.

Nem NemIt was a long-cherished dream, so I was truly delighted! BE@RBRICKs have a "nose," which Tanukyun doesn't have, so I was concerned about the eye placement relative to the nose. However, the balance proposed by Medicom Toy's designer was perfect. When the sample arrived, the entire Tanukyun team cheered!
The tail is also a key feature, so I was happy we could express it properly.

—What were your thoughts when you saw the finished "Tanukyun" BE@RBRICK?

Nem NemI was deeply moved! To think that Tanukyun was on that BE@RBRICK body! Actually, many Tanukyun fans had been eagerly wishing for a BE@RBRICK version, so I was happy that it finally became a reality and they were pleased. The lineup for SERIES 44 was so impressive; I imagine Tanukyun must have been a bit anxious in the box (laughs).

—The long-awaited "BE@RBRICK Tanukyun 400%" has also been decided for release. Could you share your recommended ways to play with or display it?

Nem NemI was secretly hoping, "It would be great if it could become 400% too~," so I'm thrilled! I'd love to display it by the entrance. Seeing Tanukyun's carefree face would make leaving the house feel more peaceful. It's also nice to see the BE@RBRICK Tanukyun first thing when you come home. Since it's mint green, it's gentle on the eyes too.
Also, I always carry the 100% with me, but perhaps it would be fun to go out with the 400% for a special occasion!

—What would you like to do with Medicom Toy in the future?

Nem NemOh my! Is it okay to talk about such fantasies? (laughs). Well, since the 400% is decided, I'd love a 1000% BE@RBRICK Tanukyun too.
I'd also want BE@RBRICKs of Rabiyan and Koala-san to display alongside Tanukyun. And, although Tanukyun can change into various sizes, I'd love an action figure in "handsome proportions." I want to pose them in cool stances and take pictures. If that were possible, I'd buy ten of each!
Rather than what I'd like to do, I guess I just listed what I want! (laughs).

[Tanukyun Friends]

Tanukyun
Originally from the mountains, but longs to be a city boy. A cute, mint-green tanuki. Has a brazen personality, but gets by with its inherent charm. Loves agedama (deep-fried balls of flour) and karaage (Japanese fried chicken). (Cute Member)

Rabiyan
A yellow rabbit from Osaka. Loud and boisterous, but possesses practical wisdom from cooking for himself and working part-time. Loves ramen and chikuwa (fish cake). (Passion Member)

Koala-san
A koala with eyebrows from Fukuoka. Mesmerizes those around him with his natural good looks. Enjoys yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) and cafes. (Cool Member)

—Could you tell us about yourself as a producer, Nem Nem? You've mentioned that you've loved the works of manga artists Kaho River and Shigeru Sugiura since childhood. What aspects resonated with you?

Nem NemIt started when I was a preschooler and was bought a collection of Showa-era manga at a bookstore, which I read thoroughly. I first fell in love with Kaho River's "Norakuro," but later became completely captivated by Shigeru Sugiura, his disciple. I was shocked by the sudden, incredibly detailed title pages in his otherwise lighthearted and cute manga. What I particularly love are the character designs and the nonsensical nature of the stories. Since tanuki also appear frequently in manga, I believe they significantly influenced the creation of Tanukyun.

—After graduating from Dempagumi.inc, you opened "Yumemi Bookshop," a long-held goal. Last year, you also launched the publishing house "Yumemi-sha." Could you tell us about the future developments for these ventures?

Nem NemYumemi Bookshop operates with the aim of "nurturing future book lovers." Similarly, with the publishing house, my hope is to continue operating in a way that ensures the culture of "books," which I love, remains a part of our lives without fading.

—Finally, could you tell us what you've valued most in your creative activities so far?

Nem NemPerhaps it's never forgetting respect for the cultures I love. The driving force behind my activities often stems from a desire to affirm the precious feeling of "liking" that culture. As a fine arts student, it was art; during my idol days, it was idol culture and the fans' affection that fueled it; as a bookseller, it's publishing, engaging with books, and the act of reading... Character culture and figure culture are the same. I've always wished for a world where one can loudly declare their love for what they like.

BE@RBRICK Tanukyun 400%
Size | Approx. 280mm (height)
Price | ¥16,500 (tax included)
Sales Method | Available at all MEDICOM TOY direct stores and online stores, as well as select other retailers. From Saturday, September 24, 2022, 00:00 to Monday, October 10, 2022, 23:59,MCT TOKYOorders will be accepted.
For details,Medicom Toy Official Websiteplease refer to.
Release Date | Scheduled for release and shipping in April 2023
*Photos are of a sample under supervision. The actual product may differ slightly.
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