Fujiko F. Fujio, the manga artist behind timeless children's classics like "Doraemon," "Perman," and "Kiteretsu Encyclopedia," celebrated his 90th birthday on December 1, 2023, with various anniversary projects underway. This time, we feature Tetsujin, the formidable robot from "Tetsujin o Hirotta yo" (The Man Who Picked Up a Robot), one of Fujio's masterful adult science fiction short stories penned from the 1970s onwards, now brought to life as a sofubi figure.

In September 1969, just before the serialization of "Doraemon" began, Fujiko F. Fujio unveiled his first adult science fiction short story, "Minotauros no Sara" (The Minotaur's Plate), which garnered attention for its shocking content. He continued to write unique SF short stories as another life's work, totaling 112 pieces. The narratives, which seemed to foresee the world of the 21st century, may hold even greater impact today than at the time of their publication.

"Tetsujin o Hirotta yo" is a science fiction short story published in "Big Comic" in 1983.

One evening, on his way home from work, the protagonist encounters a man collapsed in the middle of the road. In a near-death state, the man hands the protagonist something like a remote control and gasps, "Developed in secret by the former Imperial Army..." before vanishing while the protagonist goes to find a phone to call an ambulance. When the protagonist presses a button on the remote, a giant robot appears from nowhere. Thinking it a well-made toy, the protagonist drives home with it, only for the robot to follow him. What conclusion does the protagonist reach after unexpectedly gaining such immense power...?

This work was recently adapted into a live-action drama, broadcast in April 2024 as part of Season 2 of NHK BS's "Fujiko F. Fujio SF Short Story Drama." The "Sofubi Tetsujin," faithfully recreating the original artwork, will be available at the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City, Project 1/6, and MCT TOKYO. This is an unmissable item for not only Fujiko F. Fujio fans but also giant robot enthusiasts.

Sofubi Tetsujin
Head Sculpt Production | MOTOR KEN
Size | Approx. 250mm in height
Release Date | Scheduled for August 2024 release at Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City, Project 1/6, and MCT TOKYO
Price | ¥19,800 (incl. tax)
*This is a limited quantity item. Please forgive us if it sells out.
©️Fujiko-Pro