The reclusive artist NAGNAGNAG, who passed away suddenly in November 2023. The project he was working on during his lifetime, "Kamen Rider (Shin Kamen Rider) Semi-Real," will be released by NEW ART GUILD via lottery sale. This marks NAGNAGNAG's first "Kamen Rider" work.

NEW ART GUILD was founded by individuals who worked alongside the late Shigeru Arai (MEDICOM TOY, GORO, PIED PIPER, Kaleidoscope, spamper, 4KDO10). Inheriting his will and keeping his intentions in mind, one of their goals is to complete the unfinished works left behind.

This product includes a NEW ART GUILD guarantee card. Additionally, a cloth scarf and coat, a custom case with a key lock, and gloves are included.
This piece, which took nearly two years from concept to release, is a testament to the dedication of both NAGNAGNAG and the NEW ART GUILD members. To commemorate its release, we spoke with Tatsuhiko Akashi, President of MEDICOM TOY, about the production story.

—What led to the release of "Kamen Rider (Shin Kamen Rider) Semi-Real" as NAGNAGNAG × NEW ART GUILD?

AkashiWe began considering product development immediately after the excitement surrounding the film "Shin Kamen Rider" (released March 18, 2023; screenplay and direction by Hideaki Anno). While Kamen Rider series were generally within NAGNAGNAG's area of interest, I recall it took some time to determine how it would fit alongside our other series and to await a decision from Toei, the rights holder.

Focusing on "Shin Kamen Rider," and given it's Anno's work, he had a strong desire to engage deeply with the project.

—We were impressed by the exquisite balance of "semi-real," achieved through its approximately 450mm height, the realistic sculpting of details like the doll hair used for the back of the head, and the characteristic deformation of soft vinyl.

AkashiAt the time, our Kamen Rider series already involved multiple production teams (RAH, Toei Retro Sofubi Collection, BE@RBRICK). We aimed for a direction that wouldn't overlap with them, and given that the endpoint for NAGNAGNAG's productizations, including the Godzilla series, was semi-real, we settled on this specification.

—What was your interaction like with PIED PIPER, who created the prototype?

AkashiThe key was to blend the nuance of hand-sculpting with precise digital reproduction. Regarding the head size, overall form, and the endpoint NAGNAGNAG envisioned, I feel we had a seamless exchange with PIED PIPER.

I recall NAGNAGNAG saw "Shin Kamen Rider" in theaters in March 2023, and we received official product approval around August. By October, the full body form was complete using fund, and he visited us with PIED PIPER, presenting it with a "How about this direction?" in his usual style.

There were a few exchanges, as I recall, but a standing figure NAGNAGNAG had privately created prior to this served as the benchmark for the "Shin Kamen Rider" form. Shortly after, he passed away in November, but he was involved in the "Shin Kamen Rider" production right up until just before that.

—Which part of the process took the most time?

AkashiThe fusion of the hand-sculpted and digital prototypes was challenging. While most of it is PIED PIPER's hand-sculpting, the belt area uses digital modeling. This natural integration, prototype supervision, wax-up, and the subsequent production of the coat after the test shot completion took longer than expected.

—This product includes a custom case with a key lock and gloves.

AkashiThe entire package, including the packaging, is a work by NAGNAGNAG. He had a strong focus on these details even during his lifetime, so when considering what specifications he would desire, I was reminded of the packaging for a one-off Godzilla we produced with Toho's approval previously. That featured a ready-made trunk with a large padlock, giving it a rather imposing finish, and this is an evolution from that.

For this project, we created a custom all-black case tailored to the size of "Shin Kamen Rider," adding the NAG logo. It's designed to be a part of the artwork itself, while also being a standalone piece.

As it's still in production, we can't show the case yet, but we believe the final finish will be a pleasant surprise. Furthermore, to prevent theft during transport, we've included handcuffs to connect the case to your wrist, which also feature NAG's signature etched coin.

—What are your impressions of the completed "Kamen Rider (Shin Kamen Rider) Semi-Real"?

AkashiWhen PIED PIPER brought in the decoration master late last year, I couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. I wish NAGNAGNAG could have seen it. I am confident he would have been satisfied with the finished product.

—As a final question, NEW ART GUILD, established last June, is actively involved in authenticating NAGNAGNAG's works on Instagram, holding solo exhibitions, and releasing new works that NAGNAGNAG was developing during his lifetime. What are your future plans?

AkashiGiven that NEW ART GUILD involves six different individuals, please expect a wide range of future activities.

The fourth "4KDO10" event is scheduled for early spring, and around the end of July, a spin-off project led by Kaleidoscope and GORO is planned at the gallery where NAGNAGNAG's solo exhibition was held. New creators who inherit NAGNAGNAG's spirit, as well as artists and manufacturers he respected during his lifetime, are expected to participate in these events.

Kamen Rider (Shin Kamen Rider) Semi-Real
Produced by NAGNAGNAG
Prototype Production | PIED PIPER
Size | Approx. 450mm height
Accessories | NEW ART GUILD guarantee card, cloth scarf, coat included, custom case with key lock, gloves
How to Purchase | Lottery sale via the MEDICOM TOY Official Blog from January 24, 2025 (Fri) 0:00 to February 10, 2025 (Tue) 23:59.
Release Date | Scheduled for March 2025 shipping
Price | ¥385,000 (tax included)
*Photos show a sample under supervision. The actual product may differ slightly.
© Ishimori Pro, Toei / 2023 "Shin Kamen Rider" Production Committee