HAyU (Hayu), an artist celebrated across various fields for their wire art, which allows those who possess it to freely arrange it with their own imagination. Their signature works are wire animal heads, crafted freehand without molds.
MEDICOM TOY also recognized their exceptional talent early on, leading to participation in "BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR 3" and the release of "HAyU Wire BE@RBRICK 400% & APPLE" in February to commemorate the relocation and reopening of MEDICOM TOY PLUS.
To celebrate this occasion, we conducted an email interview with Mr. Manabu Ogawa, the designer behind HAyU, to discuss his career and the background of his BE@RBRICK creations.

HAyU / Manabu Ogawa
Born in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1976. After working in the beauty industry in Tokyo and Yokohama, he returned to his hometown in Ibaraki to become a horticultural farmer. He began creating wire art in 2015, developing a unique style of wire animal heads as interior art. He debuted as an artist at the Aoyama-Sando Art Fair in 2017. Currently, he holds lottery-based sales events nationwide. His creative activities extend beyond interior art to include displays for hotel lobbies and public facilities, as well as public art. He has also provided works for CD jackets for Yousui Inoue and designed textiles, showcasing a diverse range of talents.

—You were originally a horticultural farmer. What inspired you to start creating wire art?

It started with an idea to decorate the wall of my living room when I built my new house. However, I had no experience with drawing, so anything I drew myself would have been uninteresting. I had some wire on hand from tying up pipes in horticulture, so I thought I'd try making something with that. If I had had something else available, I probably wouldn't have ended up making wire art.

—How did you acquire the skills for wire art creation?

I still don't quite understand what constitutes wire art techniques myself, but the reason my works became three-dimensional is likely because I worked as a hairdresser for about 10 years before becoming a horticultural farmer, so creating three-dimensional forms felt natural to me.

—When creating animals with wire, what aspects do you pay particular attention to, and what do you find difficult?

The eyes. Specifically, the pupils. I basically start with the pupils, so I determine the overall size based on the pupil size. Also, depending on whether the wire spirals from the center of the pupil are oriented vertically or horizontally, the expression changes, so I vary them according to the personality of each animal. The difficult part is that I'm not good at fine work, yet I've ended up with a detailed style.

—What cultural influences have you had so far?

I never originally intended to become an artist, so there's no one whose work I've tried to imitate or emulate. However, I'm inspired by the playwright Shuji Terayama. Although I never saw it myself, the story of the Asagaya "Knock" (*Note) was profoundly impactful.

*A 30-hour urban theater performance involving audience participation, held simultaneously at 18 locations in Asagaya, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, from April 19th to 30th, 1975. It became a major social topic, with police intervention due to complaints from residents leading to its cancellation.

And Marcel Duchamp. Around that time, I started finding participatory and active works interesting. I also like the pop art of the 80s, such as Keith Haring and Warhol.

My background as a hairdresser and horticultural farmer inevitably influences my work. I preferred salon work over hair styling, so the aspect of creating styles that can be adapted to the client's living environment.
During my time as a horticultural farmer, I received a request from Mr. Isomura, president of Ota Hana-ki Market, to "create floral materials suited for modern living environments." I considered what kind of items would be suitable for display in various parts of a home. That's where my desire to create interior art and textile designs originated. Now, I enjoy sharing my work with customers through social media.

—Could you tell us about the event that led to your widespread recognition as a wire artist?

I debuted at the "Aoyama-Sando Art Fair" organized by H.P.FRANCE in May 2017, and had another opportunity to exhibit in September of the same year. However, due to a typhoon, very few visitors came. Just when I thought I wouldn't have another chance to exhibit in Tokyo, interior stylist Kanae Ishii featured me in a magazine interview. At that time, Ms. Ishii's friend, Yuriko Ishida, introduced my work on Instagram, which motivated me to pursue being an artist.

—What is the origin of your artist name, HAyU?

I decided on an artist name when my work was going to be displayed at a friend's shop. I thought it would seem more professional to have an artist name (laughs). Originally, I made wire creations for my own home, for my two children. Both of them loved animals. HAyU is a coined word made from the initials of my two children.

—Please tell us about your encounter with MEDICOM TOY.

It all started when Ms. Izumi Suga, the vice president, purchased one of my works at a charity auction held at "TRUNK (HOTEL)" in March 2019. Ms. Suga has been very supportive.

—Were you aware of BE@RBRICK before then?

I think most hairdressers and people in the fashion industry of my generation would know about it. At first glance, it's a block figure, but I thought it had incredible potential for expression. I believe it will eventually become a part of Japan's traditional culture.

—You participated in "BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR 3" held last December with a 1000% BE@RBRICK made of wire. Furthermore, in February, "HAyU Wire BE@RBRICK 400% & APPLE" will be released as a commemorative product for the relocation and reopening of MEDICOM TOY PLUS. What kind of meetings did you have with MEDICOM TOY?

They told me to create it in my own style, as I pleased. The initial discussion about this project took place in 2019, and although I was busy and unable to dedicate much time to the work, I am grateful that they patiently supported me at my own pace.

—Please tell us about the concept.

As an artist, I felt it was essential that my BE@RBRICK creations be recognizable as my work. Technically speaking, anyone could create a three-dimensional BE@RBRICK out of wire. That alone isn't special. Therefore, I created a character beforehand (HAyU Bear).

—What is the significance of the apple?

The apple comes as a set with the HAyU Bear. Depending on how it's displayed, it can be seen as an apple, a crown resembling an apple, or it can be displayed separately. It can be placed on a surface or hung on a wall as framed art, so I hope people enjoy it freely.

—What were the challenges during production?

Lack of time. Some events were postponed from last year due to the pandemic, and personally, I experienced health issues and family matters that prevented me from working, causing inconvenience to many people.

—What are your feelings now that it's complete?

First of all, I'm relieved that I was able to complete it (although not all of the 400% figures were finished at the time of this interview). If I had more time, I would like to try making the 1000% version again.

—What does MEDICOM TOY represent to you, Manabu Ogawa?

That's a difficult question... It's like a Dragon Quest dungeon before reaching level 20. Although the hurdles are high for someone as inexperienced as myself, it's where I feel the most growth and make the most discoveries, which is exciting. There are flags, and I hope to be able to resolve them later.

—What would you like to do with MEDICOM TOY in the future?

With my current skills, it might be impossible, but I'd like to create a BE@RBRICK that isn't a standing figure. Also, BE@RBRICK-shaped playground equipment. If they were installed in parks in Shibuya or Harajuku, I think they would be incredibly symbolic public art.

HAyU Wire BE@RBRICK 400% & APPLE
Size | Approx. 270mm / 100mm height each
Price | ¥66,000
Sales Method | Lottery sale at MEDICOM TOY PLUS (Omotesando Hills West Building B2F, 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), which will reopen on February 11, 2022 (Friday, holiday).
※For entry from February 11 (Friday, holiday) to February 13 (Sunday), pre-lottery registration via the web is required, and only winners will be able to enter the store. Details will be announced on the "MEDICOM TOY Official Blog ( http://www.medicomtoy.tv/blog).
※As each item is handmade, there may be individual differences. Exchanges due to individual differences cannot be made.
※As the main body is made of wire, the shape is prone to deformation. If deformation occurs, please reshape it yourself.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2022 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.