A 200% BE@RBRICK made with jade, crafted in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture. The process of gradually shaping and finally polishing the material over approximately six months using traditional methods is truly astonishing. We covered the background of this project and its production process.

MEDICOM TOY presents a 200% BE@RBRICK, meticulously finished entirely by hand by artisans in Koshu, Yamanashi, using rare Burmese jade. Jade, a translucent green gemstone named after the kingfisher's plumage, has been treasured since ancient times as a symbol of eternal youth and longevity, valued more highly than gold in China and the ancient Inca Empire. Furthermore, the joint parts are made of SILVER925, allowing for articulation in the head, arms, and legs. A masterpiece of supreme quality has been born.

The producer is Tetsuya Ueshima, CEO of IVX JAPAN and a native of Yamanashi Prefecture. He is one of Japan's leading jewelry designers, having worked on numerous brands such as "IVXLCDM." The production was handled by Koji Takuma, CEO of Takuma Gem Carving, also located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Takuma, who excels in three distinct fields—gem carving, gem polishing, and precious metal processing—brings a fresh perspective with his traditional techniques and creativity. His studio is constantly sought after for collaborations by brands both domestically and internationally.
We visited Takuma Gem Carving to observe the production process of the jade BE@RBRICK.

While Yamanashi Prefecture is famous as the birthplace of Japanese wine production, did you know it is also Japan's foremost jewelry production area?

High-quality crystals have been mined in the Kinpu-zan area near Kofu City since ancient times, and the polishing techniques for crystal, introduced during the Edo period, led to significant development. Today, it is a rare hub globally where all stages of jewelry creation, from gem polishing and carving to precious metal processing, are concentrated, carrying on this tradition.

In 2007, Tetsuya Ueshima, who founded the jewelry brand "IVXLCDM" leveraging these traditional techniques, initiated the production of this BE@RBRICK. The letters I, V, X, L, C, D, M represent the Roman numerals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, signifying a commitment to creating timeless pieces that can be passed down through generations. The release of a SILVER925 BE@RBRICK necklace in collaboration with Medicom Toy in the spring of 2022 led to this current project.

"During numerous meetings at Medicom Toy, I was deeply impressed by the craft-themed BE@RBRICKs displayed on the walls, such as those from Karimoku in Aichi Prefecture, Kutani ware from Ishikawa, and Arita ware from Saga. At the same time, I felt a strong desire to place a Yamanashi-made BE@RBRICK alongside them. The traditional craft of 'Koshu Crystal and Precious Stone Work,' which is the origin of Yamanashi's jewelry industry, immediately came to mind. I scheduled a factory visit on my way home. In our next meeting, I proposed the idea to Medicom Toy's CEO, Tatsuhiko Akashi, as a unique BE@RBRICK that only we could create. He responded with interest, saying he'd like to see it, and the product development began."(Tetsuya Ueshima, CEO of IVX JAPAN)

When the BE@RBRICK sample was brought to the gem carving factory, the artisans, accustomed to crafting Buddhist statues and phoenixes, were reportedly surprised as they had never created a movable figure before. While it might seem straightforward at first glance, the production proved challenging due to the intricate balance of the center of gravity and curves; miscalculations could prevent the figure from even standing upright. After repeated adjustments, a 100% scale jade BE@RBRICK prototype was completed in the summer of 2022.

"After seeing the prototype, Mr. Akashi contacted me requesting a 200% scale jade BE@RBRICK. The factory that produced the 100% version did not have large enough raw jade stones for a 200% scale. So, we began searching for suitable raw stones from Yamanashi's gem dealers, eventually finding the current factory, Takuma Gem Carving."(Tetsuya Ueshima, CEO of IVX JAPAN)

Koji Takuma, CEO of Takuma Gem Carving, entrusted with the manufacturing, was born in 1973 and is a certified traditional craftsman and master jeweler. He is recognized as a dynamic force in the industry, creating innovative works that blend contemporary sensibilities with traditional techniques honed through his experience in jewelry making. His father, Etsuji Takuma, founded "Takuma Gem Carving Studio" in 1967 and received the "Science and Technology Agency Director-General Award" for independently developing a unique technique to polish jade, which was considered extremely difficult at the time. Recognized as a leading expert in jade, his work was also exhibited at the "Jade Exhibition" held at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno.

"Jade has a history of use in trade since the Jomon period and is currently designated as Japan's national gemstone. For this 200% scale BE@RBRICK, we used Burmese jade, known for its high transparency and beautiful luster. Our studio has been working with jade for many years, dating back to my father's time, and we happened to have a stock of raw stones of the required size."(Koji Takuma, CEO of Takuma Gem Carving)

The studio is filled with storage areas for raw stones, showcasing a collection of precious stones gathered from around the world. Koji's younger brother, Wataru, handles overseas procurement, using his experienced eye to acquire high-quality stones.

"Unlike gemstones composed of a single mineral, jade is formed from a combination of various minerals. Therefore, a raw stone is essentially encased, and its true value is only revealed upon opening it. The price varies significantly based on transparency, the extent of deep green coloration, and the presence of cracks. In Chinese culture, where most people own at least one piece as a protective charm, high-quality jade is considered an investment. When purchasing raw stones, we use specialized lights to identify those with minimal inclusions and color variations."(Wataru Takuma, Takuma Gem Carving)

"The challenge with jade lies in anticipating its properties. For the BE@RBRICK production, the first difficulty was how to cut the raw stone. We needed not only the surface dimensions but also sufficient thickness, and we wanted to incorporate the deep green areas prominently on the front. Although there are seven parts in total, to achieve a beautiful finish, we also wanted to retain evidence that they were all cut from the same raw stone. (Picks up a sample of raw stone) Look here. This is a 'kan,' or crack. This would be considered a flaw, so we couldn't use it. We spent a considerable amount of time on the chamfering before cutting."(Koji Takuma, CEO of Takuma Gem Carving)

Based on years of experience, the raw stones are cut into the optimal shapes, followed by rough shaping of each part. Because jade is composed of various minerals with differing hardness and softness, achieving a high polish was extremely difficult. However, the technique developed by the late Etsuji Takuma made it possible.

"When I first heard about this project, I felt that jade's hard yet tenacious properties would be a perfect fit for the BE@RBRICK material. However, due to these characteristics, the surface tends to become uneven even after polishing. My father's method allows us to achieve a smooth finish."(Koji Takuma, CEO of Takuma Gem Carving)

Witnessing the process firsthand in the workshop, we saw artisans using a muddy mixture, gradually polishing the parts to the correct size. This is a meticulous manual process requiring great skill and precision.

"This mud is a mixture including abrasive stones, and we polish the parts by gradually changing the grit size. Actually, last year and this year, I exhibited crystal shot glasses at Art Fair Tokyo (Japan's largest international art fair). The adjacent booth was 'AKASHIC RECORDS' (a project curated by Medicom Toy's CEO, Akashi, exhibiting and selling works by carefully selected artists, brands, and content from around the world). At that time, I saw BE@RBRICKs made by artists from Japan and abroad and thought, 'If we could be involved in something like this, Yamanashi's jewelry industry would gain much wider recognition.' My father passed away last year, and six months later, I received this offer. I felt it was a sign from my father telling me to do it."(Koji Takuma, CEO of Takuma Gem Carving)

For the Takuma brothers, who are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Yamanashi's gem carving artisans and have opened a gallery at the site of the old factory to showcase their work to the public, the BE@RBRICK project was a serendipitous opportunity. It offered a chance to engage in contemporary design and create something with an international scope. Ueshima has known the Takuma brothers since his teenage years and they are close friends, but this was their first time working together. After touring the studio and relaxing in the gallery, the three of them shared a laugh, remarking, "It was perfect timing."

The jade BE@RBRICK, which began production in November 2022, took six months to complete its sample. Named "Koshu BE@RBRICK (Jade)," it was first unveiled at the "MEDICOM TOY EXHIBITION '23" held in July 2023. We asked producer Ueshima about his aspirations for this project, which aims to showcase Yamanashi's renowned jewelry craftsmanship to the world.

"As I mentioned earlier, Koshu is primarily known for Koshu wine and Koshu grapes, and I felt a sense of frustration that its leading jewelry industry wasn't more widely recognized. Because BE@RBRICK has collectors worldwide, we decided on the name in consultation with Mr. Akashi, hoping to introduce the traditional techniques and jewelry industry that Koshu (Yamanashi) prides itself on, and to foster future creations that fuse Koshu's industrial technology."

"The jade used in this natural stone BE@RBRICK was formed over millions of years underground. Considering the rarity of the material and production efficiency, mass production is extremely difficult, but I believe that is precisely what gives it its romantic appeal. It would be wonderful if this Koshu-made BE@RBRICK could become a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations, or perhaps be displayed in a world-renowned museum."

"We believe our industry has an obligation to evolve beyond just jewelry and adapt to changing times to connect with future generations. I would be delighted if this project could serve as a catalyst for that."(Tetsuya Ueshima, CEO of IVX JAPAN)

Koshu BE@RBRICK (Jade)
Production: Koji Takuma (Takuma Gem Carving)
Produced by: Tetsuya Ueshima (IVX JAPAN)
Product: Takuma Gem Carving by IVXLCDM®
Materials: Jade (Burmese), SILVER925
Size: Approx. 145mm total height. Comes in a luxurious, beautiful box with a lock.
How to Purchase: Orders accepted from Friday, July 21, 2023, 4:00 PM to Thursday, August 31, 2023, 11:59 PM at MEDICOM TOY PLUS and MCT TOKYO (http://mct.tokyo).
Release Date: Scheduled for release and shipping in December 2023.
Price: ¥1,320,000 (tax included)
*Due to the use of natural stone, individual pieces will vary in appearance.
*This is a made-to-order production (shipping costs not included).
*As precious stones are used, orders may close without prior notice once a certain quantity is reached.
*Please note that delivery may take over 4 months.
©️2023 Takuma Gem Carving, IVXLCDM®
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2023 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.