To commemorate the 35th anniversary of THE TIMERS' debut, MEDICOM TOY will release figures and helmets of the band's frontman, "ZERRY," along with T-shirts, on a made-to-order basis. The helmet is a prop replica, faithfully recreating the one originally made by Goshin Sangyo Co., Ltd., which ZERRY actually used.

THE TIMERS is a masked band of four: ZERRY, a figure resembling Kiyoshiro Imawano; TOPPI; BOBBY; and PAH.
From 1988, they would sporadically appear at live events and school festivals, clad in work clothes, tabi boots, and helmets, releasing one outspoken song after another and causing a stir.
Last November, a 35th-anniversary edition of their major debut album, "THE TIMERS," titled "THE TIMERS 35th Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Item," was released in two formats: 3LP and 3CD. The accompanying release event held at TOKYO FM HALL in Tokyo also became a major topic of conversation.

These items—the figure, helmet, and T-shirt being released by MEDICOM TOY—were made possible through the significant cooperation of their management office and Universal Music Japan. We spoke with the representative from Universal Music who worked diligently on this project.

—First, could you share your thoughts on the figure and helmet being released by MEDICOM TOY?

Universal Music (hereinafter UM)When we discussed making ZERRY's helmet with the representative from MEDICOM TOY and looked at the actual item, my heart leaped when I found the manufacturer's mark, "Goshin Sangyo," on the inside of the helmet.

Upon visiting MEDICOM TOY and Goshin Sangyo, we learned that the representative from the latter was also coincidentally a fan of Kiyoshiro-san, which felt like fate.

We were impressed by MEDICOM TOY's dedication, not only in their meticulous hand-application of each sticker on the helmet but also in their commitment to using the same manufacturer as ZERRY's original helmet and producing a functional helmet that meets safety standards and is suitable for practical use.

—The "THE TIMERS 35th Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Item," released last year on 3CD and 3LP, is a lavish package featuring 38 tracks, including remastered songs, unreleased tracks, and live recordings. What was involved in its production?

UMWe had heard from the band members that there were countless songs they recorded but never released. We decided to include as many of those as possible, including tracks that were passed over for the deluxe edition released in 2016.

We also paid close attention to the mastering, commissioning STUART HAWKES at Metropolis Studio in London—where THE TIMERS did their London recordings—to handle the mastering and cutting. He apparently remembered that era and readily agreed, making the process smooth. While THE TIMERS are often noted for the provocative nature of their lyrics, we believe this mastering highlights the sharpness of their rhythm and the coolness of their performance, despite their simple instrumentation.

—On January 31, 2025 (Friday), the "Illegal Gathering to Commemorate the Release of 'THE TIMERS 35th Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Item'" was held at TOKYO FM HALL in Tokyo.

UMWe wanted to hold a release event and were considering venues when TOKYO FM HALL came to mind. The moment I thought of it, I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell someone. We took a shot and asked, and the hall's representative found it interesting, which led to the event happening there.

Tickets sold out the moment they went on sale. While the content was certainly a draw, I believe the appeal of "THE TIMERS × TOKYO FM HALL" also fueled people's anticipation and led them to purchase tickets.

The event was divided into two parts. Part one featured a one-hour omnibus screening of live footage tracing THE TIMERS' history. Part two included MC Mayumi Chiwaki, a talk with Kazuhiro Takahashi, who was in charge of promotion at the record label back then, the same video screening as part one, and a talk session with the band members.

A false MC announcement, "Today's TIMERS concert is canceled," caused a huge stir back then.*1The same woman who delivered that MC announcement in the past made a surprise appearance in the second part to declare the event's cancellation, leading to laughter and heckles from the audience in a warm, familiar atmosphere as the event proceeded.

*1: At THE TIMERS' concerts, an announcement would often precede their set, stating, "Due to various circumstances, THE TIMERS' performance has been canceled." This was followed by the band members themselves angrily appearing, shouting, "Don't be fooled by false information!" This was a regular bit, and on occasion, audience members actually left.

—For those who want to start listening to THE TIMERS, could you recommend three songs?

UM"Day Dream Believer": No matter how provocative the songs they play, performing this one fills everything with peace and love.
"Prime Minister": An acoustic yet fiercely funky number. The lyrics resonate with the current state of the world.
"Rock n' Gingi": A song that simply touches the heart, even in today's times.

—Finally, could you tell us about any upcoming plans related to THE TIMERS?

UMOn April 2nd, "Shinji Miyake Presents 'The 16th Day of Gratitude' TIMERS Grand Festival" will be held at Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe. Please look forward to it.

VCD ZERRY
A figure of "ZERRY" from "THE TIMERS" is now available. The stickers on ZERRY's beloved helmet and the text on his happi coat (Tokyo Rice Cooperative Association) are precisely reproduced.
Size: Approx. 240mm (total height)
How to Purchase: Orders accepted until Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:59 PM (JST) atMCT TOKYOandUNIVERSAL MUSIC STOREOrders accepted
Release Date: Scheduled for July 2025 shipping
Price: ¥22,000 (incl. tax)
©︎ Babys

THE TIMERS ZERRY’S HELMET
A prop replica of the helmet worn by ZERRY, originally made by Goshin Sangyo Co., Ltd. With the cooperation of Goshin Sangyo Co., Ltd., even the surface stickers and handwritten text on the right side have been completely reproduced.
Size: Approx. 150mm (total height)
How to Purchase: Orders accepted until Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:59 PM (JST) atMCT TOKYOandUNIVERSAL MUSIC STOREOrders accepted
Release Date: Scheduled for April 2025 shipping
Price: ¥63,800 (incl. tax)
*This is a made-to-order, custom-produced item (shipping costs not included). As only a few can be produced per month, please note that shipping may take over 3 months. We appreciate your understanding.
*Depending on order volume, sales may end without prior notice.
©︎ Babys

MLE × THE TIMERS / T-Shirt “River of Strife”
A T-shirt to commemorate THE TIMERS' 35th anniversary! Using a technique where different fabrics are printed and sewn together, creating a layered effect for a three-dimensional appearance. The lyrics "River of Strife" are boldly printed on the back.
Color: WHITE, BLACK
Size: S, M, L, XL
How to Purchase: Orders accepted until Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:59 PM (JST) atMCT TOKYOandUNIVERSAL MUSIC STOREOrders accepted
Release Date: Scheduled for July 2025 shipping
Price: ¥13,200 each (incl. tax)
©︎ Babys
©︎SHINKO MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
YOSHIAKI©︎ SUGIYAMA
©1989 by Sony Music Publishing (Japan) Inc. / Babys' Songs