A cute BE@RBRICK transforms into a cool robot (fully transformable)! From "BE@RBRICK × TRANSFORMERS," the series' representative character "Optimus Prime (Convoy)" appears in a 400% size.

Since the birth of Optimus Prime (Convoy), who transforms from a vehicle to a robot in 1984, "Transformers" has captivated fans worldwide as a monument of transforming robot toys through the partnership between Takara Tomy Co., Ltd. and Hasbro Inc. (USA) for 40 long years.

The Transformers team at Takara Tomy has set a goal: "Cherish the Transformers 'YOUR ORIGIN' that became everyone's starting point, and as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, let all generations unite to transform into 'OUR ORIGIN' and connect to even greater power." They are continuously developing projects that can be enjoyed across generations.

The "BE@RBRICK × TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME 400%," a collaboration between Medicom Toy and Takara Tomy, achieves full transformation in a large 280mm size with a newly designed structure. The "TRANSFORMERS" and "BE@RBRICK" logos are embossed on the back of the body, creating a premium feel that only those who hold it can experience. To commemorate the release of this product, we interviewed the Takara Tomy Transformers team about last year's Transformers 40th anniversary event, the behind-the-scenes story of product development, and future plans.

— Last year marked the 40th anniversary of Transformers, and various events unfolded, including the "Transformers Exhibition" held nationwide starting in Umeda Loft, Osaka; the "Transformers Expo 2024" at the G1 Building in Terada Warehouse, Tokyo; the release of the latest movie "Transformers / ONE"; and new product launches from Takara Tomy. First, could you share your reflections on looking back?

Takara TomyWe had been making many preparations for the 40th anniversary for some time. First, we began streaming the first anime series, "Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers," which has now continued with "Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Neo." Due to its long history, there were actually many new generation fans who hadn't seen the older works, and I believe both traditional and new fans have been enjoying it.

We also made various preparations for fans of each generation in terms of products. First, in our highest-end brand, "Masterpiece," we celebrated our 100th release by launching "Ginrai," which had long been the most popular in product surveys. Concurrently, we also released "Super Ginrai" in the next-generation highest-end MPG series. Around the time of this announcement, we also began streaming "Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Super-God Masterforce," where Ginrai appears.

And for fans of the G1 generation, aged 40-50, we launched the "Missing Link" series, a hypothetical revival of early toys as fully posable figures.
For fans in their 30s, the so-called "Beast Generation," we released "Lio Convoy" under the name "40TH SELECTION" with specifications more faithful to the anime. For fans in their 20s, the "Movie Generation," we plan to release the popular MPM Bumblebee with more faithful coloring.

And in 2024, which is also Takara Tomy's 100th anniversary, we are releasing the "Karakuri Statue KS-01 Convoy," the first fully automatic transforming product, in March as a commemorative item. Additionally, there's participation in races and product collaborations with BINGO SPORTS, and we've announced collaboration products with the games "Monster Hunter" and "Godzilla," among other diverse developments.

Among these, I believe the "Transformers Expo" held in conjunction with the release of the movie "Transformers / ONE" was our main focus.
This event, held in Tokyo after the "Transformers Exhibition" in Osaka and Fukuoka, showcased the history of Transformers through panels and product displays. It was very well received by visitors, with many venue-exclusive items and related merchandise available.

— "Optimus Prime (Convoy)" is not only a representative character of Transformers but also consistently plays a flagship role in product development. Could you tell us about the appeal of this character and any particularly memorable items among Takara Tomy's past products?

Takara TomyOptimus Prime (Convoy) was already a popular protagonist/commander character, but I believe his recognition further deepened with the live-action movie adaptations in Hollywood.

While our first substantial collaboration was creating a Convoy trailer with a beverage company in the late 2000s, Optimus is frequently the character requested for various collaborations. Within the anime series, he's a commander who, despite his leadership role, often experiences setbacks or gets easily dismantled, which I believe is part of why he's been loved for so long.

Although various staff members have handled numerous collaboration products in the past, one memorable collaboration I was involved in was "Gari Robo-kun" in 2012, a collaboration with the ice cream "Gari Gari Kun." It was a meticulously crafted item, down to the details and packaging, developed through multiple design discussions with the client's designers. We even drew the iconic "Commander's handshake" pose, a staple in Transformers works (laughs).

— The collaboration between Transformers and BE@RBRICK began in August 2007 with the "BE@RBRICK TRANSFORMERS 2pc set" (OPTIMUS PRIME / MEGATRON). Then, in July 2014, for the 30th anniversary of Transformers, the "BE@RBRICK × TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME" was released, featuring a newly developed mechanism for BE@RBRICK to transform into Optimus Prime.

Takara TomyInitially, it was just a licensing of Transformers characters for BE@RBRICK, but in late 2012, the idea of "Shall we make it transform into a robot (mode)?!" came up.

However, even though we proposed it, it turned out to be quite difficult. I remember our planning and development team spending a considerable amount of time to finalize the sketches. Then, we received word that since we were creating a new mold, we would release four characters: Optimus, Bumblebee, Megatron, and Starscream! It certainly put a lot of pressure on us.

— Since then, "BE@RBRICK × TRANSFORMERS" has also collaborated with the fashion brand A BATHING APE®. Transformers gives the impression of being open to collaborations with other cultures; what are your thoughts behind this approach?

Takara TomyHonestly, I think it's partly because those of us in charge of planning and marketing have many connections with apparel manufacturers and creators.

We have long-standing relationships with both Medicom Toy and A BATHING APE®, which makes discussions smoother. However, we also make it a rule within the team to not repeat collaborations with the same type of business or motif, and instead aim for two to three collaboration products per year. If we want to transform a particular motif, we often approach the other party directly.

— The "BE@RBRICK × TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME 400%" being released this time marks the return of Optimus Prime as a fully transformable BE@RBRICK after approximately 10 years, and in an even larger 400% size. We heard that considerable time was spent on development, including new molds; what aspects have been renewed?

Takara TomyFollowing the success of the 200% size, the idea to create a 400% size came about. However, it wasn't a simple size increase; we had to start the design from scratch, considering factors like durability and safety standards. We measured the actual 400% size and pursued proportions that would look good in both standing and sitting poses.

Furthermore, at the 400% scale, it becomes quite large compared to regular Transformers, so we paid close attention to the joints to ensure it could maintain poses properly.

Also, since we were creating new molds, we partially changed the structure and transformation patterns to enhance its appearance. For example, we added forward bending articulation at the waist in robot mode and widened the elbow articulation range compared to the 200% version to improve its functionality. Regarding coloring, we meticulously compared the prototypes with the actual 400% size and made repeated adjustments to minimize any differences.

— We can't wait for people to get their hands on the actual product and feel the evolution. What are your impressions of BE@RBRICK?

Takara TomyPersonally, I've been a fan of Medicom Toy's products since their inception, purchasing many series. I was particularly dedicated to collecting BE@RBRICK from SERIES 1. So, when we first collaborated, it felt like a dream come true.

After several 200% releases, there was a triple collaboration with A BATHING APE®, and now the realization of this 400% version. It's a great honor to have been associated with you for so long. We hope to be able to develop various character expansions and collaborations with the 400% size as well.

— You've collaborated on numerous products with Medicom Toy before. Could you tell us about the appeal of their company?

Takara TomyWith Medicom Toy, we've had many collaborations beyond Transformers, including Choro-Q. What first amazes me is their speed. And their appeal lies in their ability to commercialize popular characters and the latest content across various forms and series with meticulous specifications and high design quality, including packaging.

We hope to continue collaborating with Medicom Toy in various ways, not just with Transformers but also as Takara Tomy.

— We look forward to more surprising projects. Lastly, could you recommend a new Transformers product from Takara Tomy scheduled for release in 2025 to the OPENERS readers, many of whom are from the G1 generation?

Takara TomyFrom "Generations" (a series of products based on the anime) and "Studio Series" (a series of products based on the movies), which we conduct with Hasbro Inc. (USA), combiners will be released for the first time in about 10 years. From Generations, it's the five-member Aerialbots "Superion," and from Studio Series, it's the six-member Constructicons "Devastator." We will gradually release one figure at a time starting mid-year, with the complete combination expected by the end of the year or early next year.

Additionally, from our highest-end brand MPG, the popular Beast Warrior "Cykillatron Ratchet" is scheduled for release in September. This will complete the main characters on the Autobot side in the highest-end specifications, so we hope you'll pay close attention to it.

BE@RBRICK × TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME 400%
Size | Approx. 280mm in height
Release Date | Scheduled for February 2025 release at all MEDICOM TOY direct stores and online stores.
Price | 36,000 yen (tax included)
※ Limited quantity. Please forgive us if it sells out.
※ "TRANSFORMERS" is a registered trademark of Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.
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