S'YTE, a brand designed by the creative team at Yohji Yamamoto, has produced BE@RBRICKs inspired by the representative works of Japan's master of horror manga, Junji Ito: "Tomie" and "Uzumaki." Two designs, "TOMIE" and "UZUMAKI," drawn by Ito himself, will be released.

S'YTE is a genderless collection that turns the French phrase "et Y's" (with Y's) backward and adopts "anti-mode" as its theme. It aims to be accessible through the web to those who have never worn Yohji Yamamoto before.
In this BE@RBRICK, S'YTE's signature style, predominantly black, perfectly complements Ito's world. It's an item designed for fans of both. To commemorate the release of the BE@RBRICKs inspired by "Tomie" and "Uzumaki," we conducted an email interview with Junji Ito.

Junji Ito
Born July 31, 1963, in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. After graduating high school, he enrolled in dental technician school and found employment. However, inspired by the establishment of the "Kazuo Umezu Award" in the rookie manga contest of "Monthly Halloween" (Asahi Sonorama), he submitted his work with the sole intention of having Umezu read it. In 1986, his submission "Tomie" won an honorable mention. This work became his debut and his most representative piece. Three years later, he quit his job as a dental technician to dedicate himself to manga. He has continued to release unique works such as "The Long Dream," "Hanging Balloon," the "Souichi" series, "Lovesick Dead," and "Uzumaki." In 2022, he received his fourth Eisner Award. Starting January 19, 2023, "Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre," an anime adaptation of his selected works, is scheduled for worldwide release on Netflix.

ItoYohji Yamamoto is a global brand, and their chic, black-based fashion is striking. I feel they possess immense imagination and a pioneering spirit that constantly pursues new forms.
Furthermore, I believe BE@RBRICK's simple yet artistic and cute bear design has the power to absorb any motif. They are truly unique and captivating entities.

What discussions took place when providing your work for this project?

ItoFirst, there were requests from the S'YTE side. They asked for illustrations of characters from "Uzumaki" and "Tomie" wearing specific Yohji Yamamoto outfits. So, I began by sketching rough drafts and sent them back to S'YTE. Afterward, S'YTE provided some feedback on the drafts, which I then revised and resubmitted. This process was repeated several times until the illustrations reached their final form, after which I began the final artwork.

Your works have been the motif for numerous fashion items. How was this experience with BE@RBRICK?

ItoI had seen BE@RBRICKs in various places before and owned a few myself, so I was deeply moved when I saw the direct prints of my collaboration art with S'YTE. My manga illustrations are interspersed throughout, and I believe it has been crafted into an art piece that one can gaze at endlessly. I would certainly like to display it in my room.

When drawing beautiful female characters like Tomie from "Tomie" or Kirie from "Uzumaki," what do you keep in mind?

ItoFor me, when drawing beautiful women, I believe it's important to keep their expressions subdued. Just like Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" with her subtle smile, or Renoir's "Portrait of Irene Cahen d'Anvers" with its composed expression, beauty is most effectively conveyed. And, of course, I pay attention to the golden ratio of facial features to ensure harmony.

Were you previously interested in the fields of fashion and art toys, with which you collaborated this time?

ItoI'm not particularly knowledgeable about fashion or art toys, but I find both to be fascinating forms of art. I hope to study them further and absorb their essence.

Do you have any personal collections you'd like to share? Past collections are also welcome.

ItoI collect miniature classic cars and the first-generation Alien figures designed by H.R. Giger. When I was a child, I also collected arrowheads and pottery shards.

ItoI would be delighted to collaborate on something, such as realizing my works in three dimensions or developing apparel. I look forward to any opportunities.

In July this year, you received your fourth Eisner Award* for "Lovesick Dead." Are there any particularly memorable reactions from overseas?

ItoWhen interacting with individual fans at autograph sessions, I don't feel much difference from Japan. However, at events with large crowds, the reception can be quite different from Japan, with very enthusiastic cheers.
While I don't perceive a significant difference in how the works are received in terms of content, I've heard that the elaborate designs of the collected volumes in Western editions make collecting physical books an enjoyable pursuit in itself as interior decor.

Finally, "Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre," an anime adaptation of your works, will be released worldwide on Netflix starting January 19th next year. What are you personally looking forward to with this anime adaptation?

ItoSince this will be simultaneously distributed worldwide on Netflix, I'm first looking forward to the reactions from viewers globally. Following "Collection," I believe "Maniac" will also satisfy audiences, thanks to the efforts of director Shinobu Tagashira, the staff, and everyone involved.

BE@RBRICK S'YTE × Junji Ito TOMIE 100% & 400% / 1000%

BE@RBRICK S'YTE × Junji Ito UZUMAKI 100% & 400% / 1000%

Size: Approx. 70mm / 280mm / 700mm each
Purchase Method: Scheduled for release at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores, online store, and other select retailers.
Release Date: Scheduled for January 2023
Price: [100% & 400%] ¥17,600 (incl. tax) / [1000%] ¥74,800 (incl. tax)
*Sales will end once stock is depleted due to limited quantities.
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