Items from the drama "Ikebukuro West Gate Park," which aired from April to June 2000 on TBS, are now available! This is a gritty youth story about Makoto, the son of a fruit shop owner near Ikebukuro West Gate Park (I.W.G.P.), solving difficult cases and aiming to maintain the happiness and order of the residents. The cast featured a unique ensemble of actors under the direction of original author Ira Ishida, screenwriter Kankuro Kudo, and chief director Yukihiko Tsutsumi. The "PHOTO MESSAGE TEE 01" and "PHOTO MESSAGE TEE 02" featured here showcase iconic quotes from Takashi, also known as "King," played by Yosuke Kubozuka. To commemorate the release, we conducted an email interview with Yosuke Kubozuka, who shared his memories of the time.

—Your portrayal of "King" in the "Hot Pepper Beauty" commercial last year became a hot topic. Now, MEDICOM TOY is releasing official merchandise from the drama "Ikebukuro West Gate Park," featuring photo T-shirts printed with iconic lines from Takashi, also known as "King." What were your initial thoughts on this project for the photo message T-shirts?

KubozukaIt's still so popular... (laughs)
(I'm honored m(_ _)m)

—Regarding the lines, "I'm not telling you not to do bad things, I'm telling you not to do lame things. Got it?" and "Just being strong won't get you anywhere. If you're going to compete with the King, you need to use your head more," and the photos used, how were they decided?

KubozukaThey presented a few design options, and I selected the ones I liked from those.

—All of these lines are from "Yoshiichi's Episode, Episode 7." Could you share any particularly memorable aspects from when you performed the role back then, or any reactions you recall after the broadcast?

KubozukaI could feel society buzzing during those three months of broadcast. I think the set itself was also caught up in that energy and became a bit restless.
It's surprising that it still has some influence nearly 25 years later, especially with the rise of subscription streaming services.

—There were many other memorable lines from Takashi, such as "Ready, Udon!" (Episode 6, "Channel 6") and "Yo! It's me, Takashi! 10 years old! Nice to meet ya!" (Episode 9, "Kyushu Episode"). How do you feel about them now?

KubozukaDirector Tsutsumi gave me a lot of freedom in playing Takashi, so there was a lot of ad-libbing, and I felt like I was allowed to do whatever I wanted.
I love all the lines, including the minor ones, for how lively they are.

—With the Y2K revival, culture from around 2000 is gaining attention again. Do you notice anything or find anything interesting in how younger generations are experiencing that era as something new?

KubozukaTimes repeat themselves. But is it compliant? (laughs)

—Could you share your thoughts on the two types of "PHOTO MESSAGE TEE" being released? We'd also appreciate any advice on how to style them.

KubozukaPlease make the most of these T-shirts.?

—"Ikebukuro West Gate Park" will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Looking back, what kind of work was this drama for your career?

KubozukaIt's a work where all the forces aligned to launch us into the world.
It's a role I can't bypass in the archive of my acting career.

—You yourself will be celebrating your 30th anniversary as an actor next year. How are you feeling about that? Could you tell us about what you're currently working on?

KubozukaI've gained more experience and grown since then, and I continue to have fulfilling days, so I'm nothing but grateful.
In addition to my main work as an actor, I'm pursuing my passions more than ever, including Japanese sake "Fukukiri," golf apparel "8G SHOOT," YouTube "Ima Yoku," writing, and pottery.

MLE × I.W.G.P.
Pre-orders will be accepted during the period from Sunday, March 24, 2024, 0:00 to Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 23:59.MCT TOKYO,TBS SHOPPINGfor initial orders. Scheduled for release and shipping in July 2024 at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores, online stores, and select retailers. *Photos show a sample under supervision. The actual product may differ slightly.

PHOTO MESSAGE TEE 01
Color | WHITE
Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Release Date | Scheduled for release and shipping in July 2024
Price | 5,280 yen (tax included)

PHOTO MESSAGE TEE 02
Color | WHITE
Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Release Date | Scheduled for release and shipping in July 2024
Price | 5,280 yen (tax included)

G-BOYS TEE
Color | YELLOW
Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Price | 4,950 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju

LOGO TEE
Color | WHITE, BLACK
Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Price | 4,400 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju

LOGO HOODIE
Color | WHITE, BLACK
Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Price | 8,800 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju

LOGO COACH JACKET
Color | BLACK
Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Price | 10,780 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju

LOGO CAP
Color | BLACK
Sizes | Free
Price | 4,180 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju

LOGO TOTE BAG
Color | BLACK
Sizes | W330mm × H400mm × D150mm
Price | 3,300 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju

LOGO MUG
Color | BLACK
Sizes | φ83mm × H95mm
Price | 1,980 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju

BE@RBRICK x I.W.G.P
Pre-orders will be accepted during the period from Sunday, March 24, 2024, 0:00 to Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 23:59.MCT TOKYO,TBS SHOPPINGfor initial orders. Scheduled for release and shipping in July 2024 at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores, online stores, and select retailers.

BE@RBRICK G-BOYS 100% & 400%
Sizes | Approx. 70mm / 280mm in height
Price | 16,500 yen (tax included)
©️TBS ©️Ira Ishida/Bungeishunju
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2024 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.