The popular “SHELTERBANK Hedorah: Complete Anatomical Dissection (Series 3)” series, inspired by the anatomical diagrams in Asahi Sonorama’s “Gojira tai Hedorah” (Godzilla vs. Hedorah), is set to be released! We spoke with Yow, the sole creator behind SHELTERBANK, about his journey and his passion for his work.

An art figure has been created, bringing to life the anatomical diagrams of Hedorah, the monster from the 1971 film “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” by combining various materials such as faux fur and plush. The artist behind this creation is SHELTERBANK, based in Nagoya’s Osu district, whose work has garnered global attention. We interviewed Yow, who handles planning, sculpting, and painting single-handedly, about what inspired him to start making figures, his encounter with MEDICOM TOY, and his feelings for Hedorah.

SHELTERBANK / Yow
His passion for figures led him to start creating custom figures in college. In 2003, he opened “SHELTERBANK” in Nagoya’s Osu district. Around 2017, he transitioned from the shop to a studio for his creative work. Born in 1978 in Nagoya City.

—What first sparked your interest in American toys, Yow?

YowIt was the movies and anime I watched on TV as a child. Shows like “STAR WARS” and “GREMLINS.” Even if I didn’t understand the story back then, I was drawn to the characters’ visuals. Seeing those characters in toy shops was the beginning.

—Please tell us about what inspired you to start making figures yourself and your early works.

YowIn my earliest days around 1998, I customized GI JOE and SPAWN figures and sold them on consignment at a shop in Osu called “SPANKY.” I would then use the money I earned to buy more figures, repeating the cycle.

Even after opening my shop in 2003, I regularly created soft vinyl and resin sculptures, but I truly began in earnest around 2014. I was looking at toys from the ‘80s like “GIGGLES EYES MONSTER” and “MY PET MONSTER” released in America, and I thought it would be great to have a plush doll with movable arms and legs that could stand on its own. So, I made a small “CAMEON KEMO MANG.” That was the start of my work with faux fur.

—Your SHELTERBANK works evoke a profound love for American culture, from the ‘60s “Rat Fink” and “Weird-Ohs” to the ‘80s “MADBALLS” and “MY PET MONSTER,” icons known to those in the know. How did you encounter these, and how do you reinterpret them for a modern audience?

YowSince childhood, I’ve loved toys of dinosaurs, monsters, ghosts, and creatures. I found scary and grotesque toys to be somehow cool and cute.

As I entered my twenties, I began collecting toys, and before I knew it, I was deeply immersed in the cultures I loved.

I don’t feel like I’m reinterpreting them for a modern audience, but rather, I aim to create what was missing from those old toys.

—Your first collaboration with MEDICOM TOY was “FANG” in 2017, followed by items like the VAG series “VONGO” and “AHOY.” The release of “FANG” was accompanied by the tagline, “New talent emerges from Nagoya! A worldwide debut!” and indeed shocked toy fans globally. What was the nature of that encounter?

YowThey discovered my work at Wonder Festival, and we had a meeting afterward. That’s how it began.
Of course, I’d known of the company since I was young, so I was nervous, but the conversation flowed from toy business matters to art and future prospects. I think those two or three hours were incredibly meaningful and enjoyable, passing by in an instant.

—“FANG” combined different materials, with a urethane resin head and a fabric body. The combination of disparate materials has since become a signature of SHELTERBANK’s designs. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind this, and the joys and challenges of the creation process?

YowThe combination of materials was a natural outcome of creating what I envisioned with the knowledge and skills I possessed. For example, being able to use a sewing machine, create a master mold, and replicate it allowed me to bring the characters in my mind to life. I wanted the characters to stand, so I made the limbs from hard resin to support them, and so on.

The joy in the creation process comes from making the first piece, discovering and incorporating a new material, or buying a new tool. I also enjoy sculpting the master molds.

The challenge lies in the many steps involved, which require significant space and time.

—“SHELTERBANK Hedorah: Complete Anatomical Dissection” was first unveiled at “AKASHIC RECORDS 3 ~ from Illuminati ~” in October 2022. Could you share any anecdotes from its production, your feelings upon seeing the finished piece, and the reception at the time?

YowWhen applying for the license, I consulted with Mr. Akashi (President of MEDICOM TOY), submitted a proposal, and it was realized. When it was completed, I felt I had created something truly excellent.
The response included praise from peers in the industry, and I was grateful to receive notification of the application numbers later on.

—SHELTERBANK has produced original Hedorah figures before. Could you share your feelings about Hedorah, the challenges of working with licensed properties, the first one you created, and any particularly memorable pieces?

YowI like Hedorah. I also appreciate the theme of pollution in the 70s and its psychedelic atmosphere. In particular, I love the anatomical diagrams in Asahi Sonorama’s “Gojira tai Hedorah,” which serve as the visual basis for this series, because they are so colorful.

Regarding the challenges of working with licensed properties, it depends on the rights holder, but TOHO was very open to originality, so I didn’t face any difficulties. The first Hedorah I made was a ceramic piece. I thought the viscous glaze would suit Hedorah’s image.

I have many pieces that are special to me, but this series, “SHELTERBANK Hedorah: Complete Anatomical Dissection,” is particularly meaningful.

—Some people may be encountering SHELTERBANK for the first time with the upcoming release of “SHELTERBANK Hedorah: Complete Anatomical Dissection (Series 3).” Lastly, could you share a message for your fans?

YowI plan to continue creating a wide range of interesting items, so I look forward to your continued support.

SHELTERBANK Hedorah: Complete Anatomical Dissection (Series 3)
Size | Approx. 500mm (Height)
Sales Method | Lottery sale via MEDICOM TOY NEXT
Release Date | Scheduled for June 2025
Price | ¥220,000 (incl. tax)
*The photo shows a sample under supervision. The actual product may differ slightly.
*For release date and lottery application details,please visit the MEDICOM TOY Official Blog..
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