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August 10, 2021
We Visited Medicom Toy's Large-Scale Exhibition, Held via Advance Lottery | MEDICOM TOY
MEDICOM TOY
25th Anniversary Year for MEDICOM TOY and 20th for BE@RBRICK
From July 22 (Thu) to July 25 (Sun), 2021, the "MEDICOM TOY EXHIBITION" was held, marking the first in-person event in two years. For those who couldn't make it, we'll report on the highlights here.
Text by SHINNO Kunihiko | Edit by TOMIYAMA Eizaburo
Event Commemorative Products Now Available Online!
Constantly pushing beyond established boundaries with the motto "Create what we want," MEDICOM TOY celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The anniversary event, "MEDICOM TOY 25th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION," was held from July 22 (Thu) to July 25 (Sun) at Omotesando Hills' "Space O."
The 25th-anniversary logo was designed by world-renowned artist Hajime Sorayama. The venue's concept, inspired by this logo, was a "fictional Parisian traveling amusement park." Inside, visitors found not only world-premiere new works and curated archives but also attractions like a real merry-go-round, a shooting gallery, and a rubber duck fishing game, creating a delightful space that offered a refreshing respite from the summer heat.
Due to the pandemic, entry was limited to timed slots via a pre-registration lottery system. The exhibition was conducted with thorough infection control measures, including temperature checks and regular disinfection of fixtures. For those unable to attend, commemorative products are also available for online purchase, so why not enjoy some shopping after viewing our report from the event?
A BE@RBRICK commemorating the "MEDICOM TOY 25th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION" was displayed at the entrance of Omotesando Hills, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
The metallic 25th-anniversary logo was designed by Hajime Sorayama, a world-renowned artist who has collaborated with MEDICOM TOY on numerous items.
The venue layout also took social distancing into account. It was a dreamlike space filled with world-premiere new works and archives tracing MEDICOM TOY's 25-year history.
In the center of the venue, inspired by a "fictional Parisian traveling amusement park," a silver merry-go-round that visitors could actually ride appeared! Additionally, traditional festival games like "shooting gallery" and "rubber duck fishing" were available for visitors to enjoy. All staff members were dressed in yukatas, creating a visually refreshing, uniquely Japanese summer atmosphere.
From the MAFEX "BATMAN: HUSH" series, the world-premiere "STEALTH JUMPER BATMAN" and "HUNTRESS" (reference exhibit), and "HARLEY QUINN" (scheduled for April 2022 release) were unveiled. The unpainted prototype of "NIGHTWING" was also on display.
BATMAN and all related characters and elements ©️ & TM DC Comics.(s21)
Following the "SORAYAMA IRON MAN STATUE," the "SHADOW MOON (Ver.HAJIME SORAYAMA)," a three-dimensional representation of the "Century King" Shadow Moon from "Kamen Rider BLACK" as depicted by Hajime Sorayama, was also unveiled for the first time (reference exhibit).
©️ Hajime Sorayama
©️ 2021 MARVEL
©️ Ishimori Pro, Toei
A prop-sized model of the artificial intelligence "HAL9000" from director Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey" was also unveiled for the first time (reference exhibit). Given that MEDICOM TOY has poured all its resources into this item, we eagerly await its release.
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and all related characters and elements ©️ & TM Turner Entertainment Co. (s21)
PUSHEAD's "SOUR BRONZE STATUE" was also on display (reference exhibit). To its right is "H×S CYCLOPS," which was sold via lottery in July 2021.
©️ Pushead
The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad TM & ©️ 2021 Columbia Pictures industries,Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Items from Tokyo-based graphic designer/artist SHINKNOWNSUKE, whose exhibition "Unexpected Twist" garnered attention last year, will be released by FABRICK. Additionally, new color variations of the "Mountain man(s)" philosopher figure series, created by Mountain Research designer Setsumasa Kobayashi, including a new green version of Henry Thoreau Sofubi, were unveiled for the first time (reference exhibit).
Outside the venue, the performance group "Yokohama Kishido" (Yokohama Flag Warriors), carrying a giant "MEDICOM TOY 25th" flag over 5 meters long, regularly performed martial arts demonstrations. Their dynamic movements, synchronized to "KANEDA'S THEME" from the movie "AKIRA" (Geinoh Yamashirogumi), captivated the audience!
The Karimmoku-made BE@RBRICK 400%, each meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, including a rare model made of zebrawood, were all highly desirable additions to any collection.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
New and captivating BE@RBRICKs, featuring artworks by famous painters rendered with water printing, were continuously added. From left to right in the photo: BE@RBRICKs by Gauguin, Van Gogh (released Feb 2021, sold out), Magritte, Mondrian, and Vermeer. This lineup makes you want to visit the museums that house these original works.
©️ 2021 C.Herscovici | Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Courtesy of the Mondrian | Holtzman Trust.
©️ Mauritshuis, Royal Picture Gallery The Hague, Netherlands.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
New color variations, BLUE and GREY, of "H×S (HIROTA SAIGANSHO) 400%" in the center of the photo were introduced (reference exhibit). The intricate mechanical details packed inside the transparent body are a loving homage to the 70s. From the left: "mastermind JAPAN 100% & 400%" (reference exhibit), "SSUR FIRE" (released June 2021), and on the far right, the upcoming "YUSUKE HANAI 400%" (scheduled for release soon).
The new models scheduled for release in August 2021 are colorful and sweet, with a focus on the internal details. They are sure to be a hit as gifts for women. Featured are "UM JUNIOR 100% & 400%," "LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT 100% & 400%," and "MY FIRST BE@RBRICK B@BY MACAU 2021 100% & 400%."
Designed by CHIAKI (CIROL & Co.)
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
The versatility of BE@RBRICK, capable of transforming any graphic into a work of art through design, is another of its charms. New additions include "ED HARDY 100% & 400%" (scheduled for August 2021 release), "LI-NING FASHON 100% & 400%" (scheduled for August 2021 release), "INNERSECT 2020 100% & 400%" (released December 2020, sold out), and "SR_A 100% & 400%" (released January 2021, sold out).
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
From artist/photographer Benjamin Grant, who curates and arranges satellite imagery, come "OVERVIEW" TOKYO and FUJI (scheduled for December 2021 release). Also drawing attention in the background were the "BLACK KNIGHT SATELLITE 100% & 400%" (reference exhibit) and "U.F.O. 400%" (reference exhibit).
Image by Overview, Source imagery ©️ Maxer,2021
Artwork by Spencer Parke / Copyright ©︎ 2021 Spencer Parke
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
BE@RBRICKs in "Polygon" and "Wood Carving" finishes, a collaboration between Karimmoku, HAROSHI, and fragment design (reference exhibit).
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
New BE@RBRICK 1000% models, eagerly anticipated for their upcoming release, were also unveiled all at once. Have you found your favorite yet?
The "U.F.O. 1000%" features an internal, illuminated UFO. Its appearance, emerging from the gradient-colored plated clear body, is truly mystical (reference exhibit).
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
The "DOORS STRANGE DAYS 1000%" reproduces the jacket of the American rock band The Doors' 1967 second album "STRANGE DAYS." Also on display is the "Leica 1000%" (reference exhibit), designed after the Leica camera, a favorite among many world-renowned photographers.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2021 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
Sync. presents a T-shirt featuring the jacket of the 1983 second album "POWER, CORRUPTION & LIES" by Manchester-born band NEW ORDER (7,700 yen each, tax included / currently on sale). Additionally, a CREW NECK SWEATER from KNIT GANG COUNCIL, a collaboration between Amiami☆Horinouchi and MEDICOM TOY, has been announced (reference exhibit).
©️ 2021 Vitallium
Some of the products introduced (on display) are planned for exclusive sale overseas.
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