Kojima Productions has announced the release of "Death Stranding Director's Cut" for PS5, igniting excitement among fans worldwide. Now, BE@RBRICKs that express the two worlds of "Death Stranding," the groundbreaking game experience created by Director Hideo Kojima, are finally set for release. We sat down with Hideo Kojima, Representative of Kojima Productions, to discuss his thoughts on the project and his impressions of MEDICOM TOY.

The game is set in a world fractured and divided by the "Death Stranding," which has torn apart people and cities. With humanity on the brink of extinction due to the loss of connection, the protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges, embarks on a mission to deliver "the future" to isolated and immobile people. What is "Death Stranding"? What will Sam deliver, and what will he connect?

"Death Stranding," created by Kojima Productions led by Hideo Kojima, was released in November 2019 and has been acclaimed as a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of gaming. The participation of world-renowned actors such as Norman Reedus, who plays the protagonist Sam, alongside Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, and Lindsay Wagner, also garnered widespread attention.
Kojima, who stated, "My body is 70% movies," and served as the planner, scriptwriter, director, and game designer for this title, shared his thoughts on the game and the BE@RBRICK.

— It's been five and a half years since Kojima Productions was founded. First, could you share your feelings at this moment?

Kojima— It's already been five and a half years. Time flew by as we relentlessly, single-mindedly, and step by step moved forward from the studio's founding until the release of "Death Stranding" in November 2019.
Especially this past year, it feels like time has stood still due to the pandemic, so I don't really feel that much time has passed. While we're still far from seeing the end of it, we're steadily moving forward with what we can do now and preparing for what's next.

— Could you tell us about the meaning behind "Ludens," the symbol of your studio?

Kojima— There's a theory by Johan Huizinga (Note 1) from the Netherlands, who proposed that humanity is "Homo Ludens," evolving and creating culture through play.
We at Kojima Productions adopted this as our studio's icon, embodying our desire to "create new culture and evolve through the creation of play."
Ludens is designed with the concept of Extra-Vehicular Creation Suits (EVC Suits) to deliver the "play" we create to uncharted territories such as unexplored space and the digital world.

(Note 1) A Dutch historian (born December 7, 1872; died February 1, 1945) known for works such as "The Waning of the Middle Ages" and "Homo Ludens." He argued that play is the essence of human activity and the root of cultural creation.

— Your first work, "Death Stranding," was highly praised by players worldwide and achieved remarkable success, including winning three awards at The Game Awards 2019. What made you happiest amidst all this?

Kojima— It was the opportunity to work with Lindsay Wagner (Note 2), whom I admired since I was a child. It was as impactful as achieving my dream of going to space. When I was a child, every time Lindsay appeared on TV, I used to say, "I'm going to marry her."

(Note 2) An actress who gained popularity starring in the TV series "The Bionic Woman," which was a major hit in Japan in the 1970s, and won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1977. In "Death Stranding," she voices the character of Samantha America "Amelie" Strand, Sam's adoptive sister.

— The participation of a star-studded cast including Norman Reedus (Note 3) and Mads Mikkelsen (Note 4) also became a major topic. Could you share any particularly memorable episodes from your interactions with them?

Kojima— It's not a specific episode, but rather the fact that we were able to build a relationship where we could exchange private messages throughout the creation of the game.
Although we cannot meet in person under the current circumstances, we still exchange updates on each other's lives.

(Note 3) An American actor known for his role as Daryl Dixon in "The Walking Dead." He is also active as a photographer, painter, and model.

(Note 4) A highly acclaimed actor from Denmark, nicknamed "The Treasure of Northern Europe." He is known for his role as Le Chiffre in "Casino Royale" (2006) and Hannibal Lecter in the NBC series "Hannibal." He has also been cast as Gellert Grindelwald in the third installment of the "Fantastic Beasts" series, currently in production.

— In a landscape dominated by FPS games, the system of "walking," "delivering," and "connecting" was revolutionary. Could you tell us about the aspects you wanted players to enjoy in this title?

Kojima— I consciously designed it to evoke a sense of loneliness in the player. On the other hand, players are connected online.
It's a mechanism that lets them know there are others like them (someone) all over the world. Through this experience, I wanted to convey the message that "you are never alone," both in the game world and in the real world.

— When creating the BE@RBRICK for "Death Stranding" this time, there were various approaches you could have taken, such as incorporating the main characters or using in-game graphics. Could you tell us about the background leading up to the final design decision?

Kojima— The design was a proposal from MEDICOM TOY.
They wanted to create a BE@RBRICK inspired by "Death Stranding," so I initially thought it would be a design that deforms Sam, but when I saw the design that represented the game's world on both sides, I thought, "This is good."
I also like that despite being a mass-produced item, due to the nature of the manufacturing process, no two pieces will have the exact same image placement.

— You've collaborated with MEDICOM TOY on many products before. Could you share your impressions of MEDICOM TOY and BE@RBRICK?

Kojima— MEDICOM TOY were pioneers who overturned the image of "toys = for children" and delivered products that satisfy the demands of adult collectors. I believe the diverse range of high-priced products for adults available today is a result of their foresight.
BE@RBRICK has become an icon of "otaku x art." I wonder if it's evaluated worldwide to an extent that MEDICOM TOY couldn't have imagined 20 years ago.

— Finally, could you share your thoughts on the real world since the pandemic and the future direction of Kojima Productions?

Kojima— I've realized anew that "humans are animals that cannot live without connection." While technology, such as remote work and video calls, can compensate for many things, direct interaction and physical contact are indispensable for humans.
I've re-recognized the fundamental fact that humans are gregarious animals who have evolved by forming groups such as villages, societies, and nations, now that free interaction has become restricted.
Living alone at home (in a shelter), playing games, and using the internet might not be impossible, but I hope for the return of a daily life where we can feel joy in directly connecting with others.

BE@RBRICK DEATH STRANDING 100% & 400% / 1000%
BE@RBRICKs recreating the two worlds of "Death Stranding" are now available.
Size | Approx. 70mm / 280mm / 700mm in height each
Sales Method | Orders accepted from Thursday, June 24, 2021, 00:00 to Saturday, July 10, 2021, 23:59 at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores, online stores, and other select retailers.
Price | [100% & 400%] ¥16,500 (incl. tax) / [1000%] ¥74,800 (incl. tax)
Release Date | Scheduled for release and shipping in November 2021
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