The "BE@RBRICK 400% CANDLE," first released in 2013 to great acclaim, is returning in new colors. We spoke with Matsuyuu*, an influencer and current metaverse DJ, who planned and designed this item, to hear about the episodes behind its development and the thoughts she poured into it, marking its first release in 10 years.

Following the previous iteration, the "BE@RBRICK 400% CANDLE 2023" is battery-operated, with its belly emitting a soft glow like candlelight. It features a timer function that automatically turns off after six hours, in addition to an ON/OFF switch. The body is made with a hybrid molding technique using glow-in-the-dark material and a fragrance matched to the color. What is the story behind the creation of this unique BE@RBRICK, which can also be safely used as an aromatherapy candle at bedtime? We also asked Matsuyuu* about her recent activities.

Matsuyuu*
VR Director / Creative Planner / Metaverse DJ
Born in Tokyo and raised in Shibuya. Since 1998, she has disseminated her unique cute culture online. From the era of homepages to blogs, Twitter, LINE, Instagram, note, and VR/metaverse, she has spread new ways of communication through various media such as books, magazines, and TV whenever new communication methods emerged. She also utilizes her ideas and insights to engage in planning and production of digital communication strategies and development of gadget-related products.
Since July 2021, she has been active as a metaverse DJ within "VRChat." In March 2022, she expanded her scope to the field of VR direction. Her latest book, "VRChat Guidebook ~Starting Metaverse from Scratch~" (co-authored with Takuma Iwasa, Futabasha), is now on sale.

—First, could you tell us about how you first encountered Medicom Toy?

Matsuyuu*Although the term "influencer" wasn't common back then, about 10 years ago, I was active as a Twitter influencer, involved in various product developments and appearing on programs. Around that time, President Akashi of Medicom Toy took an interest, and we had the opportunity to meet. He then asked me, "Matsuyuu*, wouldn't you like to create a BE@RBRICK?" That's how it all began.

—It's said that the "BE@RBRICK 400% CANDLE" released in 2013 took three and a half years to develop. How did the planning start?

Matsuyuu*I've always loved BE@RBRICK and collected them myself. While there have been many collaborations with various celebrities and artists, and a wide variety of BE@RBRICKs exist today, I felt that collaborations were often focused on design at that time. If I were to create one, I wanted it to be something that people unfamiliar with "Matsuyuu*" would find appealing, something simple that would fit into any interior. Most importantly, I wanted to incorporate a "functional gimmick."
Also, I had a dream of having my creations sold at "Colette," a popular select shop that used to be in Paris. That's when I came up with the idea of a battery-powered, flameless candle gimmick for the BE@RBRICK. We conducted various tests for its development, and with their dedicated efforts, it ended up taking three and a half years! (laughs) I'm very grateful.
And they actually ended up stocking it at "Colette"! I was so moved!

—What inspired the theme of "candle"?

Matsuyuu*Around the time the project was underway, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. Although it wasn't completed yet, activities like "Let's all cherish electricity. Let's spend the night with candles." emerged on Twitter and in various other spheres. However, I wondered if there might be households with small children, or homes where leaving candles lit wasn't feasible? With a battery-powered candle under development, even children could safely have it nearby. And during a time of frequent aftershocks, a BE@RBRICK would be cute and comforting. It was an event that made me strongly feel that choosing to make it a candle was the right decision.

—The completed "BE@RBRICK 400% CANDLE" was an item packed with many thoughtful details.

Matsuyuu*The design is extremely simple. It wouldn't clash with the aesthetic of any room it's displayed in. At first glance, it appears to be a single color, but the design is achieved through the interplay of matte and glossy textures. Furthermore, even after the timer turns off, it continues to emit a faint glow for a while due to the phosphorescence. With the new articulation, I envisioned multiple figures posed differently, creating the image of melting candles of varying heights. The incorporated fragrance further enhances the candle-like quality, and I was very satisfied when the final sample was produced.

—This is the first new release in 10 years. Could you tell us about the changes from the previous version?

Matsuyuu*In the 2023 new release, the melted part on the head is slightly different. The design has been altered to be slightly translucent, enhancing the melted appearance. Additionally, the colors of the BE@RBRICK itself and its packaging are a bit more vibrant than those from 10 years ago. Regarding the infused scents, the ivory version has a sweet vanilla fragrance, the pink version has an elegant rose fragrance, and the new pale blue color incorporates a fresh blueberry scent.

—In the past decade, there have been events like the pandemic, and not only Japan and the world but you yourself have likely changed. Could you provide an update on your current activities, including projects you are working on, and share your thoughts at this moment?

Matsuyuu*Just over two years ago, amidst the pandemic, I became deeply immersed in the VR social app "VRChat."
A year later, Facebook changed its name to Meta, and I've been living in the metaverse space every day. The metaverse transformed the hardship of "being unable to leave home" or "meet people" into "fun." I've learned a great deal about this new world, which has led me to where I am today, working as a VR Director and VR DJ in virtual spaces.
The new color "pale blue" for this release is inspired by the "hair color" which is a trademark of my virtual persona (avatar). Pale blue allowed me to strongly express my personality in the metaverse, so for me, it's a special hidden color representing the fusion of BE@RBRICK x Matsuyuu* x Metaverse.

—We hope the "BE@RBRICK 400% CANDLE" reaches many people and brings them comfort. Lastly, could you tell us about what you plan to work on next, or what you'd like to do with Medicom Toy?

Matsuyuu*Well, I've wanted to create a smaller "BE@RBRICK CANDLE" since 10 years ago, so I would be delighted if the opportunity arises. I am deeply grateful to President Akashi for entrusting me with the entire process from planning to design and the intricate details, so I would like to plan and produce a new BE@RBRICK, different from the candle, that both adults and children can enjoy.
Also, I think it would be very contemporary and fun if the "BE@RBRICK 400% CANDLE" could be brought into the metaverse as an avatar or an asset (items like interior decorations in the metaverse). As more people like myself are living half in the real world and half in the virtual world, it would be wonderful if something like that could be realized.
A project I was involved in 10 years ago is returning with new power. As someone who creates things, there's nothing more gratifying. I hope that both those who know the previous work and those who don't will pick up the new release!

BE@RBRICK CANDLE 2023 400%
Size｜Approx. 280mm in height for each
Colors｜Available in 3 colors: Ivory / Pink / Pale Blue
Release Date｜Scheduled for release in January 2023 at 2G
Price｜¥14,080 each (tax included)
*Batteries sold separately. Requires two AA batteries.
*Photos show a sample under supervision. The final product may differ slightly.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2022 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.