ACT 6: BE@RBRICK Meets TOYO KITCHEN – Part One

ACT 6 | BE@RBRICK meets TOYO KITCHEN Part 1

Medicom Toy and TOYO KITCHEN
Begin Crafting an "Exquisitely High-End TOY"—

The three-dimensional creations brought into the world by Medicom Toy transcend the simple label of "toys."
Beyond relying solely on anime and tokusatsu, the so-called character-based works, their figures—born from unique approaches distinct from typical toy manufacturers and collaborations across various fields—have earned renown not only in Japan but globally.

Today, we are honored to have Mr. Takao Watanabe, President of TOYO KITCHEN AND LIVING INC., an interior brand that now extends beyond kitchens to curate lifestyles, join us for a special discussion about a new project to be added to their impressive roster of collaborations.
In this two-part series, we present the flexible product concepts and new collaborations emerging from the dynamic exchange between Medicom Toy President Ryuhiko Akashi and Mr. Watanabe. First, please enjoy the prelude to their product ideation.

Text by Kunihiko HatanoSummary by Takeshi Takahashi (This Magazine)Photos by Kaoru Kitahara

WatanabeI first saw BE@RBRICK in Europe. There was a store in Milan selling fashion, furniture, and accessories in a single space, and on the mezzanine and in the back, BE@RBRICKs were lined up everywhere. I was so impressed.

AkashiThank you.

WatanabeAt the time, I didn't realize they were Japanese. I thought they must be Belgian.

AkashiWe're often told that our characters don't look typically Japanese.

WatanabeThen I heard there was an original line, and I became interested. By chance, OPENERS approached me about the Isetan Merry Green Christmas event, and I said, 'Yes, yes! Please introduce me to Medicom Toy!'

AkashiSince both President Watanabe and I had columns on OPENERS, we had the opportunity to visit the TOYO KITCHEN showroom. At the time, I was struck by how you were working in a realm completely separate from the conventional concept of kitchens; I was amazed by the creativity of your kitchens.

WatanabeThey're quite unconventional, aren't they? (laughs)

AkashiNot at all! (laughs) Perhaps it's a given, but in every field, there's a mastery of craft that gives rise to expression and creativity. Seeing how freely and dynamically TOYO KITCHEN operates inspired me greatly. Since then, you've visited exhibitions for my apparel brand, and we've become quite close.

WatanabeI've long felt that figures and comic-inspired motifs could be incorporated into interiors. Japanese kitchens are strangely too serious. Our new product, which we're about to release, is called 'KIRAKIRA,' and its design concept is inspired by 'Laputa.'

ACT 6 | BE@RBRICK meets TOYO KITCHEN Part 1Medicom Toy and TOYO KITCHENBegin Crafting an "Exquisitely High-End TOY"—

AkashiThey do seem to float! (laughs)

WatanabeThe sparkling parts of the doors are inspired by the 'Laputa's' floating stones. Interior design, in a sense, is a world of play, isn't it? I've always had that feeling. I also imported mosaic tiles from Italy featuring comic-style characters. We'll be using them for the new product presentation in July.

TOYO KITCHEN's new CORE series product, 'KIRA KIRA.' It embodies the concept of "living in the kitchen" and proposes a comfortable living space. The base is designed with an open space to create a sense of floating. Details at: http://www.toyokitchen.co.jp

AkashiComic-style tiles in a kitchen? That sounds intriguing.

WatanabeRecently, 'Casa BRUTUS' had a feature on "Furniture is Art," and for example, Alessandro Mendini's storage box topped with a giant boot made of gold mosaic tiles is quite interesting. It costs around ten million yen, and the boot itself has no particular meaning (laughs).

AkashiI see.

WatanabeIn the world of furniture, using figurative motifs has been around for a long time. So, I believe figures will start being incorporated into interiors within the next three to four years. Therefore, I think creating BE@RBRICK chairs would be fascinating.

The Keyword "TOY" Emerges from Pursuing Both Projects

AkashiWhen considering the connection between interior parts, like those handled by TOYO KITCHEN, and the realm of toys, what comes to mind is the aspect of "JOY," which is, in a sense, the opposite of pursuing pure functionality.

WatanabeIf you focus solely on function, the form becomes uninteresting. In Japan, influenced by Bauhaus, there's a strong emphasis on form needing a logical basis. But when you think about it, the human form is singular; as long as the shape of the buttocks doesn't change, the shape of the chair won't change. For instance, chairs by Mackintosh or Frank Lloyd Wright aren't necessarily comfortable to sit in. However, from the perspective of them being part of interior decoration, that doesn't matter.

AkashiToys are forms that have pursued the aspect of JOY to its extreme, and I can't help but feel that as furniture and kitchen items also pursue JOY, they become increasingly closer to TOYS. That's why, when President Watanabe first invited me to the showroom, I thought, 'This is an exquisitely high-end TOY.' Though it might be disrespectful to call them toys.

WatanabeOh, they are absolutely toys.

AkashiThey truly are TOYS shaped like kitchens, or TOYS shaped like furniture. Whether it's non-functional or expensive, it doesn't matter. If having them in your home fulfills your heart, or allows you to share enjoyable moments and spaces with friends, then comfort or practicality becomes secondary.

WatanabeIf you consider kitchens solely from the perspective of cooking, they become mere utilitarian objects and are quite boring. For example, the handle of the 'KIRAKIRA' I mentioned earlier uses 'knurling,' which is essentially a diamond pattern created by cutting on a lathe. I've always loved knurling and wanted to use it for kitchen parts someday, but it's quite expensive and doesn't serve any particular purpose (laughs).

AkashiNo particular purpose? Doesn't it provide better grip?

WatanabeIt does offer some grip, but is a little slippage really a problem? (laughs) Whether one finds value in this is subjective, but when it was finished, the tactile sensation was so pleasant that I wanted to caress it.

AkashiI completely understand that feeling. When the final sample of a product is ready, you can't help but want to touch it. With TOYO KITCHEN's products, I feel a sense of affection in each intricate detail and mechanism. Given this shared value and perspective, I thought, 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could collaborate on something interesting?' This led me to consider how we might bring about a project like creating BE@RBRICKs together with TOYO KITCHEN (laughs).

WatanabeOn our end, we're eager to do it (laughs).

AkashiAnd in fact, we currently have a project in the works, under strict secrecy...

BE@RBRICKs made with that material!? The project, kept under wraps until now, will finally be revealed next time.

To "ACT 6 | BE@RBRICK meets TOYO KITCHEN Part 2"

A BE@RBRICK crafted from styrofoam. Further refinements are apparently planned...
What is the content of the new project from TOYO KITCHEN × MEDICOM TOY?