When I first saw it, I thought it was magic—

AkashiWhen I was shown photos beforehand, I thought, "Is this magic?"

WatanabeI'm honored to hear you say that.

AkashiIs the manufacturing method similar to, or the same as, the process of making a kitchen? I thought I understood it conceptually after seeing other kitchens, but... isn't the BE@RBRICK much more difficult?

WatanabeFar more difficult. It's a matter of the artisans' dedication, but it's capable of exactly the same movements as a regular 1000% BE@RBRICK. At the beginning of production, I told the artisans that it didn't need to move, but they said, "No, since we're making it, let's make it move."


AkashiWhen I actually touch the joints, it feels similar to holding a showerhead with a pleasant texture.
The ratchet mechanism feels great too. Before touching it, I wondered if it was plated, but it's the real thing (laughs).

WatanabeThe legs also have a ratchet mechanism, so they move just like the plastic version.

AkashiThe weight is 13.5kg, right? When I held it, it felt a bit heavier. Perhaps it was the pressure (laughs).

I did some research on the stainless steel material, asking acquaintances, and they all said, "It's impossible to make a stainless steel BE@RBRICK." I was skeptical until I saw the actual product today, and I was truly surprised. It's a remarkable feat of engineering.


WatanabeAround this time of year, the kitchen industry tends to be a bit slow. If a deal is made now, we can usually deliver within the year, so while the sales team is busy, the artisans were actually available. If this had been planned for autumn, it would have been difficult.

A New Form of Interior Design Revealed by the Completion of the Stainless BE@RBRICK—

AkashiFor the next challenge, we'd like to consider how to effectively integrate it with kitchens.

WatanabeIt becomes more enjoyable when interiors incorporate this kind of "playfulness." In Japan, influenced by Bauhaus, there's a tendency towards being overly serious, I think. Designs that are overly rational, perhaps. The idea that only functional items are acceptable. I, on the other hand, find beauty in "excess." This might sound disrespectful, but a BE@RBRICK doesn't have direct functionality, does it? Yet, placing it as an interior object is fun, and I believe the reason people worldwide love BE@RBRICK stems from a certain sense of余裕 (yoyu - leeway/discretion).


WatanabeIf Mr. Akashi approves, we'd like to incorporate it into kitchens in the future. It might be a bit difficult with stainless steel, but perhaps we could make it using casting, for example.

AkashiAh, I see.

WatanabeHowever, even with the BE@RBRICK, it can't actually support itself if it raises both arms, because its arms are too short (laughs). So the design would have to be slightly altered.

AkashiShould we have our designers work on an adaptation? Supporting it with hands would be better than supporting it with its head.

WatanabeOf course, not just kitchens, but tables too would be interesting. I think it would be quite fascinating as an interior piece. The parts that aren't serious, you know.

AkashiIt truly is a "JOY"ful "TOY." I sincerely hope you will pursue various possibilities.

I believe this collaboration project is only just beginning. Since the president has shown such "manliness" here, I feel I must also show some "manliness" (laughs). We want to develop spin-off products.

The Ultimate High-End Model. Is Sales Even Possible—

AkashiI've been captivated by it since you first mentioned it, but regarding this stainless steel BE@RBRICK. Three units were produced this time. I thought it might be interesting if one went to Toyo Kitchen, one to our company, and the third was put up for auction at "Sotheby's."

WatanabeWhat should we do? I was hoping we could discuss sales channels today as well.

AkashiIn fact, is mass production possible?

WatanabeIt depends on the delivery time. While a month or two like this time would be difficult, if we allow a year for delivery, we have accumulated the know-how, so it should be possible to accept orders.

AkashiAnd then there's... the price, of course.

AkashiI see. Shops like "colette" might be interested in displaying it. Normally, when we have BE@RBRICKs exhibited for campaigns, we set a three-month period because if the same design is displayed continuously, it can become perceived as the brand's character. For this stainless steel BE@RBRICK, given its price point, it might be interesting to offer an option to display it indefinitely, removing the time limit.

WatanabeI see, that's an interesting idea.

AkashiNo, no, I am also deeply moved... Well then, Mr. Watanabe, regarding sales, I will first work on establishing a framework. Hearing the price you mentioned has sparked many ideas, so may I propose a draft after further consideration? Of course, with the best interests of OPENERS in mind (laughs).

WatanabeUnderstood. Let's move forward in a positive direction!

AkashiBut the price was different from the four-digit figure you mentioned at first, so a weight has been lifted off my shoulders...

WatanabePlease take one of the three units produced this time. For responsibility's sake (laughs).