http://www.zdnet.co.jp/gamespot/g-toys/special/event/02plamodel/index.html

[ Bandai ]

Gundam:

I had a chance to talk to the icon of Bandai hobby division: Mr. Kawaguchi, or known as Master Kawaguchi in Hobby Japan and other hobby magazines.  I wanted to talk about two subjects, one was about MG line, and the other was about the Seed.  I had an impression that the release of MG became a routine work, losing a communication between the modelers and the developer these days.   I suggested setting up some type of discussion board, for an upcoming kit, just like early days of MG in Hobby Japan.  He explained that Bandai didn't have any idea of how to proceed for the MG line back then, because it was a different kind of renewal than HG, the discussion was necessary.  Also, he said, there were only two kit designers when MG line started, but now there are several teams, so scheduling is a lot different.  Still he said that everyone involved in Bandai kits are keen on public reaction, and they do read mails, letters and even discussion board on the net.  And he said he'll have to consider some type of broad communication stage on the net, because it's so much faster than monthly magazines.   He admits that the customer response is some of the best decision making factor to pick a new kit.  He also said that there are two types of potential MG kit buyers, ones, who have a very solid idea of how a particular MS should be, and the other, who simply accepts the kit as is.  Lastly, now that more than 100 MG kits are available, popularity of the rest are pretty much equal, and it's very hard to pick the next subject.  That's one reason why Hobby Japan is a little reluctant to release the result of a poll.

 

As for the Seed, the initial response is very good, he said.  It's the first Gundam series to start in October, and Bandai is planning to release most of the major kit by the end of Christmas to see how it affects the sales.  They're releasing a simple 300 yen kit, standard HG line, big scale 1/60 kit, partially assembled model from the Hobby Division, and the Character Toy division has its own.  It's because the time slot is Sat 6:00 pm, and it appeals to very broad audiences, so their strategy is to provide as many options as possible, so that we can pick what suit to ourselves.  He was a little surprised to see many kindergarten and grade school kids at the booth, and he also hear good responses on the 300 yen kit from experienced modelers.  

 

I think Seed has a potential to bring those who are tired of computer game back to modeling, and I hope it happens.

 

Finally, I thank Kawaguchi-san for casually talking to me, and talking about behind the scene stories.  The first year of his carrier at Bandai, I was working for Kotobukiya as a master modeler, and I met him back then, and had a little talk.  I don't think he remembers me or that meeting, but he is still an honest person and an enthusiastic modeler.

 

Star Trek:

This model is a great interior ornament on top of the entertainment center or something.  It's a "must" for all Sci-Fi fans.  The kit is snap together, so construction is easy, but Bandai's snap kit is no different from some of the glue kit.  It employs the under gate molding, where the gate to connect a part and the runner is located on the contact surface. (which is found in MG and HGUC Hyaku Shiki)  There won't be any mark after clipping the gate.  

 

Yamato displayed many variations of its fully transformable Valkyries, but the highlight of this year is definitely 1/48 VF-1.  It's absolutely impressive, and it's definitely a must for all Macross Fans.  It's a great Christmas gift.

Also, no other web site is talking about this, but Yamato had a study model of a fully transformable Escaflowne TV version in either 1/48 or 1/35, which I couldn't tell.  I think it was about 40 cm tall.  Unfortunately, no photo taking was allowed, and there were always someone near the model.  But it's definitely not on a planning stage, but in development stage.  It's supposed to be released in May 2003.