Happy New Year!
Nama Niku Kinnikuman Osaka Pilgrimage Video
*Please note that these clips were shot gorilla style as recording is generally discouraged at these locations.
Most of the footage did not work out however, and I apologize for the off-kilter quality of what survived.
Better luck next time... 肉
生肉 | NAMA NIKU 。。。ナマ消し | NAMAKESHI 。。。キン肉マン | KINNIKUMAN
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Kinnikuman Tokyo Shopping Guide
Heading to Japan anytime soon? Check out my top picks for the best spots in Tokyo to score Kinnikuman goods!
1. Nakano Broadway
The Kinnikuman Goods:
The Kinnikuman Goods:
The Kinnikuman Goods:
The Kinnikuman Goods:
The Kinnikuman Goods:
The Kinnikuman Goods:
While there are other shops worth mentioning, I am sticking with places where I have consistently found good things over the years. Always be sure to check store days and hours before heading out. Also keep in mind that stock changes daily at these places, so go back often...
Last but not least, check out my previous post on KIN29SHOP. This one cannot be missed!
1. Nakano Broadway
Top Kinnikuman Broadway spots:
- Mandarake Micro (4F) - Kinkeshi, Gachapon, Microman, Romando, Sofvi, CCP, Pansonworks, Daishi, Play Sets, other rare Niku stuff etc.
- Ganking (1 + 2F) - Kinkeshi, Gachapon, CCP, Sofvi, Medicos, Pansonworks
- Gaocchi (3F) - Vintage Kinkeshi
- (Too many other small shops with various Kinnikuman Gachapon to list)
- Location Map
- Floor Map
2. Figure Hobby-kan (Akihabara Liberty 8)
The Kinnikuman Goods:
- F1 - Glass Case w/rare Microman, Romando, CCP, Medicos, vintage Kinnikuman goods.
- Action Character floor - Gachapon galore (top stock!), Kubrick, re-release Kinkeshi.
- Location Map
3. Hobby Figure (Akihabara Liberty 7)
The Kinnikuman Goods:
- Tons of re-release Kinkeshi and Gachapon from almost every Kinniku release series.
- Location Map
4. Mandarake (Akihabara Complex)
The Kinnikuman Goods:
- CCP, Sofvi, Medicos, Microman, packaged Kinkeshi 28 packs, Play Sets, Romando.
- Location Map
5. Radio Kaikan (Akihabara)
The Kinnikuman Goods:
- Multiple shops carrying new and used Medicos, Gachapon (tons), CCP.
- Right on Chuo Dori (can't miss it).
- I have to admit that I like the original location much better. This temporary one is not too shabby though, and worth a visit for sure.
6. Yodobashi (Akihabara)
The Kinnikuman Goods:
- Two large areas with all new toys. Depending on product releases, this is a great place to find new Kinniku Medicos, boxed Gachapon etc.
- Location Map
7. Golden Age Toys (Akihabara)
The Kinnikuman Goods:
- Vintage Kinkeshi
- Location (right next to the Figure Hobby-kan)
7. Kaikodo (Okegawa, Greater Tokyo area)
The Kinnikuman Goods:
- Exclusive location of the Kaikodo x Romando series, tons of Romandos, Gachapon, Kinkeshi.
- A bit out of the way, but worth the trip! A five min walk from the Okegawa station.
- Location Map
While there are other shops worth mentioning, I am sticking with places where I have consistently found good things over the years. Always be sure to check store days and hours before heading out. Also keep in mind that stock changes daily at these places, so go back often...
Last but not least, check out my previous post on KIN29SHOP. This one cannot be missed!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Kinnikuman ~ Inside Studio Yudetamago
10/18/11 will go down as the single greatest day in Nama Niku History. I cannot thank Yudetamago enough for allowing me to visit their Studio and share this once in a lifetime experience and pictures with all of you. 本当にありがとうございました！！！
An inside look into Studio Egg is extremely rare, and the entire experience was surreal to say the least. I was lucky to be accompanied by two super Japanese Yudekkii, Duke and Kinoshita-san. These guys both worked extensively on the last Kinnikuman Day Muscle Museum, and were responsible for the event's amazing Kinnikuman Day posters and Kinnikuman Kimono. It was an honor to be able to share this visit with fellow fans who have been actively engaged in promoting Kinnikuman.
Now for the juicy stuff!
We were greeted at the door by Nakai-sensei, and a giant painting of Mick Jagger. He is a huge Rolling Stones fan, and I knew right off the bat that I scored with the Stones 1981 American tour t-shirt I got him.
I was taken back at how neat and organized everything was, and overcome with a sense of Kinnikuman history. I was also awestruck at the sheer volume of meticulously displayed Kinnikuman collectibles.
Nakai-sensei is an avid Kinnikuman toy collector and has been known to peruse the halls of many toy shops selling Kinnikuman goods in Akihabara. Apparently they do not always get product samples for their merchandise, so he goes out himself to buy figures missing from his collection. How crazy is that!?
We chatted about the launch of Ultimate Muscle and their visit to the New York Toy Fair. Our discussion turned from toys to the English version of the Nisei anime and manga and we laughed about the difference in names, character voices, and censorship that took place. We also discussed the phenomenon of characters popular with overseas fans that are not necessarily big in Japan. They now know probably more than they ever wanted to about the mania surrounding the Sunigator claw and Satan Cross.
They were very interested in the discussions that place on boards like Little Rubber Guys, and were hungry for information on the various overseas Kinnikuman scenes. The Kinnikuman series is still going strong and I can say with confidence that there is plenty more in-store for all of us!
They also expressed appreciation and surprise with my knowledge of the original series and were amazed to hear about the dedication of many of their biggest fans. While there are no definitive plans at this point, there is talk of making a US appearance and doing a signing event with fans.
Around this time, I was given the green light to tour the studio and take pictures of anything I wanted. My head was swimming with excitement, and I was super glad my wife was there to step in and take over the camera!
It was also around this time, that I was presented with what is now the single greatest item in my Kinnikuman collection.
Words cannot express the joy and excitement I felt upon viewing this original piece of art. Nakai-sensei indicated that it has been well over 25 years since he had drawn King the 100 Ton. To get a piece of art with my five favorite choujin was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I cannot thank Yudetamago enough for their kindness towards me, and their support of Nama Niku!
I was almost on the brink of tears receiving this gift, but was suddenly saved by the giddiness of my fellow Yudekkii as they broke out their childhood copies of Kinnikuman to be signed by Yudetamago.
Watching their faces and sheer excitement was something I will never forget. Grown men starry eyed and overjoyed by this interaction with their true living heroes was something I could completely relate with. It was very special to say the least.
Our energy and jubilation reached new heights as we were then invited to Nakai-sensei's personal workspace. On display were the current scripts and rough art storyboards for the new Kinnikuman series. That's right folks, it is not over yet...
Handling Shimada-sensei's hand written scripts, and flipping through the unpublished art work was almost too much to process. We were also allowed to tour the back room where a staff of six full time apprentices complete background work and other necessary tasks to make Kinnikuman come to life.
Nakai-sensei says it takes about an entire week of eight people working long hours to complete approximately 20 pages of Kinnikuman...
Our visit went on to last late into the evening covering topics from old school wrestling, MMA, Kurosawa films, Bruce Lee, and Kinnikuman topics galore. I asked them a few burning questions like what Kinnikuman's mask was made of, and they said that they had never even thought about the answer before. It seems like a lot of the questions that fans come up with actually have no answers. They did say however, that they will get around to answering the great Kinnikuman mysteries someday...
After my visit, I can say that with out a doubt that Shimada-sensei and Nakai-sensei are truly invested in their fans, and care a great deal about your support. I will honor and cherish the memories of this day for the rest of my life. I still have goosebumps and chills just thinking about it.
Long live Kinnikuman ~ 肉
The Entrance to Planet Kinniku
An inside look into Studio Egg is extremely rare, and the entire experience was surreal to say the least. I was lucky to be accompanied by two super Japanese Yudekkii, Duke and Kinoshita-san. These guys both worked extensively on the last Kinnikuman Day Muscle Museum, and were responsible for the event's amazing Kinnikuman Day posters and Kinnikuman Kimono. It was an honor to be able to share this visit with fellow fans who have been actively engaged in promoting Kinnikuman.
Now for the juicy stuff!
We were greeted at the door by Nakai-sensei, and a giant painting of Mick Jagger. He is a huge Rolling Stones fan, and I knew right off the bat that I scored with the Stones 1981 American tour t-shirt I got him.
I was taken back at how neat and organized everything was, and overcome with a sense of Kinnikuman history. I was also awestruck at the sheer volume of meticulously displayed Kinnikuman collectibles.
Nakai-sensei is an avid Kinnikuman toy collector and has been known to peruse the halls of many toy shops selling Kinnikuman goods in Akihabara. Apparently they do not always get product samples for their merchandise, so he goes out himself to buy figures missing from his collection. How crazy is that!?
We chatted about the launch of Ultimate Muscle and their visit to the New York Toy Fair. Our discussion turned from toys to the English version of the Nisei anime and manga and we laughed about the difference in names, character voices, and censorship that took place. We also discussed the phenomenon of characters popular with overseas fans that are not necessarily big in Japan. They now know probably more than they ever wanted to about the mania surrounding the Sunigator claw and Satan Cross.
They were very interested in the discussions that place on boards like Little Rubber Guys, and were hungry for information on the various overseas Kinnikuman scenes. The Kinnikuman series is still going strong and I can say with confidence that there is plenty more in-store for all of us!
They also expressed appreciation and surprise with my knowledge of the original series and were amazed to hear about the dedication of many of their biggest fans. While there are no definitive plans at this point, there is talk of making a US appearance and doing a signing event with fans.
Around this time, I was given the green light to tour the studio and take pictures of anything I wanted. My head was swimming with excitement, and I was super glad my wife was there to step in and take over the camera!
It was also around this time, that I was presented with what is now the single greatest item in my Kinnikuman collection.
Words cannot express the joy and excitement I felt upon viewing this original piece of art. Nakai-sensei indicated that it has been well over 25 years since he had drawn King the 100 Ton. To get a piece of art with my five favorite choujin was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I cannot thank Yudetamago enough for their kindness towards me, and their support of Nama Niku!
Adding the finishing touches
Absolutely Incredible!!!
Watching their faces and sheer excitement was something I will never forget. Grown men starry eyed and overjoyed by this interaction with their true living heroes was something I could completely relate with. It was very special to say the least.
Our energy and jubilation reached new heights as we were then invited to Nakai-sensei's personal workspace. On display were the current scripts and rough art storyboards for the new Kinnikuman series. That's right folks, it is not over yet...
Handling Shimada-sensei's hand written scripts, and flipping through the unpublished art work was almost too much to process. We were also allowed to tour the back room where a staff of six full time apprentices complete background work and other necessary tasks to make Kinnikuman come to life.
Nakai-sensei explaining what we were looking at ~ wow!
View of the back office
Individual artists' desks
My favorite artifact in the studio
After my visit, I can say that with out a doubt that Shimada-sensei and Nakai-sensei are truly invested in their fans, and care a great deal about your support. I will honor and cherish the memories of this day for the rest of my life. I still have goosebumps and chills just thinking about it.
Long live Kinnikuman ~ 肉
Monday, October 10, 2011
Yudetamago-Sensei ~ Part I
Day one in Japan, and I'm already on Kinnikuman overload! Monster sized thanks to the Yudetamago crew for an incredible evening!
Much of the night was spent discussing how much Yudetamago appreciates their fans from all over the world. It was great sharing stories about the passion and dedication of their supporters, and how this iconic franchise has created lasting friendships transcending cultural and geographical borders.
Yudetamago has some amazing things in the works for Kinnikuman fans, and I am really excited to know that the Kinnikuman legacy is alive and burning. Shimada-sensei sends his sincere thanks to all of you!
A few pics until next time ~
Stay tuned for more Yudetamago and Kinnikuman coverage straight from Japan ~ 肉
Shimada-sensei and ol' 100t
Much of the night was spent discussing how much Yudetamago appreciates their fans from all over the world. It was great sharing stories about the passion and dedication of their supporters, and how this iconic franchise has created lasting friendships transcending cultural and geographical borders.
Yudetamago has some amazing things in the works for Kinnikuman fans, and I am really excited to know that the Kinnikuman legacy is alive and burning. Shimada-sensei sends his sincere thanks to all of you!
A few pics until next time ~
Killer Tokyo restaurant!
(Lots of pics of Japanese MMA fighters and Pro Wrestlers on the wall)
The man really likes his food!
Shimada-sensei on the wall
The restaurant owner is a huge Kinnikuman fan!
(Keeps his Kinkeshi collection in the restaurant and these posters in the bathroom)
(Keeps his Kinkeshi collection in the restaurant and these posters in the bathroom)
Yude Shochu
Kinnikuman Okonomiyaki
A true Tokyo cowboy!
(Utah Rye Choujin Whiskey)
Stay tuned for more Yudetamago and Kinnikuman coverage straight from Japan ~ 肉
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Kinnikuman x Art Junkie T Shirt Collaboration Part III
New designs from Art Junkie ~
Email Art Junkie to place your order ~PayPal + Overseas Shipping + English Support = Rad shopping experience.
Art Junkie will donate a portion of the sales to Japan recovery efforts ~ 肉
All Images Compliments of Art Junkie
Kinnikuman + The Five Fated Princes
Mongolman
T Shirt Back
Email Art Junkie to place your order ~PayPal + Overseas Shipping + English Support = Rad shopping experience.
Art Junkie will donate a portion of the sales to Japan recovery efforts ~ 肉
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