Ito Hideaki, Mitsuki Yamamoto, and Takashi Yoshimura Wax Poetic About Their Love of Figures! TAMASHII NATION 2023 Opening Ceremony Report

The opening ceremony for the figure display event TAMASHII NATION 2023 that is still underway was held on Thursday, November 16th.

Over the three-day period between Friday, November 17, to Sunday, November 19, TAMASHII NATION 2023 displays over 700 items over 2 venues (BelleSalle Akihabara and Akihabara UDX) and three floors. The display is centered on all kinds of items from the Gundam series and Akihabara UDX’s ROBOT WORLD.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Hiroshi Sakakibara, the CEO of BANDAI SPIRITS Co. Ltd., as well as Mr. Ito Hideaki, Ms. Mitsuki Yamamoto, and Mr. Takashi Yoshimura of the comedy duo Heisei Nobushi Kobushi appeared. Mr. Sakakibara made a greeting speech and they discussed the venue, the latest items on display, and a panel discussion.

They spoke passionately about the charms of this event, the latest figures on display, as well as about the Gundam series, so read on to see what they said.

First, Mr. Sakakibara of BANDAI SPIRITS had a presentation on TAMASHII NATION 2023.

Mr. Sakakibara: The figure brand TAMASHII NATIONS was started in 2008, so this year is its 15th anniversary. In commemoration of this anniversary, in 2023, the TAMASHII NATIONS WORLD TOUR went to five cities around the world so fans could come in contact with the figures in real life. This January, the flagship store TAMASHII NATIONS STORE was opened in Shanghai, and then again in New York in September. The in-person event TAMASHII NATION 2023 was held with the theme “fondness spreads, connected through figures.” Along with the event, the membership service CLUB TAMASHII MEMBERS went through an overhaul. We continue to wrestle with ways to offer new hobby entertainment to our fans around the world. Also, we want to be a brand that’s loved globally with fans of all ages for our high-quality, plentiful lineup that focuses on figures and robots.

Next, the actors Mr. Hideaki Ito, Ms. Mitsuki Yamamoto, and Mr. Takashi Yoshimura appeared as special guests. When asked about their points in common, Mr. Yoshimura said, “We’re the best of the best? (LOL) I’m kidding. But seriously, I think it’s that we’re all huge figure fans!” Ms. Yamamoto replied, “My collection isn’t as big as these two yet, but I was raised with figures because my father loved them. I personally like figures of cute girls.” Mr. Ito said, “Thank you so much for inviting me to this event. I love figures so much that I visit TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO (TNST) at least twice a month.” They all spoke about how much they love figures.

Mr. Ito produced his own corner for his TV show, Gifu Hideaki, that airs on Gifu Broadcasting System in his home prefecture, in which he visited TNST. “You’re at another level, Mr. Ito!” laughed Mr. Yoshimura. “I love figures, but watching you really makes me wonder if I can even say that.” He was clearly surprised by Mr. Ito’s deep appreciation of figures. In response, Mr. Ito said, “I have a toy collection room in my house, but it’s packed. I want TV shows to come to film it. I’m wearing a limited-edition T-shirt today, too. When I wear T-shirts like this, I hope to be connected with other figure lovers.” His passion was evident in his voice.

After that, an introductory video about the event and one about the membership service CLUB TAMASHII MEMBERS were screened, followed by an introduction to the venue themed after Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM that will be open during the event.

Mr. Ito went to the venue a little earlier than everyone else, and had this to say with excitement: “It was the best. It’s so impressive that I can’t even describe it. The thing that struck me the most were the figures of characters like Kira and Athrun. It made me look forward to everything that will go on sale in the future from series like THE ORIGIN or others.” Also, “I have an image of Ms. Hiroko Moriguchi when it comes to theme songs for the Gundam series, so I want a figure of her from the S.H.Figuarts series! I want to watch Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam while looking at a figure of her…” he continued, displaying his strong feelings for the series.

Ms. Yamamoto said with a laugh, “I grew up with Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. I watched it from my sixth year in elementary school to my second year of middle school, so listening to the theme songs remind me of that period in my life. When we were heading to the venue, they played the intro to the main theme, so I felt chills up my spine the way I did as a kid.”

The introductions moved on to featuring the latest SEED FREEDOM merchandise, starting with movable figures from the S.H.Figurarts series of Kira Yamato, Lacus Clyne, and Athrun Zala.
When Ms. Yamamoto saw the actual figures in person, she grew excited. “SEED’s Mobile Suits are cool, but I loved the relationships between the characters, so I’m happy to see them here!” Mr. Ito pointed out, “The pilot suits are very nicely recreated.”

Everyone expressed their anticipation for the SEED FREEDOM movie that will be released in Japan on Friday, January 26, 2024. “It’s almost out. I can’t wait!” said Mr. Ito. “Right? I was little when the series aired, so there’s no way I can miss it,” Ms. Yamamoto agreed.

At the end of the ceremony, the guests were invited to speak freely on this year’s theme of “Fondness Spreads, Connected Through Figures.” Mr. Ito said, “By connecting through figures, our dreams also increase.” Ms. Yamamoto stated, “By connecting through figures, the world expands.” And Mr. Yoshimura expressed, “By connecting through figures, our pasts connect.” The ceremony ended with their points of view.

The figure exhibit event TAMASHII NATION 2023 will be held in Akihabara, Tokyo, until Sunday, November 19th. Free entry.
Please come to check out the latest items available from the Gundam series, especially those from SEED FREEDOM.