T.M.Revolution The action figure project has begun! The full details of the project will finally be revealed at the annual figure festival "TAMASHII NATION 2022". We interviewed T.M.Revolution = Mr. Takanori Nishikawa, who is the core of the project and will participate in the opening ceremony of TAMASHII NATION 2022. He talked about the figurine project, the famous song "HOT LIMIT," and his thoughts on figurines.

■ T.M.Revolution Action Figure Project

――Please tell us about this project.

Nishikawa:What kind of shape do you have yourself? I was very happy to be able to confirm it as a three-dimensional object again, because it is not easy to experience it. It was my first experience seeing my own back as a three-dimensional object with the naked eye. In terms of development, I was impressed by the thoroughness, such as scanning the body (of myself). I was amazed by the technological innovation of the figure, its accuracy, and most of all, the skill and expressiveness of the sculptor who created the first prototype.

――Were you able to finish the body considerably during the scanning?

Nishikawa:It's something that lasts for the rest of your life, so it's true that there were things that I adapted to (scanning). However, if you narrow it down like a body contest, you will lose volume in the necessary parts. I created the body after considering the dignity and fun as a figure. Do not tighten too much, and tighten where necessary. It was quite difficult to adjust the body assuming it would become a figure. I want to provide the best figure, the best body with all kinds of nerves and nutrition, yes (laughs).

――Please tell us about the specifications of this costume “HOT LIMIT”.

Nishikawa:I was touched by the enthusiasm of the staff, who said, "I must wear HOT LIMIT costumes" (laughs). Coincidentally, this year, my local Omi High School in Shiga Prefecture was able to stand in Koshien for high school baseball, and at that time, they played "HOT LIMIT" as the cheering theme song. Many of the new people who came to know us supported this song again, so I think the timing was very good. It's been nearly 20 years since the song was released, but it's still being listened to by many people.

―― How about looking at your own costume again?

Nishikawa:Well, you often dressed like this when you sang (laughs). When I put on the new 2022 version of the HOTLIMIT costume again, I felt a "freshness" that I didn't feel at the time. Because my body shape has changed quite a bit since then. The costume design is based on the design at the time, but it's strange that the contents are physically the 2022 version. Normally, the contents will remain the same and the exterior will change, but this is an upgrade with a rare pattern in which the system (body) changes more and the exterior changes less. To put it the other way around, it would have been nice to have made a figure from 1998 (laughs). It's completely different, so the thickness and the way the muscles are attached. Well, it's a completely different thing.

――Please tell us about your commitment to supervision.

Nishikawa:After all, I had you scan my body, so I focused on how to attach real muscles as a point. It's just a sense of balance. I won the "Best Body Japan" competition because I was praised for my body balance. The way the muscles are attached to each part is also important, but this time, it feels like I put a lot of importance on the overall balance.

――The reproduction of physical beauty is also a highlight.

Nishikawa:This is amazing because it faithfully reproduces my current body balance. I didn't really understand how my back muscles were attached until I saw 3D data and three-dimensional objects. I tend to train around the shoulders and the front and sides of the parts that I can see, and I tend to overlook the back of the body. Looking at the figures, they are firmly attached, so now I'm trying to catch up with this situation. This S.H.Figuarts will be even more helpful for the next body makeup. Really, if only they had scanned it sooner... In a few years, I would like you to hang out with me again and upgrade (laughs).

■ TAMASHII NATION 2022

-- "S.H.Figuarts T.M.Revolution" will be unveiled at the "TAMASHII NATION 2022" event. Mr. Nishikawa also participated in the opening ceremony.

Nishikawa:I am very honored. I don't think it's easy to have such an opportunity.

――Did you know that the event is held every year?

Nishikawa:of course. After all, I am following the latest information, the evolution of the accuracy of figures such as coloring, and things like transitions by my side. Recently, the materials have changed rapidly, and the number of items that are particular about weight and texture is increasing, so I'm still interested. A big Sazabi that became a hot topic the other day.

――「METAL STRUCTURE TAMASHII STUDIO PREMIUM」.

Nishikawa:The vernier inside the skirt is so beautiful. It would take a lot of time and skill to try to recreate that with a plastic model, but to be able to buy a finished product that is so perfect. I think that various figures are widely available now.

――You have a deep knowledge of not only anime, but also figures.

Nishikawa:That's the generation that waited all night in line to buy gunpla in response to the excitement of the first Gundam. Now, I think that figure skating itself has gone beyond the realm of hobby and is truly rooted in culture. That's what gives foreigners the opportunity to know about Japan. Anime and figures as valuable culture exported from Japan. I am very honored that many people, both in Japan and abroad, are enjoying Japanese culture.

■ S.H.Figuarts T.M.Revolution

――Is there anything you would like fans to see?

Nishikawa:This time it's still "HOT LIMIT", and it even comes with a stage. Then, I think that the image of the music video is very strong for everyone. The singing expression is also expressed as a replacement part. Filming at that time was done with a helicopter. Now it's possible to shoot with a drone, but the helicopter approached the stage built off the coast of Florida, and the situation was unbelievable! I wonder if you can faithfully reproduce the expression of that time (laughs).

――“HOT LIMIT” seems to have a deep affection for you, both the song and the costumes.

Nishikawa:No, to put it the other way around, I wondered if everyone could play around with it like this. I don't think there are many songs that are so freshly "rubbed" every year. Just like Tatsuro Yamashita's famous song "Christmas Eve" is played in winter, "HOT LIMIT" in summer. I really appreciate it. I would be happy if you could continue to play this song for decades, as a song that will be rubbed when summer comes (laughs). In that sense, figures are not just memories, they capture that moment, and I feel that they are all wrapped up in the atmosphere of that era. Moreover, it is not two-dimensional like images and videos, but it can be seen three-dimensionally. It is a trigger that reminds us from various angles. I would be happy if the 2022 version of the "HOT LIMIT" figure, which has a gold color added to the costume, will do so.

――Is there a recommended pose?

Nishikawa:A microphone is included as an optional part, so it's like recreating a live stage. Hmmm... But well, this is really everyone's favorite pose! ! On our side, we will stick to the completion of the figure and provide the "material", so after that, we would like you to really enjoy it freely.

――Then, as a user, do you have any assumptions about how you want to play with your own figures when you receive them?

Nishikawa:I agree. Just the other day, I succumbed to the temptation and joined the video distribution subscription "Disney+". I'm thinking of displaying it next to a Black Panther figure. I think it looks really good next to Black Panther in terms of color. Side-by-side with the Avengers secretly, I was like, “Oh, is that one person too many?” (laughs).

――It seems that you could add it to your figure collection, Mr. Nishikawa.

Nishikawa:of course! I would like to go on a tour with you (laughs).

――Finally, could you give a message to the fans who are waiting for the figure?

Nishikawa:Thanks to all of you, "HOT LIMIT" has become a song and costume that many people can enjoy for a long time. And this time I was able to make it into a figure. The song, and the world view that the song has, is gradually leaving my hands and becoming everyone else's. It's not just for me, it's getting more and more everyone's, and there are people who connect that enthusiasm to this kind of figure project. I appreciate it very much. Furthermore, I am very happy that there are people who accept this enthusiasm in the same way. I would like to continue to do my best so that I can further create this chain.
──Thank you very much.

Nishikawa Takanori