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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Aug 23, 2024 1:18:22 GMT -5
Continuing to share obscure Japanese Wrestling collectibles with the world, I present four more sofubi figures: Imperial Pro-Wrestling Federation is a line of sofubi figures that were released by Japanese toymaker Utsugiyo in 2015.  Each figure stands about 4.5 - 5 inches (which is less than half the size of older Sofubi figures released in Japan). The design of the figures are meant to resemble the traditional Bullmark sofubi figures from the 60's and early 70's.   Design-wise, Utsugiyo states that the Champion Series two-pack features two protagonists: Larry Blackhole and Bear the Ted.  Personally speaking, I think Larry is based on Thunderlips. The hat and handlebar mustache, plus IGWP-inspired belt seem reminiscent of Hulk's likeness. Additionally, I feel Bear the Ted is a tribute to Tiger Mask and Bruiser Brody ( note Ted's furry boot coverings).  The Champion Series two-pack originally sold for 14,000 yen ($117 USD), which also came with a colouring book and poster. The poster's design was meant to replicate the look of classic Puroresu posters from the 1960's (specifically, the JWA). Just like Thunderlips in Rocky III, Blackhole also features a cape of his own. Only 27 sets were created, and anyone who didn't pre-order by May 7th had to be entered into a lottery in hopes of bagging the pair. If you thought $117 for two miniature sofubi's was a tad much, be prepared to feast your eyes on the following:  Utsugiyo released a special variant set that was only available over the weekend. Unlike the original Champion Series set, this special two-pack included multiple removable accessories. Teddy's vest chains and beard look reminiscent of Bruiser Brody here. Released in 2018, this special set was sold for a jaw dropping 49,999 yen ($367 USD plus shipping!). Welcome to the expensive world soft vinyl 'designer art toys'.  The only known photo I could find of the packaged Black Friday version. I wonder if the extra accessories are tucked away inside the packaging, or were removed at the last second? We may never know. At 1 to $400+, would you consider hunting down these designer art Wrestling figures? |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Aug 29, 2024 6:41:41 GMT -5
Ready to recreate many classic feuds: the 16d Collection Terry Funk figure has just arrived in my collection.  Outside of Junkshop Dog's recent POPY-inspired remakes, most of the figures based on the Dirty Funker are from Terry's latter career as a Hardcore legend. Terry is sculpted here in his late 70's AJPW entrance attire. At the time, Terry was teaming with his brother Dory Funk Jr. .  Like most 16d figures, the sole of Terry's boots contains a copyright from the Wrestler himself. In Funk's case, the license is a posthumous one.  'Texas Broncos' is written on the back of Terry's entrance jacket. In the world of Puroresu, The Funks' bomber jackets from this era are considered holy grails among collectors. Often times selling for thousands of dollars to diehard fans. The Great Kabuki himself was gifted one of these jackets by Dory Funk Jr. himself, along with one of Stan Hansen's iconic cowboy hats. Two treasures the legend displays in his BIG DADDY restaurant in Japan.  Terry's name is written on the front of his jacket. Though, if collectors want to appreciate the writing clearly, they'll have to rotate Terry's arms. Like the 16d Giant Baba figures, I found moving Terry's arms to be very quite tedious at first. Though, with a little persistence, it is possible. Another thing I discovered that the GoodSmile shop doesn't tell you is that Terry's wrists are also articulated; both being able to rotate a full 360 degrees.  The side of the packaging reveals Terry's profile. D.O.B.: July 30th, 1944 Birthplace: America, Indiana Debut: December 9th, 1965 Height/Weight: 188cm (6'2), 118kg (260lbs) Signature moves: Spinning Toe Hold, Rolling Cradle, Texas Clover Hold (Texas Cloverleaf). |
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Post by biggerbetterbadder on Aug 30, 2024 9:31:16 GMT -5
Just got my Terry Funk. 6 days shipped from Japan to Canada! I’m impressed. The more I look at the figure, the more I hope we get a few more different Terry figures. Lots of different looks to choose from.
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 18, 2024 13:56:38 GMT -5
On past pages, we delved into the cuter side of obscure Japanese collectibles known as Kewpie; the adorably-awkward minifigure/doll hybrids that have found their way into the world of Puroresu. Once again, we're going to take a look at more fan-made Kewpie's based on NJPW's biggest stars.   Tetsuya Naito.   Hiroshi Tanahashi & EVIL.   Yota Tsuji & Hiromu Takahashi's various alter-egos.   The same talented custom maker also created (what looks like) clay versions of Hiromu Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito. |
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Post by biggerbetterbadder on Sept 22, 2024 11:11:37 GMT -5
tigerdrivercollect, you think we will get a preview of the next 16d figure by the end of the year? Not sure how many a year they produce. 2-3?
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 22, 2024 12:47:28 GMT -5
tigerdrivercollect, you think we will get a preview of the next 16d figure by the end of the year? Not sure how many a year they produce. 2-3? This year saw the release of: 1. Great Muta Bye Bye red ver. 2. Great Muta Bye Bye Black ver. 3. Naomichi Marufuji 4. Terry Funk 5. Stan Hansen black ver. 6. Antonio Inoki 80's ver. 7. The Baki Hanma trading figures (8 blindbox figures in total) I wish 16d showed more upcoming figure previews. Alas, the closest thing I've ever seen are videos on Youtube from GoodSmile's promotional festivals shortly after the figures have been put up for pre-order. Such was the case with the original Muta facepaint figures, Andre, Baba, Abdullah, etc...  Prototype photo used to promote the pre-order of the Abdullah The Butcher figure. Shown at Abdullah's retirement ceremony in Japan.
The barely-updated HAO Collection facebook fanpage was, at one point in time, releasing prototype and production photos for new MMA
figures, but the figures, as to my knowledge, never left the prototype phase.
 There were even photos of Kenichi Hao sculpting the prototypes, which was really cool to see. While Chris Hero and Zakk Ryder get a lot of praise for their figure collections, I thought it would be cool to share with everyone Jushin Liger's figure collection:  Liger sitting at home with his Godzilla model collection. Notice the framed pictures of Liger in the background?  Liger enjoys painting these model kits as a hobby.  One of Liger's very first figures was a model kit that was released by NJPW back in the 90's (alongside a kit made for Great Muta as well). |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 27, 2024 3:15:59 GMT -5
The most expensive modern Japanese Wrestling figures you can find are those of the 3D printed variety.  The Mitsuharu Misawa Memorial 2021 3D Printed figure two-pack by Iron Factory is a good example, with a price tag set at $400.  A touching tribute to the Standard Bearer of Future Generations.     Both versions are good contenders for best Misawa figure likeness ever (next to the Misawa memorial polystone statue by HAO). |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 29, 2024 21:56:22 GMT -5
Figures from Japan with little-to-no coverage have always been my niche. Such is the case with the A BATHING APE X AJPW figure set.   Each figure comes in a plastic drawstring bag that looks better-suited for some oranges at a grocery store. Despite being an officially-licensed product line, nicknames are included for each Wrestler on their respective bags. The figures are: 'KAZ' (Kaz Hayashi) 'Mr. 610' (Keiji Mutoh. The '610' in Japanese numbering translates to 'Mutoh', which has been a nickname of Mutoh's over the years; even naming his restaurant 'Dining 610' after it). 'KOJI' (Satoshi Kojima). And the most obscure figure of them all 'THE APE MAN' (Apeman - a masked gimmick played by WWE's Jimmy Wang Yang)  The figures themselves are modeled after the minimalist approach of modern designer art figures. Specifically, figures made by Bearbrick.   Bathing Ape, Apeman and the All Japan Pro-Wrestling roster in 2002 when both parties began collaborating.    Additional photos.  Keiji Mutoh owns his Bathing Ape figure; which can be seen at the back end to the right. Scale-wise, these figures look to stand about 7 to 9 inches tall; when compared standing next to the HAO Collection Mech and Spider Muta figures.   Outside of All Japan Pro-Wrestling, Bathing Ape also joined forces with Kinnikuman years before New Japan could ever strike a licensing deal. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 5, 2024 13:22:02 GMT -5
Today, I have without question, the weirdest Japanese Wrestler figure assortment anyone has ever shared before. Ladies, gentleman & members of the press ...I present to you:
Nendo Pro-Wrestling 粘土 プロレスNot to be confused with GoodSmile's Nendoroid NJPW Pro-Wrestling three pack, Nendo Pro-Wrestling (the word 'nendo' is Japanese for clay) is a fictional Wrestling federation by Japanese artist Dehara Yukinori. The exhibition for NPW (note the phalis-looking logo....) first started in 2012.  Some of the figures are based on real-life Wrestlers. Such as: ' The Butcher' - a black man dressed in a suit with shades, money and cigar. Based on Abdullah The Butcher. 'Lucky Boy' - a caucasian Wrestler with dirty blonde hair and blue trunks could be based on Dynamite Kid or Davey Boy Smith.
'The Bear' - a bald headed man dressed in an animal print singlet holding a beer bottle. Maybe based on Andre The Giant.
'Zebias Devious' - Top-right with grey handlebar mustache. He is known as a bank roller. His name and description fits 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase.
'Menta Mask' - this pink-masked Luchador is caught in a Flying Crossbody. I'd like to think he's based on Mil Mascaras.
'Toshiro Kosaka' - the character in the corner with the glasses. His name and appearance seem to be based on famed NJPW announcer
Hidekazu Tanaka.
'Ichiro Manganji' - The figure in the middle wearing what looks like NJPW's IWGP Heavyweight Championship. His nickname is 'old wolf',
so, I'm guessing a legend. With his longer hair, I'm thinking Riki Choshu. His name Manganji may be a reference to Antonio Inoki's
famous use of the Manji-gatame (Octopus Hold). There's also the chance he may be based on Genichiro Tenryu - as Ichiro's first name
is close to Genichiro; Tenryu was also known to use the Manji-Gatame.
The two Wrestlers that I cropped out are called 'Mask do Penis' and 'Mask do Vagina'. I'm not even going to comment on that.
 Finally, a figure of Hogan with the spelling close to how The Ultimate Warrior used to refer to him as.  If you dig Dehara's work, you can purchase figures based on the characters of Hokuto No Ken/Fist of the North Star.  Meat, Kenshiro and the goons are all available - with additional pet accessories. I'd like to think Dehara's style in figure form loosely resembles a cartoon you'd see on Adult Swim. It definitely has that indie vibe to it. Did you know that Heat is based off of Abdullah The Butcher as well?  A close up of The Butcher. Abdullah was never featured in a suit before as far as figures go.  Dehara would take his Nendo Pro-Wrestling figures on the road in 2013. If you'd like to learn more about these figures (or see more of Dehara's work, simply type in 粘土 プロレス. Jushin Liger a figure maker?!!
Betcha never knew that! Aside from collecting figures of Godzilla and himself, Jushin Liger has also dabbled in sculpting his own Wrestling figures! The cover of the following book 'Cobra Twist with Love' features Liger's figure work.  Funny enough, the figures on the cover aren't posed in a Cobra Twist ---but an Octopus Hold.You can purchase Cobra Twist with Love here: rittorsha.jp/items/17317434.html |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 5, 2024 16:46:23 GMT -5
Next up for obscure Japanese figure lines you probably never heard of, feast your eyes on the: Nostalgic Showa Pro-Wrestling figure collection. While browsing for content on the Nendo Pro-Wrestling figure exhibition, I came across two listings on Amazon Japan which caught my attention. ![]()  These figures are made of clay ceramic; which was a common trend for collectibles in Japan during the 1980's. In fact, Riki Choshu had a collection of them officially made under his Riki Pro banner during the era (more on those figures later). The first figure is the Fighting Spirit Enzuigiri figure. The figure is based off of Antonio Inoki performing his signature Enzuigiri finisher.  At first, I thought this next figure was a very poorly sculpted Stan Hansen or Karl Gotch. Alas, it's officially- listed as 'Superman Hulk Hogan'. This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst Hulk Hogan figure ever created! Even in ceramic form, it takes an extra special level of talent to mess up the Hulkster this badly! There is no brand behind these figures. They were listed to Amazon in 2022 and are essentially bootleg figures. You can find the listings by typing: Hogan: 懐かしの昭和プロレス超人ハルクホーガンフィギュア Inoki: 懐かしの昭和プロレス鎮魂闘魂延髄斬りフィギュア |
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Post by biggerbetterbadder on Oct 6, 2024 10:34:20 GMT -5
I thought that was a Stan Hansen figure. Looks more like Hansen than Hogan.
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 6, 2024 20:52:32 GMT -5
I too thought Stan Hansen for a second. The sculpt almost looks like Hogan was going for a Lariat (or in Hogan's Japanese case ...an Axe Bomber). The pointed 'Ichiban' finger pose is the giveaway here. Thankfully, these 'figures' can't be shipped outside of Japan; saving collectors in the process... Here's another Japanese figure not covered anywhere. Shinya Hashimoto King of Destruction Head BobblerWhile I can't say exactly when this figure was made, it was licensed by ZERO-1. I'd guess early to mid 2000's while Hashimoto was still an active competitor for the promotion.   The packaging features an intense photo of Hashimoto.  Like many bobbleheads, the figure comes in plastic casing, and what looks like a protective cloth to keep the head from being damaged during transit.  This is the most pissed off Shinya Hashimoto has ever looked in figure form. The base reads 'King of Destruction'; Shinya's official nickname. Like most bobbleheads, I will assume the bobblehead was made of polystone; thus, the added protective measures in regards to packaging.  At first, I thought they were wear, but there are intentional grey accents on Hashimoto's signature hachimaki.  How often does your bobbleheads come bundled with a Quartz clock? I can't think of any other bobble-related figure that offered this feature off the top of my head.
While we wait for more 16d figures to be released, I thought I would share some killer customs with everyone. The following pictures come from Chargrove Custom's Instagram account:  Using the 16d Collection The Rock figure, Chris sanded down Rock's beard, applied a darker paint job, adjusted Rock's teeth, and began drawing in his hairline.  THIS is the figure we Westerners should have received in the 16d line! An absolutely amazing job. Though, I think the teeth are a tad too yellow here.  Dynamite Kid in his 80's British Bulldog's attire. Now we REALLY need a Davey Boy...  If you want blood ...you got it with this custom. Notice the Bulldog's alt. attire, too.  I absolutely love this Abby custom. From the corrected skin colour, to the ample amounts of blood, this is the perfect representation of The Butcher during his 1970's - early 80's PWF Championship run with All Japan. An attire that has never been replicated outside of Japan.  Chris has also created Mattel customs of famous Japanese Wrestlers. Such as an early 90's pre-NWO Japan/Natural Born Master era Keiji Mutoh! You can check out more of Chris's work here: www.instagram.com/chargrove.customs/?locale=akun%2Bgacor%2Bslot%2Bhari%2Bini%E3%80%90GB77.CC%E3%80%91.bpyd&hl=sv |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 9, 2024 15:44:50 GMT -5
As popular as Character Product/Charapro's Wrestling figures were in Japan, many collectors wish there were more gaijin's added to the roster during the line's original run between the late 90's to late 2000's. Through the fan-created statues of Dentist Takuro Horikawa, I was reminded of the Charapro figures of yesteryear. Looking at Dr. Horikawa's work, it's easy to imagine what the following legends would have looked like:   The Rock.   Hollywood Hulk Hogan.  The most-realistic modern Hogan bust I've ever seen.  A savate kick. I could certainly see the original Tiger Mask sculpted in this pose.  Dr. Horikura starts his statues with a wire base.  A mold is then created.   The realism in Dr. Horikawa's custom work is simply astounding. I can't think of a more-realistic late 70's - early 1980's Antonio Inoki.  Dr. Horikawa's work has been on display in various Art exhibitions alongside his father's paintings. Horikawa says with his limited schedule these days, it takes him on-average, about a year to complete one sculpture from start to finish. Notice that these statues are much-larger than your standard Charapro. If it was up to one man to restart the Charapro figure line, Dr. Horikawa and his statues would have my vote. |
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@Chair.Shot
Main Eventer
WF 10+ Year Member
Joined on: Jan 31, 2012 4:38:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,866
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Oct 9, 2024 17:08:19 GMT -5
Those are spectacular! Is there a website or social media account where we can see more of his work?
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 10, 2024 0:10:23 GMT -5
In Japanese, the sculptor's name is written as 堀川 拓郎 (Takuro Horikawa). Here is Takuro's facebook page: www.facebook.com/takuro.horikawa.9Takuro is even pictured standing next to Tatsumi Fujinami in his profile pic. Takuro's instagram account: www.instagram.com/hogan8202006/?hl=enWhile both accounts are barely-used, I was able to find more of Horikawa's clay sculptures online:  Another throwback Inoki. This look appears close to Inoki's appearance in the 1970's.  Hands down, the coolest Ichiban-era Hogan likeness that I've ever seen. I also think it's refreshing to see Hogan not sculpted in a raised #1 finger pose; as he is often depicted doing so from this time in his career.  Hollywood Hogan and The Rock's infamous staredown at WM X8 in 2002.  Dr. Horikawa's interests also go beyond Wrestling itself with a sculpture of Greek Olympian figure Apollo.  Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. ![]()  Edo period Samurai and influential figure Ryoma Sakamoto; as portrayed by Japanese Actor Masaharu Fukuyama.  On a smaller scale, Dr. Horikawa's work has extended to recreating Dinosaurs. Such is the case with this T-Rex sculpture.  Candid office photos of Dr.Horikawa's Wrestling sculptures taken back in 2014.
Out of all of Dr. Horikawa's work, I think Horikawa's Pro-Wrestling sculptures are the best. You can clearly see Horikawa's passion as a Pro-Wrestling fan carved into these pieces.  Another Hogan statue from 2015.  akuro Horikawa pictured at famed Puroresu store Toudoukan holding a mini photo album of his sculptures for sale. Sadly, the above posts are the extent of the information that I could gather on Takuro. The few Japanese articles that did talk about Takuro stated that his love of Pro-Wrestling was rekindled after a lengthy absence. Crafting Wrestling figures (and sculpting in general) continued to remain a hobby for him beyond his daytime work as a Dentist. Maybe Takuro's love of Pro-Wrestling will rekindle once again one day, and we'll have more Wrestling sculptures presented on display throughout Japan. Further reading: marmalade3232.ashita-sanuki.jp/e864309.htmlThis appears to be the blog of the Gallery that hosted Horikawa's sculptures. wwwb.pikara.ne.jp/horitake/newpage4.htmlEvent photos from when Horikawa's work was featured at the Kagawa Prefectural Culture Hall in April 2011. The event was called Takeshi Horikawa Oil Painting & Takuro Figure Exhibition”; as Dr. Horikawa's father also had oil paintings on display. www.rnc.co.jp/ent/photom/calendar/rcar/20141112More gallery coverage from 2014. Includes additional photos of Dr. Horikawa and the previously-seen sculptures. |
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oldschoolfool
Main Eventer
Joined on: Mar 4, 2021 17:37:06 GMT -5
Posts: 1,297
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Post by oldschoolfool on Oct 10, 2024 7:56:56 GMT -5
Today, I have without question, the weirdest Japanese Wrestler figure assortment anyone has ever shared before. Ladies, gentleman & members of the press ...I present to you:
Nendo Pro-Wrestling 粘土 プロレスNot to be confused with GoodSmile's Nendoroid NJPW Pro-Wrestling three pack, Nendo Pro-Wrestling (the word 'nendo' is Japanese for clay) is a fictional Wrestling federation by Japanese artist Dehara Yukinori. The exhibition for NPW (note the phalis-looking logo....) first started in 2012. Some of the figures are based on real-life Wrestlers. Such as: ' The Butcher' - a black man dressed in a suit with shades, money and cigar. Based on Abdullah The Butcher. 'Lucky Boy' - a caucasian Wrestler with dirty blonde hair and blue trunks could be based on Dynamite Kid or Davey Boy Smith.
'The Bear' - a bald headed man dressed in an animal print singlet holding a beer bottle. Maybe based on Andre The Giant.
'Zebias Devious' - Top-right with grey handlebar mustache. He is known as a bank roller. His name and description fits 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase.
'Menta Mask' - this pink-masked Luchador is caught in a Flying Crossbody. I'd like to think he's based on Mil Mascaras.
'Toshiro Kosaka' - the character in the corner with the glasses. His name and appearance seem to be based on famed NJPW announcer
Hidekazu Tanaka.
'Ichiro Manganji' - The figure in the middle wearing what looks like NJPW's IWGP Heavyweight Championship. His nickname is 'old wolf',
so, I'm guessing a legend. With his longer hair, I'm thinking Riki Choshu. His name Manganji may be a reference to Antonio Inoki's
famous use of the Manji-gatame (Octopus Hold). There's also the chance he may be based on Genichiro Tenryu - as Ichiro's first name
is close to Genichiro; Tenryu was also known to use the Manji-Gatame.
The two Wrestlers that I cropped out are called 'Mask do Penis' and 'Mask do Vagina'. I'm not even going to comment on that.
Finally, a figure of Hogan with the spelling close to how The Ultimate Warrior used to refer to him as. If you dig Dehara's work, you can purchase figures based on the characters of Hokuto No Ken/Fist of the North Star. Meat, Kenshiro and the goons are all available - with additional pet accessories. I'd like to think Dehara's style in figure form loosely resembles a cartoon you'd see on Adult Swim. It definitely has that indie vibe to it. Did you know that Heat is based off of Abdullah The Butcher as well? A close up of The Butcher. Abdullah was never featured in a suit before as far as figures go. Dehara would take his Nendo Pro-Wrestling figures on the road in 2013. If you'd like to learn more about these figures (or see more of Dehara's work, simply type in 粘土 プロレス. Jushin Liger a figure maker?!!
Betcha never knew that! Aside from collecting figures of Godzilla and himself, Jushin Liger has also dabbled in sculpting his own Wrestling figures! The cover of the following book 'Cobra Twist with Love' features Liger's figure work. Funny enough, the figures on the cover aren't posed in a Cobra Twist ---but an Octopus Hold.You can purchase Cobra Twist with Love here: rittorsha.jp/items/17317434.htmlIt is a cobra twist, if it was an octopus hold, his leg would be hooked over his head. Had no idea Liger sculpted, that's really cool. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 10, 2024 13:43:58 GMT -5
We're digging extra deep today. Here's a collection of Japanese merchandise from the 1980's:  Abdullah The Butcher and Stan Hansen.  There doesn't seem to be any brand logos or indentations on the ceramic figures.  Same with the bottom. The ceramic banks stand about 4 inches tall.  Riki Choshu, Kuniaki Kobayashi & Yoshiaki Yatsu. 
  Strangely enough, a Hulk Hogan coinback was also created.  A second version of the Riki Choshu piggy bank exists. This version features green boots, bandages, and a different facial expression. Some examples seem to have a flesh-coloured skin tone, too.     A lighter-coloured Stan Hansen. The most-obsessive collectors out there may want to consider getting both paint variants just to have in their collections.  I would certainly boost the value of the Riki Production ceramic figures if they came with their original Riki Production copyright sticker. I've heard that these figures were created around the time Riki Choshu formed the Japan Pro-Wrestling organization; which included pieces of merchandise created by the legend and his associated AJPW stablemates. If I were to guess, I'd say these banks were released sometime after Japan Pro-Wrestling's formation in 1984.   Next up is the 'Revolutionary Warrior' Riki Choshu piggy bank. This soft vinyl figure was also released during Choshu's boom of popularity in the 1980's. Choshu is holding a flag that reads 'Revolutionary Warrior'. The box contains a graphic of Choshu performing his signature Lariat along with Choshu's signature and Revolutionary Warrior nickname.  The side of the box reads in Japanese (C) リキプロダクション + AKA (Riki Production & AKA).  Riki Choshu picture frame, tray ...and a figure even I have never seen before. A Bruiser Brody piggy bank (top right corner)! Alongside the Toy Box Bruiser Brody racer and Bandai 1986 Brody Keshigomu eraser figures, I'd say that this is the single rarest Brody figure to find in Japan. Given the fragile nature of these porcelain (and most-likely unlicensed) figures, who knows how many Brody figures still exist in the wild. There's also a second Hulk Hogan bank variant with a whiter skin tone. Again, completionists may want to hunt down both versions. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 10, 2024 22:50:25 GMT -5
The next bizarre 80's Japanese Wrestling item is the Giant Baba BABAWATCH (known in Japan as ジャイアント馬場【BABAWATCH】リストウォッチ).  The top of the package reads 'wristwatch' in Japanese. The watch's opening from Giant Baba's mouth reminds me of a blowup doll. You could also re-gift this watch as a present for unfamiliar Star Trek fans; stating that this is a very rare (and very expensive) Spock watch.
On a serious note: the front of the packaging includes illustrations of Baba. The first illustration on the left depicts Baba searching
for something (or someone). The second illustration features Baba performing his two signature techniques: the Overhead Chop and
the 16mon Kick on the right.
 The 'G Baba' text in each corner has a 60's Batman vibe to it.  The back of the packaging contains an illustration of Baba smiling. Again, the Japanese texts reads 'wristwatch'.  The bottom of the packaging contains the company info 'Upper Upper World Production Committee (EHKOH)'   The watch's strap contains the text '16 MON' (short for 16mon Kick - Giant Baba's version of the big boot), along with 'BABA WATCH'. Giant Baba had a lot of wacky products released during the 70's and 80's, from racecars to remote-controlled chopping figures, to piggy banks, board games and bendable figures. The BABA WATCH kid's watch is just the tip of the iceberg, really. Given the watch's age, most sell for pretty low prices, as the original batteries in these watches have all long since petered out.   Special thanks to X/Twitter user Japones-lee for posting this two-page scan of the GONG July 1984 issue's MY COLLECTION article. 6 out of 19 of the All Japan roster wore Rolex watches.  begin.jp posted an article of Giant Baba, stating the All Japan owner admired wearing a Rolex Daydate watch. The article also mentions that 'Mr. Puroresu' Genichiro Tenryu also owned the same watch after spotting Baba wearing one. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 11, 2024 0:43:01 GMT -5
Continuing my last post of 80's Giant Baba merchandise, I thought I'd chop a few more rarities down to size:  The BABABANK is a soft vinyl coin bank of Baba. As usual, Baba is sculpted performing his chop and 16mon kick.  Coin banks were quite popular in Japan for decades. In the past, I've seen them used as prizes in Japanese arcades. Makes me wonder if the Baba Bank was one of those prizes. Next up is the Giant Baba Remote Control Wrestler that was released by Mame Con in 1984.  Special thanks to Wrestlefigs.com for the above photo.
The packaging reads
'Remote Control Wrestler
Giant Baba Con'
(リモートコントロールレスラー
ジャイアント馬場コン).
In case you were wondering, the word 'con' is short for controller.
 
 
As expected, the controller makes Giant Baba move and perform chops simultaneously. Notice the 'MAME CON' company logo on the controller. Rumour has it that Ric Flair owned seven of these figures back in the day.  A belt-wearing Giant Baba is pictured on the sides of the box. Sadly, no other likeness was added to expand upon MAME CON's Remote Control Wrestler concept. Stan Hansen would have been a perfect fit swinging his bullrope or Lariat. A fork-stabbing/throat-choppin' Abdullah The Butcher could have been a cool idea, too. Though, Abdullah wouldn't return to AJPW for another 4 years. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Oct 11, 2024 13:09:27 GMT -5
Riki Choshu continues to have new merchandise made of him. This five figure collection loosely translates to the 'Inspirational Words Voice Mascot' (迷言 ボイス マスコット) set.  Each acrylic figure comes with a bonus acrylic quote. Both of which attach to the included RikiPro base.  The quotes are: Red mascot: キレてないですよ I'm not mad. Purple mascot: 食ってみな 飛ぶぞぉ Try it, it'll fly! Yellow mascot: それがお前のやり方か? Is that your way? Orange mascot: 逆境? それ、チャンスだよ Adversity? It's an opportunity. Green mascot: なにコラ! タココラ! What's this?! You bloody idiot! Each base contains a button that activates a short voice sample from Riki Choshu himself: These mascot figures were issued this year by Peanuts Club. By the looks of their packaging, I'd say they are available as gatchapon-style figures.  Similar capsule toys exist for Internet entrepreneur, TV personality and 4chan administrator Hiroyuki Nishimura. This particular product advertises that Hiroyuki's voice can be used to annoy friends and co-workers alike (I don't recommend this...). For the last decade or so, these inexpensive oddities have become a trend in Japanese culture. Just about every major Japanese Wrestling promotion has them. From New Japan, All Japan, Pro-Wrestling NOAH, and even the former WRESTLE1. And there doesn't seem to be any slowing down for the acrylic craze anytime soon.
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