Japanese Transformers News

[PrimalxConvoy]

This thread is for any Transformers news from Japan or uniquely Japanese information, rumours, chat, etc about transforming robots or "mecha" that doesn't fit into any of the main TF threads already at the site.

はい！ さあ行こう！

Edit:
- Due to a request from a post below, info regarding Japanese TF info/news has been added to this first post, to help anyone interested in this topic. Please feel free to add any other relevant sites via posts and I'll do my best to add them here too.

Spoiler

Firstly, you could keep an eye out for new TF products at Amazon Japan and Takara Tomy Mall.

Also, Takara Tomy's official website has a news page for all of its upcoming 40th anniversary products and events.

Here are some other Japanese TF sites or links:

- Takara Tomy's Transformers news page.

- https://chohenken.com/

- https://hobby.dengeki.com/tag/toransformers/

- https://m.youtube.com/user/wotakufighter2121

- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUyt8_RX_rNQLtgtim2PTizzMr-0Oz2m&si=ENn8FjD1X44ygbwP

Here's a Japanese fan meeting event info page:
- https://transformersfanmee.wixsite.com/mysite

This site has scans of Japanese (G1) media and English translations:
- https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/

Here are some links regarding Japan's history with Transformers:
- The Hidden History of Japanese Transformers.
- How Transformers May Have Inspired Certain Japanese Anime.
- The Basics in the Transformers in Japan (Playlist).

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

To kick-off, Takara Tomy are releasing a (transforming?) G1 Optimus Prime statue, as part of their 40th anniversary campaign in 2024.

カラクリ・スタチュー KS-01 コンボイ｜トランスフォーマーオフィシャルサイト｜タカラトミー</title>

…

tf.takaratomy.co.jp

Update.

Photos from the Japan Business Expo.

(Source: -

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1778003647093473661

)

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Also coming out is a Japanese "mook" ("magazine" + "book"). The "Transformers Archive" will be released on the 13th of May, 2024. At time of writing, the link below shows the product as"unavailable to order" but check the link nearer the time of release to see if it's available.

トランスフォーマー アーカイブ超百科 | 講談社 |本 | 通販 | Amazon

Amazonで講談社のトランスフォーマー アーカイブ超百科。アマゾンならポイント還元本が多数。講談社作品ほか、お急ぎ便対象商品は当日お届けも可能。またトランスフォーマー アーカイブ超百科もアマゾン配送商品なら通常配送無料。

www.amazon.co.jp

 

[Xero]

Are there any Allspark, or TFW japanese equivalents? I've spent hours trying to find similar new/boards with very little luck.

Thanks.

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Are there any Allspark, or TFW japanese equivalents? I've spent hours trying to find similar new/boards with very little luck.

Thanks.

I'm sorry but what do you mean?

 

[Xero]

Are there fan run Japanese Transformers boards or news aggregation, like this place but Japanese? I assume there are, but I've never figured out the right way to search for them.

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Are there fan-run Japanese Transformers boards or news aggregation (sites) like this place but (in) Japanese? I assume there are, but I've never figured out the right way to search for them.

Firstly, you could keep an eye out for new TF products at Amazon Japan and Takara Tomy Mall.

Also, Takara Tomy's official website has a news page for all of its upcoming 40th anniversary products and events.

Here are some other Japanese TF sites or links:

- Takara Tomy's Transformers news page.

- https://chohenken.com/

- https://hobby.dengeki.com/tag/toransformers/

- https://m.youtube.com/user/wotakufighter2121

- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUyt8_RX_rNQLtgtim2PTizzMr-0Oz2m&si=ENn8FjD1X44ygbwP

Here's a Japanese fan meeting event info page:
- https://transformersfanmee.wixsite.com/mysite

This site has scans of Japanese (G1) media and English translations:
- https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/

 

[Xero]

That's great, thanks. The comments on God FIre Convoy at Chohenken are very interesting.

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Transformers FANBOOK 2024 TV Magazine Mook by Kodansha

The 5th volume of "Transformers FANBOOK" featuring transformers with cool deformation and movement! Lots of games and quizzes using popular hobbies of all time, as well as powerful pages featuring characters from the "Transformers" movie series! The appendix is as follows. A clear Bumblebee figure (transformed into a compact car) that can only be obtained from books. The large size that pairs with the 2023 version of Optimus Prime allows you to pose it in a cool manner!

Product Details
Print length: 36 pages
Language: Japanese
Publisher: Kodansha
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 19, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ Japanese
Mook ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4065355850
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4065355855

The order page is at Amazon Japan and Rakuten.

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Clear Mirage Toy

(Google Translation below)

In TV-kun April/May issue
"Transformers TOY & BOOK Vol.1 Mirage Awakening Set" is said to be on sale at Legacy TV-kun, but due to various circumstances, the sale has been delayed.

Sales are scheduled to start in early March. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience for a while.

(Source: -

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1762871530802053592

)

The price will be around ¥4980 JP (including tax) or around $33.10 US

Release info is below.

トランスフォーマーTOY＆BOOK Vol.1 ミラージュ覚醒セット | てれびくんさん

てれびくんさんでしか買えない究極のBOXセット！トランスフォーマーTOY＆BOOK Vol.1 ミラージュ覚醒セットをゲットしよう!!

televi-kun.net

It can now be ordered from their website, either individually or a 4-set (with a bonus sticker).

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Semi-KO Japanese TF company. They sell "souvenirs" to zoos, aquariums, museums, etc.

株式会社ザ・アクセス-TheACCESS- – 東京都墨田区にある玩具メーカー

access-toy.com

They've got a blog too.

世界一の水族館アイテムメーカーを目指しているんだけどどう？

主に水族館向けに商品を作っている会社です。商品紹介や商品開発の裏話等々をゆるーく書き綴ります

access-hero.blogspot.com

You can also order them from Amazon Japan.

There's also a book about these kinds of Japanese "souvenir knock-offs" at Amazon Japan too

 

[DefaultOption]

So between the faceplate, the blue limbs, and the sword, that has to be an intentional homage to Bat Primal and/or Manta Ray, right?

 

[Blot]

"Semi-ko" is up there with "4th party" for terms Transformers fans use in their steadfast refusal to call a spade a spade.

 

[CoffeeHorse]

The manta ray is awkward, but the other two look pretty decent.

 

[Sabrblade]

Feels kinda disingenuous to call this "Transformers news".

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

The crowdfunded version is out. The rest of us plebs that ordered the regular version have to wait a bit longer.

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Masterpiece Ginrai (Powermaster Prime) is coming out in December, 2024, and will cost ¥24,200, just for the cab alone.

I think Takara are fast pricing themselves out of the market as I'm sure the combined Supermode, plus Godbomber will easily be ¥60,000 - ¥80,000.

I'll wait for the KO.

 

[Gizmoboy]

Between this and the train bots, I can't say I disagree with you. Throw in the prices of the Diaclone stuff, and WOW. They must think people still have a lot of disposable income.

 

[PrimalxConvoy]

Between this and the train bots, I can't say I disagree with you. Throw in the prices of the Diaclone stuff, and WOW. They must think people still have a lot of disposable income.

That's also why I didn't get the "Missing Link" Optimus Prime from them. I don't think some remolded parts justified selling just the G1 toy robot for ¥8,000 or more.

 

[Haywire]

Reposting this here, as possibly someone might have suggestions that doesn't browse the general forums:
So recently, Haywire3 has been watching Tetsujin 28 (aka Gigantor) and Shin Tetsujin 28 with me, and he is absolutely in love with the show. So now, he is asking for a Tetsujin 28 toy. The problems being, 1) He's 5-1/2, so it needs to be TOY and able to handle reasonably rough play, and 2) Everthing I can find currently available is a model kit and/or ungodly expensive.
I guess my question is, does anyone have any suggestions for a decently Toyetic Tetsujin 28 figure for a reasonable price for a child's plaything? Or, failing an official version, a knock-off of enough quality to not poison him with lead paint or break into dangerous pieces? My Google-fu is pretty weak, and I came up with nothing on Amazon or the Bay of e.
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

EDIT: I do see a Good Smile Moderoid kit on HLJ for under $30 before shipping, but are those truly model kits? Or can they hold up to some play?