Q. Please tell us about the brand you are participating in.

Hashimoto

"Tamago Shizo" is a new series of Ichiban Kuji figures that started in 2021. It is a figure with rough effects and austere design that is the polar opposite of simple and pop. It does not use any clear parts and has a heavy appearance just like Kongo.

Q. Please tell us why you decided to team up with Mr. Iwakura this time.

Hashimoto

So far, the Tamashii Go Shizo series has released figures of Kaido, Marco, RYUMA, Ryuma, Mihawk, Sabo, Smoker, Yamato, and others, all of which have been created by Iwakura. It's rare to have such a one-to-one relationship between a brand and a sculptor.

Q. Please tell us how excited you were when your participation was decided.

Iwakura

It's truly a happy word. For me, I just enjoy making each prototype. If I had to say, I try to be conscious of making the "Tamago Shizo" with a sense of density and each prototype to look like a single picture. However, once I start making them, I end up having so much fun that I lose myself in thought.

Q. Why did you choose the characters and scenes you created?

Hashimoto

Since this is the One Piece Sculpting King Summit, I chose Calgara because of two factors: it is usually difficult to commercialize, and it is a muscular character that can utilize Iwakura-san's characteristics. There is no realistic Calgara figure yet, and I would like to have a definitive figure that will remind people of the Sky Island arc together with Kashigami and the Golden Bell. Also, I like muscles and reptiles (laughs).

Q. What were your thoughts when the characters and scenes were decided?

Iwakura

This time, I asked Mr. Hashimoto to draw a design drawing that would become the basis for the prototype, and it turned out to be extremely good. The drawing not only included elements from the time when Calgara was around, but also elements that made you feel like it was set 400 years later, and it was like the concept art for the Sky Island arc. If we couldn't make a good figure from this drawing, it would be my fault (laughs).

Q. What kind of conversations did you have as you progressed with this production?

Hashimoto

For One Piece Figure King Summit, I want the sculptors to create it exactly as they want, so I basically don't make any corrections. It was the best from the first time I saw the prototype. However, as for the adjustments I made, I wanted to make Calgara look more powerful, so I asked them to change the angle of his face so that he would meet the customer's eyes.

Iwakura

At first, it felt like I was looking at the distant sky. I got some nice ideas like that. Also, he said to me in the process of creating the prototype, "Your muscles are the best!" (laughs).

Q. What are the characteristics and artistic qualities of a sculptor?

Hashimoto

It's a unique beauty of muscle. The muscles that Iwakura-san makes are very beautiful and the balance is perfect. I think Iwakura-san is the only one who can make each oblique muscle so beautifully.

Q. Please tell us your honest thoughts about the current state of the product.

Hashimoto

When I opened the prototype that was sent to the office, I was amazed at how well it turned out, so I called all the other employees over and boasted about it!

Iwakura

To be honest, I don't really know if it's good or bad. I really did what I wanted, but I really tried my best and had fun while I was making it. When I think about how much fun I had, I think it turned out well.

Q. Please tell us the points you are particular about.

Hashimoto

In the design drawing, Calgara had his feet resting on a simple rock, but Iwakura-san arranged for the rock to look like the ruins of Shandra. This is also a very detailed design. Also, it's hard to tell from the photo, but the inside of Kashi's mouth is also very realistic. As a reptile lover, I really like how the fleshy wrinkles on Kashi's back give a sense of the density of the muscles!

Iwakura

The inner thighs of Karuga's pants are mesh-like, and I was thinking about how to make this out of clay until the very last moment of delivery. I also had to make it with the intention of producing it as a prize. In the end, I cut out the pants, and although this was difficult, it was fun to make.

Q. Is there anyone or rival you particularly don't want to lose to in this final showdown?

Hashimoto

Akihiro Miyoshi from the Prize Division is also a graduate of the same art university, so I'm curious to see what kind of work he'll be participating in this time.

Iwakura

It's hard to be called a rival... I know all the participating sculptors. Among them, Yamashita Manabu says "I'm a fan!" every time I meet him, but he always ignores it. So, he's not a rival, he's "the one I love" (laughs).

Q. To be honest, do you think you can win?

Hashimoto

Since it's Iwakura-san's prototype, I think we can win! However, it's been a while since the One Piece Sculptor King Summit Showdown, so I hope that not only we, but the audience will enjoy it too.

Q: Any final messages?

Hashimoto

If you are a muscle fan, you can see the amazing muscles at a glance, so please look at Mr. Iwakura's prototype as much as you like! Also, it is rare to find a figure of a giant snake (Kashigami) with such a heavy weight, so I hope that it will reach reptile fans as well.

Iwakura

The ONE PIECE Figure King Summit Battle is a great event because all the sculptors make great works and the users get excited about it as a big event. The sculptors also get to know each other at the after-party (laughs). But really, everyone should enjoy it - the sculptors, developers, and users. I love figures, so I hope it will continue to be popular like this forever.