The creators of new capsule toys have gathered here! We asked them about the creation of masterpieces and trends.

As the industry grows, a new generation of creators is on the rise. This time, we have gathered together people who are currently working in the field. First of all, could you tell us about the "making process" that we don't usually get to hear about?

At Brightlink, about 10 people come together once a week to discuss their plans. Each person has 10 points, and if they score more than 70%, their proposal is accepted. We incorporate videos and campaigns, and strive to make it enjoyable not only as a product but also as an experience.

Brightlink is also putting a lot of effort into social media. What about Takanori Fukahori of Stand Stones, whose work with artists has been impressive?

My first priority is my passion to bring the works of my favorite artists to the world. It takes about six months to a year to make a figure, but it's not a burden because I get to work with artists I've always loved.

We also place great importance on whether or not something is exciting when we create something. For the ceramics collection of HONGAMA, an illustrator who also works on ceramics, not only is the surface smooth, but he is also particular about expressing the rough texture of the unglazed pottery on the bottom. The bottom is usually not visible, though (laughs).

When you touch the actual product, you can really feel the passion of the maker. What kind of capsule toys do you find interesting?

My absolute favorite is Kitan Club's Taroman series. I have them lined up in my home and office (laughs). Not only are the designs fantastic, but they also sponsored the film "Taroman: The Great Expo Explosion" and make soft vinyl figures... I think their range goes beyond that of a typical manufacturer.

I'm drawn to gimmicks, like Ikimon's Crab Egg and Toys Cabin's Crab Claw Mecha. The transformation movements are designed to be satisfying. I can't believe you can get something of this quality for just 500 yen.

They're both crabs (laughs). But it can be a pain if you end up with a duplicate for 500 yen. One time, I got Alien Mephilas 11 times in a row from the "Ultraman" gacha, and my wife was so shocked I told her to stop (laughs).

If we have duplicates, we exchange them within the office or decorate them on the Christmas tree. The Alien Mephilas probably wouldn't be suitable for a tree, though (laughs). I'm always impressed by things like the Capsule Hotel at Tarin International, where you can appreciate the capsules themselves.

There has been an increase in the variety of capsule-less toys. Bandai's Pill Bug series shook the industry. There are no capsules, and the toys come rolled up, revealing a realistic pill bug when opened.

Recently, there has been an increase in attractive stuffed animals. The name of Qualia's "Unfriendly Cat" is also lovely.

Capsule toys continue to evolve. Is there a genre you are targeting next?

This is a story about my own failure... You know those cat-shaped food delivery robots at family restaurants? I wanted to turn that into a capsule toy, so I inquired about it, but it never came to fruition. Next thing I knew, it had been released by another company. It's a bitter memory.

I have been sending out proposals many times, hoping to turn characters from the anime and manga that people in their 20s and 30s, my generation, have come into contact with, into figures. However, it is quite difficult. That is exactly what I wanted to do with the "Hatch Potch Station" collection released by Ken Elephant!

What I've always been aiming for is a collaboration with a maison brand, and I keep trying every year without giving up.

That's impressive. In recent years, shoes have been released in the US and Europe in a gacha-like format, and I feel like there are an increasing number of overseas artists being influenced by capsule toy culture. In that sense, the day when a collaboration with a fashion house becomes a reality may not be far off.