Production - How the idea came together -

BLAST Inc.'s producer Junya Okabe was looking up at a mounted polar bear displayed at an overseas store front.

The polar bear, which once roamed the earth, stood in a menacing pose with eyes wide open.

His heart sunk after seeing the polar bear that had been killed only to become a decorative object for human pleasure.

However, it sparked an idea.

"I'll use my experience to create animals that look alive. Not by killing animals that were alive."

Junya reached out to his longtime friend of over 30 years, Shuichi Miyawaki, who helms Japan's premier figurine manufacturer, Kaiyodo. Through Shuichi, he made contact with Shinobu Matsumura, an authority in animal sculptures, who works on Kaiyodo's animal products.

He tasked Shinobu to create a zoologically correct base model of a polar bear sleeping peacefully with its cub.

The bears needed to look natural together as you might expect to see them in their natural habitat.

After the base models were complete, production of life size models of the polar bears began.

The life size models were created by Junya Okabe's art studio ZEPPET, lead by chief model creator, Yuya Takahashi.

The Polar Bears became the first work for ANIMALS AS ART.

〉To Purchase Page

・Producer

・Animal Supervisor

・Modeler

・Production

・Co-production

・Planning and Production

： JUNYA OKABE

： SHINOBU MATSUMURA

： YUYA TAKAHASHI

： ZEPPET

： KAIYODO

： BLAST

Producer

Animal Supervisor

JUNYA OKABE

SHINOBU MATSUMURA

Born in Yokohama in 1965.

Active in the entertainment fields of film, figurative art, CG, toys, and

amusement facilities. Assumed position of Vice President & Representative Creative Director for Tsuburaya Productions in 2007. Active producer, screenplay writer, and visual supervisor for theatrical film and television series. Presently the representative director, producer, and director of BLAST Inc.

Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1962. Model sculptor for Kaiyodo.

Known for his expansive knowledge concerning animals and

models using advanced techniques. Also produces museum exhibitions

for domestic and overseas, including the American Museum of Natural History in New York. An authority in animal figures that is referred to as "the number one nature figure producer in Japan" due to the hit of his Japan animal collections "Choko Egg" and "Choko Q".

Modeler

Production

YUYA TAKAHASHI

ZEPPET

Born in Hokkaido in 1981. BLAST Inc.

and art model studio ZEPPET's chief model creator.

Runner-up for the title of Special Effects Makeup Artist King on the popular 2004 TV series "TV Champion". Took the position of ZEPPET's chief model creator after working as main modeler for special effects models in Tsuburaya Productions models department. An art modeler that is an expert in all animal models.

Launched in 2010 as BLAST Inc.'s art modeling department.

Experienced in a variety of model production techniques,

including artistic models for film, commercials, and exhibitions, as well as special effect suits and automatic control robots.

Introduced the first large high-end 3D printer used mostly in Hollywood films. Possesses the only modeling technology and equipment in the country, from traditional modeling techniques to the latest digital modeling.

Co-production

Planning and production

BLAST

KAIYODO

A model making company for garage kits, figures, and small toy foods that was established in 1964. They are a well-established figure manufacturer that became widely known thanks to the mega hit of the small food toys "Choko Egg" which included animal figurines based on the models of Shinobu Matsumura, and have the strongest brand recognition and technology in the country. They have developed many products through their unique technology and ideas. They have held the world's largest figures exhibition event "Wonder Festival" since 1992.

IDA was established in 2010 by Junya Okabe as a creative company.

It later changed its name in 2015 to today’s BLAST Inc.

It operates individual departments art modeling production, CG image production, and project development within the company and uses its own project system that allows for coordinating all departments for diverse purposes.

〉To Purchase Page

We offer a proven track record and unmatched craftsmanship you can trust.

Top industry talent have gathered to create the greatest animal art ever.

Born in Yokohama in 1965.

Active in the entertainment fields of film, figurative art, CG, toys, and

amusement facilities. Assumed position of Vice President & Representative Creative Director for Tsuburaya Productions in 2007. Active producer, screenplay writer, and visual supervisor for theatrical film and television series. Presently the representative director, producer, and director of BLAST Inc.

Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1962. Model sculptor for Kaiyodo.

Known for his expansive knowledge concerning animals and models using advanced techniques. Also produces museum exhibitions for domestic and overseas, including the American Museum of Natural History in New York. An authority in animal figures that is referred to as "the number one nature figure producer in Japan" due to the hit of his Japan animal collections "Choko Egg" and "Choko Q".

Born in Hokkaido in 1981. BLAST Inc.

and art model studio ZEPPET's chief model creator.

Runner-up for the title of Special Effects Makeup Artist King on the popular 2004 TV series "TV Champion".

Took the position of ZEPPET's chief model creator after working as main modeler for special effects models in Tsuburaya Productions models department. An art modeler that is an expert in all animal models.

Launched in 2010 as BLAST Inc.'s art modeling department.

Experienced in a variety of model production techniques, including artistic models for film, commercials, and exhibitions, as well as special effect suits and automatic control robots. Introduced the first large high-end 3D printer used mostly in Hollywood films. Possesses the only modeling technology and equipment in the country, from traditional modeling techniques to the latest digital modeling.

A model making company for garage kits, figures, and small toy foods

that was established in 1964. They are a well-established figure manufacturer that became widely known thanks to the mega hit of the small food toys "Choko Egg" which included animal figurines based on the models of Shinobu Matsumura, and have the strongest brand recognition and technology in the country. They have developed many products through their unique technology and ideas.  They have held the world's largest figures exhibition event "Wonder Festival" since 1992.

IDA was established in 2010 by Junya Okabe as a creative company.

It later changed its name in 2015 to today’s BLAST Inc. It operates individual departments art modeling production, CG image production, and project development within the company and uses its own project system that allows for coordinating all departments for diverse purposes.

・Producer

・Animal Supervisor

・Modeler

・Production

・Co-production

・Planning and Production

： JUNYA OKABE

： SHINOBU MATSUMURA

： YUYA TAKAHASHI

： ZEPPET

： KAIYODO

： BLAST

Producer

Animal Supervisor

JUNYA OKABE

SHINOBU MATSUMURA

Born in Yokohama in 1965.

Active in the entertainment fields of film, figurative art, CG, toys, and

amusement facilities. Assumed position of Vice President & Representative Creative Director for Tsuburaya Productions in 2007. Active producer, screenplay writer, and visual supervisor for theatrical film and television series. Presently the representative director, producer, and director of BLAST Inc.

Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1962. Model sculptor for Kaiyodo.

Known for his expansive knowledge concerning animals and models using advanced techniques. Also produces museum exhibitions for domestic and overseas, including the American Museum of Natural History in New York. An authority in animal figures that is referred to as "the number one nature figure producer in Japan" due to the hit of his Japan animal collections "Choko Egg" and "Choko Q".

Modeler

Production

YUYA TAKAHASHI

ZEPPET

Born in Hokkaido in 1981. BLAST Inc.

and art model studio ZEPPET's chief model creator.

Runner-up for the title of Special Effects Makeup Artist King on the popular 2004 TV series "TV Champion". Took the position of ZEPPET's chief model creator after working as main modeler for special effects models in Tsuburaya Productions models department. An art modeler that is an expert in all animal models.

Launched in 2010 as BLAST Inc.'s art modeling department.

Experienced in a variety of model production techniques, including artistic models for film, commercials, and exhibitions, as well as special effect suits and automatic control robots.

Introduced the first large high-end 3D printer used mostly in Hollywood films. Possesses the only modeling technology and equipment in the country, from traditional modeling techniques to the latest digital modeling.

Co-production

Planning and production

BLAST

KAIYODO

A model making company for garage kits, figures, and small toy foods

that was established in 1964.

They are a well-established figure manufacturer that became widely known thanks to the mega hit of the small food toys "Choko Egg" which included animal figurines based on the models of Shinobu Matsumura, and have the strongest brand recognition and technology in the country. They have developed many products through their unique technology and ideas. They have held the world's largest figures exhibition event "Wonder Festival" since 1992.

IDA was established in 2010 by Junya Okabe as a creative company.

It later changed its name in 2015 to today’s BLAST Inc.

It operates individual departments art modeling production, CG image production, and project development within the company and uses its own project system that allows for coordinating all departments for diverse purposes.

We offer a proven track record and unmatched craftsmanship you can trust.

Top industry talent have gathered to create the greatest animal art ever.

・Producer

・Animal Supervisor

・Modeler

・Production

・Co-production

・Planning and Production

： JUNYA OKABE

： SHINOBU MATSUMURA

： YUYA TAKAHASHI

： ZEPPET

： KAIYODO

： BLAST

Producer

JUNYA OKABE

Born in Yokohama in 1965.

Active in the entertainment fields of film, figurative art, CG, toys, and amusement facilities. Assumed position of Vice President & Representative Creative Director for Tsuburaya Productions in 2007. Active producer, screenplay writer,and visual supervisor for theatrical film and television series.Presently the representative director, producer, and director of BLAST Inc.

Animal Supervisor

SHINOBU MATSUMURA

Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1962. Model sculptor for Kaiyodo.

Known for his expansive knowledge concerning animals and models using advanced techniques. Also produces museum exhibitions for domestic and overseas, including the American Museum of Natural History in New York. An authority in animal figures that is referred to as "the number one nature figure producer in Japan" due to the hit of his Japan animal collections "Choko Egg" and "Choko Q".

Modeler

YUYA TAKAHASHI

Born in Hokkaido in 1981. BLAST Inc.

and art model studio ZEPPET's chief model creator.

Runner-up for the title of Special Effects Makeup Artist King on the popular 2004 TV series "TV Champion". Took the position of ZEPPET's chief model creator after working as main modeler for special effects models in Tsuburaya Productions models department. An art modeler that is an expert in all animal models.

Production

ZEPPET

Launched in 2010 as BLAST Inc.'s art modeling department.

Experienced in a variety of model production techniques, including artistic models for film, commercials, and exhibitions, as well as special effect suits and automatic control robots. Introduced the first large high-end 3D printer used mostly in Hollywood films. Possesses the only modeling technology and equipment in the country, from traditional modeling techniques to the latest digital modeling.

Co-production

KAIYODO

A model making company for garage kits, figures, and small toy foods that was established in 1964. They are a well-established figure manufacturer that became widely known thanks to the mega hit of the small food toys "Choko Egg" which included animal figurines based on the models of Shinobu Matsumura, and have the strongest brand recognition and technology in the country. They have developed many products through their unique technology and ideas. They have held the world's largest figures exhibition event "Wonder Festival" since 1992.

Planning and production

BLAST

IDA was established in 2010 by Junya Okabe as a creative company. It later changed its name in 2015 to today’s BLAST Inc. It operates individual departments art modeling production, CG image production, and project development within the company and uses its own project system that allows for coordinating all departments for diverse purposes.

We offer a proven track record and unmatched craftsmanship you can trust.

Top industry talent have gathered to create the greatest animal art ever.

A model making company for garage kits, figures, and small toy foods that was established in 1964. They are a well-established figure manufacturer that became widely known thanks to the mega hit of the small food toys "Choko Egg" which included animal figurines based on the models of Shinobu Matsumura, and have the strongest brand recognition and technology in the country. They have developed many products through their unique technology and ideas. They have held the world's largest figures exhibition event "Wonder Festival" since 1992.

We offer a proven track record and unmatched craftsmanship

you can trust. Top industry talent have gathered to create

the greatest animal art ever.

Production

- How the idea came together -

We offer a proven track record and unmatched craftsmanship you can trust.

Top industry talent have gathered to create the greatest animal art ever.

Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1962. Model sculptor for Kaiyodo. Known for his expansive knowledge concerning animals and models using advanced techniques. Also produces museum exhibitions for domestic and overseas, including the American Museum ofNatural History in New York. An authority in animal figures that is referred to as "the number one nature figure producer in Japan" due to the hit of his Japan animal collections "Choko Egg" and "Choko Q".

Launched in 2010 as BLAST Inc.'s art modeling department.

Experienced in a variety of model production techniques, including artistic models for film, commercials, and exhibitions, as well as special effect suits and automatic control robots. Introduced the first large high-end 3D printer used mostly in Hollywood films. Possesses the only modeling technology and equipment in the country, from traditional modeling techniques to the latest digital modeling.