Target Earth

Discussion in 'Japan Toys' started by JAY, May 5, 2008.

  1. phantomfauna

    phantomfauna Side Dealer

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    Target Earth
    Old photo, but I still love theses guys.
     
  2. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    Target Earth
    [​IMG]
    Photo © kabushikigaisha
     
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  3. badteethcomics

    badteethcomics Post Pimp

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    Thanks for posting @kichigai - I like the fat rolls around the neck, i think I've only seen that feature on Marmit Zags previously. The texture on the arms & bosy looks great, more of an IKB/Mighty style rather than scales would have been a really unique look for a Zag. Shame the sculpt was abandoned..
     
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  4. Sanjeev

    Sanjeev Post Pimp

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    Yeah, I *really* like that head sculpt. Maybe my favorite of all Zagora kaiju variations...
     
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  5. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    I am posting this as a courtesy to fans of Target Earth.

    This was posted by Mr. Sato
    a few days ago.......

    2 items, Machine Gorilla, Parabola Ace
    completed, we will inform for shipment.

    My physical strength has remarkably fallen after illness, I apologize for not being able to proceed as planned. Without strength, progress became a very slow pace.
    ___________________________________________


    I am sincerely thankful to everyone
    who ever appreciated and yes, some
    cherished the works of Target Earth.

    I feel the same.

    Please post photos to tribute
    Target Earth.......

    [​IMG]

    If anyone care to relay a message to Mr. Sato please send to me via PM so I can attach your words to my own communication to him.
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2018
  6. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    That is sad news, but I hope that Sato-san knows how his contributions to this hobby, as delightful and seeming never-ending source of joy, as well as an artform, have always been sincerely appreciated. The ability to bring innocent but honest happiness to random strangers, is quite a noble feat, and something we will always be grateful for. Please just pass on our sincere thanks and knowledge that his creations will continue to inspire and bring smiles to many fans (and make us feel like children again).
     
  7. Sokko

    Sokko Addicted

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    ^^^
    So beautifully put. Couldn’t agree more!
     
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  8. xSuicide Squadx

    xSuicide Squadx Super Deformed

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    I wouldn’t even know what Pachi Kaiju is if it wasn’t for getting into Target Earth and hearing those two words through this grapevine. And I cerinaly wouldn’t have appreciation for a lot of the early history of certain characters if I hadn’t been introduced to Hukkokudo Toys and Marmit. Sato - San’s skill, talent, contributions and love for this hobby are what I’d consider to be limitless and infinite. His take on classic kaiju, as well as his originally thought and lived monsters have given me a happiness and solace I rarely feel anymore when I look at, hold, photograph and play with his toys. TE very, very much gives me a “I’m a kid again” feeling, and I’ll never forget that he’s given that to me.
     
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  9. xSuicide Squadx

    xSuicide Squadx Super Deformed

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    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  10. toothaction

    toothaction Team Tsubu Staff Member

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    ^ Wow, what a score! Congrats, sir.
     
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  11. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    Very nice. I know everyone these days is all for the gross-out, overstylised, hyperdetailed, mishmashes of genres, but to me, this guy has the perfect amount of derpy appeal and pachi goodness that makes collecting silly vinyl toys so much fun. These are toys after all. I love it now, would have loved it as a kid, and just looking at those photos makes me smile. [Not to mention wish there was one of those here] A great pickup, Robert, congratulations.
     
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  12. xSuicide Squadx

    xSuicide Squadx Super Deformed

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    @toothaction @ultrakaiju Thank you both! I remember there were a good handful of these on Mandarake some time back, I think for about ¥4,000 each, and I missed out on all of them. This one is not only the first time I’ve ever seen one in hand, but was also a gift from a good friend. Being a sentimental goon I am, it’s pretty special to me for being a first, a gift and Target Earth! I definitely wouldn’t mind three or four more of these. They’re much bigger than I initially thought! A good, fun size!

    And Steve, I couldn’t agree more! Target Earth has always had the perfect balance between pachi goofiness and original mastery, which both reflect so heavily in Sato - San’s sculpts and paints. There’s only one or two sculpts I personally wouldn’t collect, but there isn’t one that I don’t like. There’s a very big “I would’ve wanted this as a kid” feel to all of his toys.
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2018
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  13. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    Mr. Sato posted this information to his blog a few weeks back...

    Today is October 17th, For health reasons, work is behind schedule. I am sorry. Currently the treatment is over and we are back to normal work. In this time, not only sentences, but to let you know the current progress situation by photograph I think. For details, please wait about ten days. We will apologize again for the fact that delivery is very late. Target Earth Gen. Sato

    Mr. Sato is a genuine Hero, he keeps apologizing for things which are totally out of his control (health issues) that caused his delays.

    I will say this, despite severe health issues and the multiple additional related issues that come from that experience- he has never given up.

    As for now I will update this thread again as soon as I get more information.



     
  14. maxaltoman

    maxaltoman Side Dealer

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    Target Earth
    I cannot remember when was the last event I saw him physically. Must be quite some time ago by now. Hope he is alright.
     
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  15. bryce_r

    bryce_r Die-Cast

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    Target Earth
    IN 5..4...3..2...1
     
  16. The Moog

    The Moog Die-Cast

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    Target Earth
    Never mind the merits, i completely don't understand the post at all. Is it some kind of attempt at humour?
     
  17. xSuicide Squadx

    xSuicide Squadx Super Deformed

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    THANK YOU, SATO - SAN!!!

    [​IMG]
     
  18. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    Here, here!

    Ultimately, it is the appreciation and love of his creation/art - as always, captured so eloquently by your stunning photos Robert - which highlights just how grateful we are for Sato-san's efforts. Thank you for sharing this beauty.

    Continuing to offer my best wishes to him on his health, and many thanks for the ongoing efforts towards TE.
     
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  19. xSuicide Squadx

    xSuicide Squadx Super Deformed

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    Thank you, Steve! And that’s really something I want to emphasize: that what Sato - San has done, and I certainly hope is able to continue to do, is appreciated on such a grand scale of creating from the perspective of a collector. From bringing back to life such iconic characters/monsters of IKB, to his reimaginings and original creations with Target Earth, I cannot adequately express how happy these kaiju sofubi make me when I see them, hold them, and photograph them!
     
  20. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    bryce_r said:
    No humor at all. Just an observation that ..the every time some one says something in target earth...the fucking skullbrain troll resurfaces and chimes in with his rant.

    I wholeheartedly request his words remain.

     
  21. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    Target Earth
    I came on here to update TE to let other fans know information that, outside of Japan, could not be gleaned without my update.

    No motive other than sharing information.
     
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  22. akum6n

    akum6n Vintage

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    Nice neutral moderation.
     
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  23. nothisisluke

    nothisisluke Toy Prince

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    I came here as a new fan of Target Earth and it's really sad to hear that he's not doing too well health-wise! Thanks to all you folks here who help keep us in the community up-to-date. I don't have any of his pieces yet, but I especially love the Craterman and Cosmic Fishman body style, and I hope to have many of his pieces in the future.
     
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  24. bryce_r

    bryce_r Die-Cast

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    legend
     
  25. kichigai

    kichigai Removed by request

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    Nice to meet you! Target Earth is a Soft Vinyl Monster Doll Company that was started by Sato-san (Mr. Sato) who was and still is part of the Marmit company, of which he did many well know Japanese Monster Character dolls starting in late 1995. Mr. Sato has also done original sculpts for several Japanese Monsters based companies including Kaiju Ken, Maxtoy, Skullheadbutt, beaK.. etc.

    To date there are actually several dozen Sofvi dolls that have been released by and through Target Earth. Mr. Sato also purchased antique Japanese Monster molds from various defunct companies from the early 1970's. Hukkokudo (Reproduction) was created as a brand to produce new Sofvi monsters from the antique molds. There are many versions of the Hukkokudo line, sample dolls and short runs etc.

    It can be frustrating to collect much of the early Target Earth catalog as most were in runs of about 25. It would be difficult to obtain a few, even with a stack of monies. If you or anyone cares to try and understand the aesthetics of Target Earth, the best place to begin is a study of the "Showa Era" of Japan. That is the period of time Mr. Sato was born and grew up, and so that era is the main influence of his works.

    If you or anyone care to dig deeper, it is not only the artworks and crude "dimestore" toys of that era but also the films and songs of that period which reflect in Target Earth creations. On the flip side Mr. Sato is a huge fan of early Sci-Fi what is known as B-grade Horror from all over the World. One of the B-grade characters Target Earth made is Turkey Phantom, based on the film Blood Freak.

    Mr. Sato never needed to make anything, he loves what he does, however in the past few years has had severe health issues which, while some products are very delayed, he never quit nor give up. I consider him a friend, a mentor but much more than that and quite honestly, Mr. Sato is a Hero do to the perseverance he shows and determination to live. I hope this information helps somewhat.

    I learned so much from Sato-Sensei, I am still learning, I am so thankful.

    per·se·ver·ance
    [ˌpərsəˈvirəns]
    NOUN
    1. persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
      "his perseverance with the technique illustrates his single-mindedness"
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2018
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