I just figured it to be coincidence.

D&G/Denjin has been selling their standard size Gundam vinyls at Chara Hobby for years. But otherwise, I remember there being some talk about the JP vinyl makers on moving away from Wonderfestival because of some issue with the event organizers. Perhaps that is the reason for the increase in appearances at Chara Hobby this year, since they seem to offer the same one-day license system.

@ultrakaiju- Yeah, I thought it interesting that D&G's Z'Gok uses a similar color scheme to the prototype MS produced by Butanohana. I wonder if it was planned. The Z'Gok is called "SP Color" which usually refers to paint schemes that are inspired by the old Gundam toys by Clover (more chrome, decals, etc.). I don't know enough about the design history to say whether the prototype model is related to the Z'Gok.

Glad that Buta's Spectreman line is still active. My all time fav Dustman looks to be next. Can't wait!

Me too. I have to say, I am really loving that sculpt. It has the perfect balance of the Oohashi touch whimsy, the clunkiness of Dustman, with all the goofy expression and character one could hope for. I hope it is a [relatively] obtainable release. I can't wait!

Yes the Dustman looks perfect!
I'm also glad that the Spectreman characters continue because I would really love to see how a Buta Dr. Gori would turn out.

Just got my first one in the mail the other day. I had no Idea that they were so small. Smaller than a VInyl Paradise parababy!



A one day license? How man of these does he make in a run? That certainly explains why they double and triple in price by the time they end up on YJA

The Spectreman figures and most other Buta figures are not 1 day licenses. Demand just often outweighs supply.

^^the one day licenses arent too often and are just at events. his regular releases are usually in fairly large quantities.

Does he announce on his blog beforehand what day the figures are going to go up? All I can ever find is a photo of what is to come. And they sell out immediately? No pre-orders correct? Does he ship Stateside? Everytime I visit the site, there is nothing for sale. They way these pieces are released seems to create a feeding frenzy which on serves to double asking price by the time it reaches YJA. That Spectreman figure is going for 160¥ and higher. Ouch.

I guess what I am asking is what do I need to know to stand in line with everybody else?

It's complicated. PM me if you want a partial breakdown.

So, are we to interpret this as possibly being Oohashi-san's birthday? If so, then congratulations are definitely in order! He does feel like an honorary member of our little club sometimes, if emeritus, so I happily offer my best wishes if that is indeed the case.

EDIT: I just did a cursory check, and judging from previous blog posts, I think we might be able to tentatively confirm that. So, without evidence to the contrary, that is what I am going with.

誕生日おめでとうございます!!




Happy Birthday Oohashi-san! Many thanks for all of your wondrous creations and efforts, and for sharing your love and imagination with us all. With great appreciation and best wishes, hope you have an excellent birthday.

No idea one way or another, but the cake does say Omedetou Butanohana. Not Oohashi. Congrats anyways I guess?

Butanohana began September 2004. So it is for the anniversary of the company.

it's crazy that one man made that many sculpts in 11 yrs.
I think he is the most motivated and hard working current maker. and continues to put out a very high quality product with the most consistent style.
Happy anniversary Butanohana!! and Oohashi-san! Keep up the amazing work!

Ah, thanks for the clarification. That was the other possibility I had imagined, which is probably actually more relevant to mark here (if not as fun). Happy Anniversary to the whole company! It sure has been some incredible years, with output we are all so lucky to have. Here is to many more amazing years to come!

Rawr!

Anyone know how old their daughter is? My first thought was that the cake was for her.

No idea. I was distracted. Is this a test pull or it;ll be on black vinyl.....which means its ready to be painted which means soon.............YAY!

Gundam buta-nized. So wrong but done right!

Licensed Gundam vinyls by Butanohana. Who would have ever imagined?

Man, what a stunning lineup. Congratulations on getting the entire set, I imagine that is no small feat. Each of them is spectacular in their own way, but all together like that is just something else. So very, very nice.

As for the Dustman, I imagine we will see him in the relatively near future, but when could be a bit more up in the air, as he was 'teased' some time ago, and the blank has been floating around too. He may still be fine tuning the sculpt (or some parts of it), in addition to having had to work like mad to get the four Gundam toys ready and out of production in time for the event.

Noooo.....

i think you are right...she is 4. i like the kaiju cake, way cool.

ooops....did I say BLACK?!

Oh my! Dustman?!!!! I might have to breakdown and make some coin.

Yeah, it looks insane. Hope the release is soonish!

Painted version up on the blog, looks great!

Interesting take on him, it definitely shows the Buta colour styling. I was really hoping for a green version, but maybe that will come yet. I am not sure about all the red, he either was doing his lipstick while riding 80km an hour in a sidecar, or has been ravenously feasting on his victims (something I don't like to think about).