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"Gamera 1996 (G2)," featuring a prototype and design production by Yuji Sakai, is now available as a fully painted, ready-to-display figure standing approximately 32 cm tall!
Sofubi “Gamera 1996” Sofubi, based on a prototype by Yuji Sakai, is a classic that continues to enjoy a loyal following today. It was released as a garage kit during the theatrical run of the 1996 Daiei (now KADOKAWA) film *Gamera 2: The Attack of the Legion* and made a huge splash among fans.
At the time, Mr. Sakai personally conducted extensive research on the set and created this prototype, which perfectly recreates even the finest details of the costume used in the filming.
After 29 years, in pursuit of even greater perfection, the elite members of the Kaiyodo sculpting team—under the full supervision of Mr. Sakai—have brought this figure back to life as a pre-painted finished product, incorporating new reference materials! With its refined details, this product can truly be called a new original prototype by Mr. Sakai—one that could only be created at this very moment.
We digitized the original prototype using the latest 3D scanning method—CT scanning—and scaled it up from its original size of 190 mm to 320 mm. We then created the mold directly by baking a 3D-printed model,By producing the items exclusively using the original mold—rather than mass-production molds made from duplicates—we aimed to reproduce the prototype’s unique character as faithfully as possible. As a result, the warping and shrinkage typically seen Sofubi made using the traditional lost-wax casting method have been minimized.
Of course, Mr. Sakai also provided full supervision of the painting process. Rather than using the conventional assembly-line painting process, we have succeeded in mass-producing items with a quality that looks as though they were hand-finished by a master painter. You can enjoy a finish that resembles a one-of-a-kind piece, rather than the mechanical finish typically seen in mass-produced items.
● Profile of Yuji Sakai
One of Japan's leading kaiju sculptors and a leading authority on Godzilla design.
He began his career as a professional sculptor after winning the Grand Prize at the "Artpla Grand Prix," sponsored by Kaiyodo.
His sculpting skills extend far beyond figurines; they have even influenced the design of the Godzilla suit used in the Godzilla film series. He continues to be actively involved in a wide range of projects outside of his sculpting work at “Yuji Sakai Sculpture Studio, Ltd.,” including serving on the production staff for Godzilla and other kaiju films.
While Godzilla appears in the most films, it is a well-known fact that the studio has demonstrated unrivaled skill in designing other monsters, including Gamera.
In recent years, he has also served as the general supervisor for all kaiju at the “Eiji Museum” in Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture—the hometown of Eiji Tsuburaya—and successfully recreated the original Godzilla suit, which no longer exists. In 2024, he was honored as a “Master Craftsman of Fukushima Prefecture,” an award given by the prefecture to recognize outstanding artisans.
Prototype Production and Art Direction: Yuji Sakai
[Size] Total height: approx. 32 cm
[Material] PVC
(c) KADOKAWA NHFN/1996
*Please note that inventory for this item is shared across our physical stores and other shopping sites operated by our company.
We check inventory after receiving your order, so items may be out of stock in some cases.
In that case, we apologize for the inconvenience, but please understand that we will notify you by email.
*Please note that since we are using manufacturer images, the actual product may differ slightly in terms of specifications (such as logo placement, color, and pattern placement).
*We cannot accept returns based on conditions not directly related to the product itself, such as the presence or absence of the shipping box, whether the package has been opened, or any signs of wear and tear.
Pickup available at 日永5丁目12-12
Usually ready in 24 hours
Product Description
Sofubi “Gamera 1996” Sofubi, based on a prototype by Yuji Sakai, is a classic that continues to enjoy a loyal following today. It was released as a garage kit during the theatrical run of the 1996 Daiei (now KADOKAWA) film *Gamera 2: The Attack of the Legion* and made a huge splash among fans.
At the time, Mr. Sakai personally conducted extensive research on the set and created this prototype, which perfectly recreates even the finest details of the costume used in the filming.
After 29 years, in pursuit of even greater perfection, the elite members of the Kaiyodo sculpting team—under the full supervision of Mr. Sakai—have brought this figure back to life as a pre-painted finished product, incorporating new reference materials! With its refined details, this product can truly be called a new original prototype by Mr. Sakai—one that could only be created at this very moment.
We digitized the original prototype using the latest 3D scanning method—CT scanning—and scaled it up from its original size of 190 mm to 320 mm. We then created the mold directly by baking a 3D-printed model,By producing the items exclusively using the original mold—rather than mass-production molds made from duplicates—we aimed to reproduce the prototype’s unique character as faithfully as possible. As a result, the warping and shrinkage typically seen Sofubi made using the traditional lost-wax casting method have been minimized.
Of course, Mr. Sakai also provided full supervision of the painting process. Rather than using the conventional assembly-line painting process, we have succeeded in mass-producing items with a quality that looks as though they were hand-finished by a master painter. You can enjoy a finish that resembles a one-of-a-kind piece, rather than the mechanical finish typically seen in mass-produced items.
● Profile of Yuji Sakai
One of Japan's leading kaiju sculptors and a leading authority on Godzilla design.
He began his career as a professional sculptor after winning the Grand Prize at the "Artpla Grand Prix," sponsored by Kaiyodo.
His sculpting skills extend far beyond figurines; they have even influenced the design of the Godzilla suit used in the Godzilla film series. He continues to be actively involved in a wide range of projects outside of his sculpting work at “Yuji Sakai Sculpture Studio, Ltd.,” including serving on the production staff for Godzilla and other kaiju films.
While Godzilla appears in the most films, it is a well-known fact that the studio has demonstrated unrivaled skill in designing other monsters, including Gamera.
In recent years, he has also served as the general supervisor for all kaiju at the “Eiji Museum” in Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture—the hometown of Eiji Tsuburaya—and successfully recreated the original Godzilla suit, which no longer exists. In 2024, he was honored as a “Master Craftsman of Fukushima Prefecture,” an award given by the prefecture to recognize outstanding artisans.
Prototype Production and Art Direction: Yuji Sakai
[Size] Total height: approx. 32 cm
[Material] PVC
(c) KADOKAWA NHFN/1996
*Please note that inventory for this item is shared across our physical stores and other shopping sites operated by our company.
We check inventory after receiving your order, so items may be out of stock in some cases.
In that case, we apologize for the inconvenience, but please understand that we will notify you by email.
*Please note that since we are using manufacturer images, the actual product may differ slightly in terms of specifications (such as logo placement, color, and pattern placement).
*We cannot accept returns based on conditions not directly related to the product itself, such as the presence or absence of the shipping box, whether the package has been opened, or any signs of wear and tear.
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