51 japanese characters by peter machat
"51 JAPANESE CHARACTERS" [www] is a collection of figurines showcasing several typical members and cultural phenomena of Japanese society - with an easy and playful approach to Japan, turning the character-loving Japanese society itself into characters.
Developed by Peter Machat during his stay as an exchange Student at the Nagoya Zokei University in Japan - the first edition of the "51 Japanese Characters" postcard book is limited to 500 pieces and is self-produced by Peter in the print studio of the Bauhaus University Weimar. Priced at 17.80 EUROs - interested folks are to email order [at] 51JapaneseCharacters.com with your name / address / quantity of sets desired. There is also a 84cm x 118cm poster with accompanying text available. CLICK THRU to read more :)
Peter mentions: "Japanese society is full of special expressions for certain people, characters and Japanese cultural phenomena. When such an expression is used, a member of Japanese society instantly knows what kind of person, character or cultural phenomenon is meant. As Being a foreigner, a Gaijin in Japan, I tried to lift the curtain and shed some light on the areas of Japanese society that are often perceived as being mysterious and closed. I wanted to know the exact qualities of an Obatarian, a Narikin, an Otaku, a Bosozoku or an Ikeike Onna."
TRE says: And while I have always been uber-interested in Japanese (POP) Culture - I've realized thru the years, I have been but an errant touristo with only the barest of "understanding" - in so much as what the media has shown me (heck, I'd even wanted to take up the Japanese language in my tweens LOL). This set looks perfect for my feeble brains to absorb and learn LOL (no offense to the product in question, of coz :p)
The designs look perfect to be a series of toys based on a singular platform base body, innit? (Altho it does remind me of an elongated-limbed Gloomy Bear-form, IMHO) I guess the main trick is to have them stand by themselves, yeh? A blind-boxed series, no less!
Peter mentions on his website: "The basic idea was to create the "51 Japanese Characters" as vinyl figurines - if any company is interested in producing them, I would be more than glad to contact them>"
Good luck, Peter! :)
