Japanese model manufacturer Good Smile Company recently hosted a Mecha Smile Taiwan Fan Meet-and-Greet Interview at Syntrend Creative Park in Taipei. The event not only provided detailed information about the first project, "Jyuo Oh Bushin Dantybine," but also featured Mecha Smile General Producer Hiro Tanaka, who met with fans and shared many interesting anecdotes about the project's development.
The author attended the 3:30 PM fan meet-and-greet session, which was divided into four main parts:
1. GOOD SMILE COMPANY's 25th Anniversary Project
2. Introduction to the new work, "Jyuo Oh Bushin Dantybine"
3. Latest product news
4. Q&A and interaction session
This report primarily focuses on the Q&A session regarding "Jyuo Oh Bushin Dantybine" and the latest product announcements. For detailed event information, please refer to GSC's 25th Anniversary "Gattai God Series" Taiwan Presentation: General Producer Hiro Tanaka Meets Fans!
"Jyuo Oh Bushin Dantybine" Q&A
Q: Are there any plans for the "Jyuo Oh Bushin Dantybine" anime to be broadcast in Taiwan in the future?
Hiro Tanaka: While I can't make any guarantees at the moment, we are currently coordinating with various companies to see if we can allow Taiwanese audiences to watch the anime as soon as possible. Any future updates will be announced immediately!
Q: From the outset, this project was emphasized as one that aims to release one work per year. Given this premise, what are the team's plans for related developments? We'd like to know if there's a continuous world-building setting across these projects?
Hiro Tanaka: We've already conceptualized three works. While I can't reveal too much yet, I can say that these three projects will be of different genres. Please look forward to more announcements!
Q: You've brought in renowned scriptwriter Toshiki Inoue for this project. Could you tell us about the thought process or decision-making behind that?
Hiro Tanaka: Mr. Inoue is primarily responsible for the script. Good Smile Company mainly provides suggestions regarding the mecha combat sequences, such as how to make the robots dynamic in battle.
Q: With Toshiki Inoue handling the script this time, will the story's tone be very dark again? (Audience laughs)
Hiro Tanaka: While I can't reveal too much right now, I can assure you that as a robot-themed anime, fans of mecha will definitely enjoy watching this. I believe many of you here will love this work.
Q: Mr. Tanaka, many mecha anime fans are no longer young. Do you think "Jyuo Oh Bushin Dantybine" is a suitable work for us to watch with our children?
Hiro Tanaka: As I mentioned, this is a lighthearted series that I believe families can enjoy together!
Q: This project emphasized a simultaneous launch for both toys and the anime from its inception. What was the driving force behind this decision? Did the team face any particular challenges during development, and can we expect future cross-IP collaborations?
Hiro Tanaka: Good Smile Company has a long history of releasing robot-themed products, and we've been fortunate to build upon the legacy of many predecessors. This also led us to reflect on whether the passion for mecha might wane if we don't actively create new IPs. "Juuou Bushin Dandy Baan" was born from this very idea, as a completely new intellectual property. One of the main challenges we faced was how to portray the robots in the anime with maximum coolness, as previous mecha shows have explored diverse styles. The team dedicated significant effort to this aspect. As for cross-collaborations, I can't reveal specifics just yet, but the possibility is quite high, so please look forward to it!
Q: Takara Tomy is one of the participating brands in this project. We're curious about the catalyst for such a deep collaboration between two prominent toy companies. With both companies releasing toy products, are there any concerns about market competition?
Hiro Tanaka: The answer to that question is quite simple: Good Smile Company President Aki once approached a producer at Takara Tomy, proposing a collaboration on a new robot anime, and they readily agreed! (Audience laughs) As for product competition, we're not concerned. Each company possesses unique strengths and specialties. Good Smile is confident that Takara Tomy will introduce distinct products that will invigorate the entire market.
Q: Building on the previous question, this entire project is spearheaded by Good Smile. Is there a possibility for future large-scale joint projects to be led by other companies?
Hiro Tanaka: Currently, there are no specific plans for that. However, if other companies propose interesting collaborative projects in the future, Good Smile Company would certainly be open to participating, even if not in a leading role.
Q: Mr. Tanaka, regarding the MODEROID Dandy Baan, why was the decision made to omit the combining gimmick for this release?
Hiro Tanaka: The concept behind this particular MODEROID release was to offer fans an accessible entry point to the Dandy Baan robot after being captivated by the anime. By foregoing the combining mechanism, we were able to keep the price relatively affordable. However, this doesn't preclude the possibility of a combinable MODEROID Dandy Baan being released in the future.
Q: Are there any plans to release merchandise for the human characters from "Juuou Bushin Dandy Baan" in the future?
Hiro Tanaka: The possibility for that is quite high. While I can't reveal specifics just yet, please look forward to future announcements!
Q: Are there any plans to release chibi-style products in the future?
Hiro Tanaka: Currently, there are no such plans. While characters might see Nendoroid releases, it's unlikely for the robots themselves to receive chibi-style figures.
Q: During the product development process, which aspect receives more focus: structural integrity or aesthetic accuracy?
Tanaka Hiro: There isn't a fixed rule; sometimes aesthetics might take precedence over structural integrity, but more often, we prioritize structural soundness while still faithfully reproducing the original design's appearance.
Mecha Smile Impact 2026: Q&A Session Highlights
Q: What are the criteria for selecting new products for development? Can you share any difficult experiences encountered during the development process?
Tanaka Hiro: A significant factor is the characters that fans request in our official surveys. Beyond surveys, we also look for highly recommended titles within the industry, and we consider developing products for major anniversaries of specific series. As for development challenges, I can only say we face difficulties every single day. We've experienced so many that it's hard to even explain them all! But honestly, overcoming these challenges is also part of the fun.
Q: Following up on the previous question, what do you consider the most critical element when bringing a character into three-dimensional form?
Tanaka Hiro: The answer is quite similar to the last one. I'd like to add that we very often incorporate fan feedback, such as product requests made during fan meet-and-greets like this one. In fact, we developed a specific product based on a fan's suggestion at our last event, so everyone's input is truly important.
Q: Is there a possibility of commercializing the "Jado Gods" from "Madō King Granzort" in the future?
Tanaka Hiro: How many people here would like to see this series commercialized? (Approximately 70% of the audience raised their hands) That many? Well, that might just decide it then! Personally, I'm also a big fan of the Jado Gods. The initial three would likely be the easiest to commercialize. The remaining six are relatively less popular and would be more challenging to produce due to their transformation mechanisms, so they might be harder to release.
▼The Jado Gods
Q: Mr. Tanaka, could you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes secrets from the front lines of production?
Tanaka Hiro: A lot happens on the front lines. For example, "THE GATTAI Pegasus Knight" is about to be released soon. During its development, the size was quite large. Because it was so big, we discussed with the designer whether we could shrink it by 5%. I ended up getting scolded by the designer! (Audience laughs) That's because shrinking it by 5% isn't just a simple matter of scaling down the model; the density and materials for each axis and joint all need to be recalculated. It's almost like starting from scratch. So, the designer yelled, "You should have said something like this from the beginning!" However, releasing it at the original size would have made it about 15,000 JPY more expensive, so we ultimately bit the bullet and reduced it by 5%.
▼THE GATTAI Pegasus Knight
Q: When designing transforming and combining robots, how do you balance the dynamic equilibrium and aesthetic form between the vehicle and robot modes?
Tanaka Hiro: It varies by series. For vehicles based on real-world counterparts, like Shinkansen bullet trains or police cars, we prioritize the faithful reproduction of the vehicle mode's appearance. However, for mythical beasts or sci-fi vehicles, the robot mode's design takes precedence. For example, the "Brave" series often uses real-world vehicles as a basis, which naturally imposes more design constraints.
Q: Mr. Tanaka, you've released standees before. Is there any chance we'll see an articulated action figure of yourself? (Laughter from the audience)
Tanaka Hiro: I just mentioned that we're giving away mini Dancouga Nova models at this event. A mini Tanaka figure in the future wouldn't be a bad idea either. (Host: "Or perhaps we could launch a 'Naked Angel' series?") "Naked Angel"?! I'll have to schedule a 3D scan and modeling session then! (Loud laughter from the audience).
▼PLAMAX Naked Angel Series Products
Q: Now that Mecha Smile has grown so much, what are your future aspirations and challenges?
Tanaka Hiro: Mecha Smile has released many mecha products, which is quite an achievement. The robot toy market currently faces challenges like high prices and a decreasing number of new mecha-themed works. From Good Smile Company's perspective, we hope to break through these challenges and achieve new developments in this environment.
Q: Will THE GATTAI series have a chance to release supporting or antagonist mecha in the future?
Tanaka Hiro: We recently released THE GATTAI Dancouga Nova: Red Dragon, and I'm sure many are also looking forward to Draias. Draias is a very popular character, and we certainly hope to commercialize it. However, if it were to be made into a product, it would be extremely large. Additionally, producing supporting Brave mecha is often more complex than the main Brave robots. For example, a five-component Brave would require careful consideration of each of the five machines' individual transformations and their combined form, making the design inherently more intricate. Of course, I believe there's still a chance for these to be commercialized, including Draias, but it might require some more waiting. Still, the possibility is there.
▼THE GATTAI Dancouga Nova: Red Dragon displayed at the event
Q: Could you share any information or future roadmap regarding the development of THE GATTAI, especially for the Brave Series?
Tanaka Hiro: The production team certainly has a roadmap, but unfortunately, I can't reveal too much. However, I can confirm that Goldran from "The Brave of Gold Goldran" is definitely coming! The Brave Series has a vast cast of characters, and the team currently aims to continue completing the series' product line at a pace of three figures per year!
▼Goldran silhouette image
Q: Will the Brave Series appear in MODEROID form in the future?
Tanaka Hiro: Currently, there are no such plans, but it's possible they could be released in the future.
Q: Regarding the Goldran you just mentioned, many collectors are curious if a chrome-plated special edition or similar configuration will be released?
Tanaka Hiro: Many people have asked this question, and the team tries to develop products in a way that addresses various concerns. First, I must say that if we were to do a chrome finish, the price would be extremely high. For example, a standard THE GATTAI figure costs around 30,000 yen, but a chrome version could potentially reach 60,000 yen. The reason for this high cost is the incredibly strict quality control required for chrome plating; even a small mistake can lead to an entire batch of parts being scrapped, significantly increasing quality control costs. While challenging, a fully chrome-plated product isn't impossible to produce. Therefore, if there are customers who desire a fully chrome-plated product regardless of cost, it's still a possibility for commercialization.
Q: Will the THE GATTAI series feature more tokusatsu-themed selections in the future, such as the Eldran series?
Hiro Tanaka: As demonstrated with Ideon, it's certainly possible for THE GATTAI series to include robots from other franchises. While I can't confirm specific tokusatsu themes, you can imagine what it would be like if the previously announced Mini Gattai Absolute Magnificent Raijin-Oh were to be released under the THE GATTAI line. Please feel free to envision that for now.
▼Mini Gattai Absolute Magnificent Raijin-Oh
Q: MODEROID stickers commonly suffer from insufficient adhesion or damage during factory cutting. Are there any plans for improvement?
Hiro Tanaka: First, I want to apologize to all the fans for this issue. We are actively exploring ways to improve. For example, a single sticker for one part might not conform well, but using two stickers, while offering better conformity, can be difficult to apply. These are trade-offs we constantly face, and sometimes we need to adjust based on the product's appearance. For instance, the chest sticker on the Mini Gattai Getter 1 was prone to peeling. We consulted the factory for improvements, but ultimately, it wasn't feasible, so the re-release was changed to feature painted details instead. We are continuously seeking such improvements, and these are challenges our frontline team deals with daily.
▼MODEROID Mini Gattai Transformable Getter 1
Q: This next question is quite direct: some players have reported that the material strength of MODEROID and THE GATTAI figures sometimes struggles to support their own structure. Could the development and design teams offer any insights or solutions regarding this?
Hiro Tanaka: Again, I must apologize to our fans. This is something our production team contemplates every day: whether to challenge ourselves with more complex structures or to scale back ideas for the sake of durability. It's a constant internal struggle for them. When designing products, we weigh whether to prioritize a robust, less complex design or an intricate one that might be more delicate to handle. Before production, we research our target audience and make different adjustments accordingly. I apologize once more; if you've had an unpleasant experience during play, we will continue to work hard to improve.
▼THE GATTAI Knight Hunter on display
Q: Are there plans to universally add waist swivel articulation to future THE GATTAI releases?
Hiro Tanaka: This question follows up on the previous topic. More complex articulation inherently means requiring more careful handling. We frequently receive feedback from two opposing directions: one advocating for "stronger structures" and the other for "more articulation." These two desires are inherently contradictory and present a difficult dilemma. For example, if the combination joint is located in the waist, articulation there naturally becomes impossible. While some structures do support articulation, for combination methods like that of Ultimate Great Volfogg, we unfortunately have to forgo waist rotation. From a developer's perspective, we don't want our products to require such extreme caution during play.
Q: Are there any plans to produce more niche items through made-to-order limited production, similar to how other manufacturers (citing Gundam AOZ as an example) do?
Hiro Tanaka: Even with made-to-order production, it doesn't necessarily mean niche products can be released. Gundam AOZ, for instance, actually sells over ten times more than MODEROID. The standards for what constitutes "niche" are different between the two, so it's not really a suitable example.
▼Gundam AOZ Related Products
Q: We're curious if MODEROID has plans to further expand the "Patlabor" series with new products, perhaps including designs from the live-action adaptations or new mobile suit variations?
Hiro Tanaka: We will absolutely continue to release "Patlabor" series products. Many mobile suits are currently under review for commercialization, so please look forward to what's coming next!
Q: The packaging for "THE GATTAI" series is quite substantial. Is there a possibility of reducing the box sizes in the future to make them more collector-friendly for display and storage?
Hiro Tanaka: We actually started reducing the box sizes with "THE GATTAI King Ghidra," but unfortunately, they ended up getting larger again with "Pegasus Knight." (Audience laughs)
▼THE GATTAI King Ghidra
Q: We heard about the Lelouch model kit revealed during a previous new product announcement. Are there plans to continue releasing more related products in the future?
Hiro Tanaka: Nothing is finalized at the moment, but personally, I'm hoping we can continue with this product line.
Q: We're curious about the origins of this collaboration with POSE+. Their development approach seems quite different from Good Smile's. Will there be opportunities to work together on more complex mecha in the future? And who will take the lead on intricate details like transformation mechanisms?
Hiro Tanaka: I believe POSE+'s signature lies in their bold and aesthetically striking designs. It would be fantastic to leverage this approach for more complex robot projects in the future.
▼Mecha Smile x POSE+ Ideon
Q: Are there any future plans to create non-robot enemy characters, such as those from "SSSS.GRIDMAN" and "DYNAZENON," as model kits or sofubi figures that scale with MODEROID or "THE GATTAI" releases?
Hiro Tanaka: First off, monster-type characters are typically enormous. If we were to match them to "THE GATTAI" scale, they would be absolutely massive. If I had to pick an example, Aggrexis's size might be relatively suitable, and it's something we'll definitely consider producing.
▼Aggrexis
Q: We're really grateful to MODEROID for bringing us "Special Armored Battalion Dorvack"! Is there a possibility of continuing to release more products from the series in the future?
Hiro Tanaka: While there are no specific plans currently, it's definitely still a possibility for future releases.
▼MODEROID Dorvack Mugen Calibur
Q: "THE GATTAI" series has already delivered a fantastic lineup of protagonist robots. Are there any plans to release articulated figures of their pilots to pair with them in the future?
Hiro Tanaka: There are no immediate plans, but it's certainly possible for us to sculpt some of the more popular protagonists from overseas, such as Seiji Takasugi.
▼Seiji Takasugi
Q: Model kits can sometimes be prone to damage or missing parts. Is there a possibility of opening up a channel in the future for collectors to purchase individual runners?
Hiroshi Tanaka: Japan currently offers such services, and we will definitely consider expanding them overseas in the future.
Q: Is there a chance that simple, small items, like today's bonus items, might be released for sale in the future?
Hiroshi Tanaka: Generally, these types of products are quite challenging to sell individually, so they are more likely to be offered as special bonus items.
▼ Aura Battler Dunbine Mini Model Kit
Conclusion: While we couldn't record every single question and answer due to space constraints, this fan meeting was incredibly insightful. Hiroshi Tanaka-sensei was not only approachable and natural but also shared numerous industry secrets. The professional translation by the organizers allowed fans to ask in-depth questions without hesitation, covering everything from planning and design to material selection. This was truly an unmissable interview for any toy enthusiast! For those interested, be sure to follow Good Smile Company's official website and Toy People News for the latest toy information!