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Takumi Iwase, known as "TOKYOGUNS," is a creator with supreme creativity, masterfully blending street fashion and monsters. His designs are brimming with uniqueness and originality. How does he transform his passions into popular works? In this interview, we delve into everything from his first sofubi design in Hong Kong to the behind-the-scenes story of his latest masterpiece, "Kaiju Sneaker Head," and how he became a designer. Let's feel his dedication and passion!
Toy People: Could you tell us what meaning is embedded in the name "TOKYOGUNS"?
TOKYOGUNS: During my student days, my nickname was "Gan-chan" from the "Iwa" in my surname, "Iwase." Also, I grew up in Tokyo and love Tokyo, so I chose this artist name. I also considered that "TOKYO" has global recognition, and even when I go out into the world, people would recognize me as a creator from Japan.
▼Takumi Iwase, known as "TOKYOGUNS."
Image credit:takumi_iwase
Toy People: What did you major in during your student days? What other jobs have you had so far?
TOKYOGUNS: During my student days, I majored in spatial design, studying window displays and store space design. I believe I cultivated my three-dimensional sense and presentation skills during that time. Even now, I sometimes have jobs where I design small retail spaces for products I've created.
During my student days, I encountered Macintosh PCs and learned that I could create various designs with computers, so I immersed myself in self-taught illustration and graphic design. My love for music led me to design club flyers from my student days, and upon graduation, I started working freelance instead of joining a company.
▼Takumi Iwase was responsible for the title and illustration design of the variety show "Cocorico Million Family," broadcast on TV Tokyo affiliates.
Image credit:WADROCK
Although I had limited experience in my 20s, I was fortunate enough to be approached by many people and received numerous music-related and television jobs, such as live house characters and CD jacket designs.
At the same time, my work related to motorcycles, which was a hobby, also increased, allowing me to be active in scenes I enjoyed. I was also delighted to work with NIKE, a sneaker brand I had been collecting since high school.
▼"The System," a character designed by Takumi Iwase for the Nike "FREEDOM FOOTBALL" commercial series.
Image credit:WADROCK
Toy People: How did you come to start releasing your own toys?
TOKYOGUNS: Around 2003, a toy manufacturer in Hong Kong approached me, and I began designing the figures (sofubi) I wanted, incorporating my hobbies and favorite fashion styles to create a street feel.
▼A sofubi figure designed by Takumi Iwase in 2003.
Toy People: If you don't mind, could you introduce your very first figure?
TOKYOGUNS: This is a character for the live house Akasaka BLITZ, produced around 1999. It was a small keychain, but I remember being deeply moved when my character became a three-dimensional product for the first time.
▼"b," the official character designed by Takumi Iwase for the live house "Akasaka BLITZ."
Image credit:Rakuma
Image credit:TOKYOGUNS.COM
Toy People: Could you tell us how one can complete a magnificent sofubi work?
TOKYOGUNS: I suppose it's about pursuing what you love. I still commission sculptors for the prototypes, but it's important that they thoroughly understand my taste. While my particular preferences are crucial, it's also vital to be able to clearly explain those preferences and ensure they are understood.
Toy People: What kind of place do you like to create your works in? Could you describe your studio?
TOKYOGUNS: I do illustrations and PC work at home. My workspace is small. As I've become involved in various products, my works are a bit scattered.
My sneakers are displayed on shelves but are kept within easy reach. I paint the sofubi myself, but since it can get messy, I rent a separate apartment room specifically for painting. The walls there are designed to be okay with getting dirty, so I can work without worry.
Toy People: Among the figures you've created in the past, which one is your favorite? What's the reason? Which work left the strongest impression during its creation process?
TOKYOGUNS: This "Kaiju Sneaker Head" is my favorite. The figures I made in Hong Kong were good too, but there were many compromises due to language and understanding barriers, making it difficult to convey my full vision.
I struggled quite a bit with "Kaiju Sneaker Head" before its release, and I even considered giving up once, so I'm truly glad it was finally released. I was also inexperienced with sofubi painting, and it was tough gathering all the tools from scratch and learning the techniques. But because of that, the love I have for it is even deeper, as it passes through my hands to the customers.
Toy People: How do you usually find inspiration?
TOKYOGUNS: I often get ideas from the streets and fashion. I create my works by adding a touch of social irony as a spice. I'm good at combining things I like, such as Kamen Rider + sneakers, to create something new.
▼There are also many sneakers designed by Takumi Iwase for "HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER," a fashion brand by Bandai featuring successive "Kamen Rider" works.
Image credit:Premium Bandai
Toy People: Besides your own works, do you collect any other toys? Have you been particularly engrossed in any new toys recently?
TOKYOGUNS: When it comes to toys, I like Heisei Kamen Rider and Gundam.
I don't collect all Gundam items, but I do collect plastic models and FIGURATIONs that catch my eye. However, I don't have much time to build them, so they've become "積みプラ" (a pile of unbuilt plastic models). For Riders, I collect some of Medicom's Real Action Heroes. Since I like mecha, I have many robot-type figures. Also, among old Japanese toys, I enjoy playing "kendama."
Toy People: What are your hobbies outside of creative activities?
TOKYOGUNS: I often turn what I love into my work, so my job is an extension of my hobbies. I have a dog, so I enjoy playing with my beloved dog. I also love cars, so I enjoy the time I spend driving, and I feel happy going out with my family and dog in the car.
Since my wife is also a designer, I make sure to constantly seek inspiration by visiting exhibitions and reading design books.
▼Takumi Iwase's beloved dog, "Gabu-kun".
TOY PEOPLE: Could you please tell us about the creative story and concept behind "Kaiju Sneakerhead"?
TOKYOGUNS: I've always loved boots and sneakers and owned many of them. Back then, I rode motorcycles frequently, so I had boots from Red Wing to Whites, and sneakers like NIKE, Vans, and Converse, filling my shoe rack at home. Actually, the original idea for the Sneakerhead series was sketched out over 30 years ago.
▼Takumi Iwase's beloved vehicle is the naked bike "Triumph Bonneville T120" released by Triumph.
Image credit:Instagram
Later, that idea was used for work as an illustration of a Converse shoe monster for a punk band's tour merchandise. I also developed and sold a series called "MADSTEP" under my own brand, featuring silver accessory pendant tops and keychains. All of them were monsters with boot or shoe soles peeled back, opening their mouths wide.
Since people who enthusiastically collect sneakers are called "Sneakerheads" in slang, I added bodies to my previous sneaker monsters and, in 2019, created and sold "Sneakerheadz AJ" as a mini sofubi series. These are small sofubi figures, about 12cm tall.
▼"Sneakerheadz AJ" designed by Takumi Iwase.
Image credit:TOKYOGUNS.COM
Prompted by the recent sneaker boom, I participated in a group art exhibition related to sneakers. I constantly felt that sneaker trends, like waves, transcend eras and always create massive movements, much like monsters. So, I drew the original concept for "Kaiju Sneakerhead," rampaging through the streets of Harajuku, as an exhibition piece.
Image credit:TOKYOGUNS.COM
Around that time, I was designing sofubi for Bandai's "Godzilla series." I felt that "slightly larger sofubi," like the figures previously released in Hong Kong, offered a greater sense of ownership and satisfaction. Given that "KAIJU" is now widely recognized, even being used directly in movies like "Pacific Rim," I decided to produce "Kaiju Sofubi," thinking it might also be popular overseas.
▼Takumi Iwase designed for Bandai's brand "Fantazzzy TOYS" under his English name "TAKUMI IWASE".
Image credit:Premium Bandai
Because it was a slightly larger sofubi, the production costs were considerably higher than before, so I sold my beloved car and sneakers to raise the funds. By deforming the original kaiju illustration into a cute and approachable design, with detailed soles, the current "Kaiju Sneakerhead" was born.
TOY PEOPLE: Finally, one more question. What is "TOY" to you?
TOKYOGUNS: A toy is a toy, of course. However, I also believe it's a "small happiness" that brings joy, a crystallization of dreams and creativity, and an idea. It's a seed that holds various possibilities, opening up knowledge and the world through toys.
This interview delved into Takumi Iwase's creative process and sources of inspiration. We truly felt his passion and dedication to design. We are thrilled to announce that TOY PEOPLE has collaborated with "TOKYOGUNS" to release the TOY PEOPLE Exclusive Edition "Kaiju Sneakerhead"! Registration for the lottery sale has now begun!. We invite you to enjoy this sofubi masterpiece, brimming with creativity and individuality!
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