In 2016, Kaiyodo launched two large figures of about 50 cm in its Mega Sofubi Advance line, Kenshiro and his renegade brother Jagi. Hand-painted soft vinyl pieces, sculpted by Esora Keikaku (繪宙計畫).
Details
The Mega Sofubi Advance concept
The line rests on two promises. Hand-applied paint, rare on mass-produced soft vinyl, and moulds that faithfully keep the detail of the master. The sculpting is by Esora Keikaku, a Nara company specialising in large-scale work, which also made the life-size bronze busts in the same line.
Kenshiro and Jagi (2016)
Kenshiro opened the series in May 2016 (MSA-008, 19,800 yen before tax), in the colours of the manga volume covers. Jagi followed in June 2016 (MSA-009). Kaiyodo describes him as bulkier and more menacing than his brother. Both are full-body, non-articulated display pieces.
The repainted versions (2019)
On 25 May 2019, both characters returned in a repainted ‘Redeco’ version, on the same sculpt. Kenshiro (MSA-016, 19,800 yen before tax) gained lighter skin and softer shading. Jagi (MSA-017, 23,800 yen before tax) received an injection-moulded shotgun, attached to the body by a magnet. An edition exclusive to Kaiyodo’s online store added a helmetless head with the face uncovered.
The Mega Sofubi reissues (2024)
In 2024, Kaiyodo put both original pieces back in its catalogue under the Mega Sofubi label. Kenshiro was announced for January at 38,500 yen including tax, Jagi for April at 44,000 yen including tax, with a magnetic base. Still about 50 cm, still sculpted by Esora Keikaku.
Details
| Reference | MSA-008 |
|---|---|
| Release | May 2016 |
| Price | 19,800 ¥ excl. tax |
| Height | about 500 mm |
| Material | hand-painted soft vinyl |
| Colours | after the manga covers |
| Sculptor | Esora Keikaku |
| Licence | GB-606 |
Details
| Reference | MSA-009 |
|---|---|
| Release | June 2016 |
| Height | about 500 mm |
| Material | hand-painted soft vinyl |
| Sculptor | Esora Keikaku |
| Licence | GB-606 |
Details
| Reference | MSA-016 |
|---|---|
| Release | 25 May 2019 |
| Price | 19,800 ¥ excl. tax |
| Height | about 500 mm |
| Material | painted soft vinyl |
| Sculptor | Esora Keikaku |
Details
| Reference | MSA-017 |
|---|---|
| Release | 25 May 2019 |
| Price | 23,800 ¥ excl. tax |
| Height | about 500 mm |
| Material | painted soft vinyl |
| Shotgun | injection-moulded, magnetic attachment |
| Exclusive | helmetless head, Kaiyodo online store |
| Sculptor | Esora Keikaku |
| Licence | GB-606 |
Details
| Release | April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | 44,000 ¥ incl. tax |
| Height | about 500 mm |
| Material | PVC |
| Base | magnetic attachment |
| Sculptor | Esora Keikaku |
| Licence | GB-606 |
Sources
- Official Kaiyodo product pages, MSA-008, MSA-017 and the Mega Sofubi reissues: prices, dates, dimensions, sculpting.
- Kaiyodo’s 繪宙計畫 tag page: list and release dates of the eight pieces.
- Toy People, 28 March 2019: announcement of the repainted Kenshiro.