Many collectors have lambasted the small scale of Character Product's Mini Big Heads
line. The 2 inch minifigures on a fixed base with head sculpts lifted directly from
Toukon Shop/Charapro's action figures.
Blog #158 focuses on minifigure bundles with an even smaller scale. Today, we'll be
looking at Toukon Shop's NJPW Strong Style Mascot Sets.
Starting in 2000, Toukon Shop would begin releasing several sets of minifigures
with stationary items such as pencils, clips and key straps. The sets were officially
called "STRONG STYLE マスコットセット" (Strong Style Mascot Set).
The above set featured Masahiro Chono, Kendo Kashin, Jushin Thunder Liger
and Great Muta.
I always found Great Muta's depiction here to be a bit outdated; seeing as Keiji
Mutoh had already shaved his head one year prior to the start of the Mascot Sets
and had temporarily abandoned the Muta gimmick during this time (only to
resurrect the character again a year later when Mutoh jumped to AJPW in 2002).
The Liger from the set with his thumb down. Pretty "evil" if I might add!
The back of the packaging with instructions on how to attach the minifigures.
Dubbed the "STRONG STYLE Mascot Set 2", this set features Yuji Nagata,
Keiji Mutoh, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Riki Choshu.
Also included are a black NJPW strap and a miniature NJPW ring!
The miniature ring looks like an early version of the NJPW ring featured in the
Pro-Kaku Heroes Mini Big Head figures Strong Style sets.
One of Keiji Mutoh's earliest post-head shave figure depictions.
The back of the packaging shows great portraits of all four Wrestlers.
Tenzan and Manabu Nakanishi.
A miniature NJPW ring and strap are also included.
Again, a miniature ring playset is bundled with the mascot set.
This particular set was released in 2002.
Closing thoughts:
Mascot figures have been a staple of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's wheelhouse since
the early 1990's. Pencil toppers, keychains, clothing, posters, and even replica
ring wear and masks.
It's worth noting that the Strong Style Mascot series contains some of the very last
figures to feature of Keiji Mutoh/Great Muta before Mutoh jumped to rival promotion
All Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2002. The Mascot Series are also some of the smallest
minifigures ever produced for Toukon Shop/Character Product as each figure stands
no bigger than 1 inch in height.
In 2003, Toukon Shop/Character Product would re-imagine their approach to
minifigures with the popular Pro-Kaku Heroes Mini Big Head figures line. A
line, just like the Mascot series, would come bundled with a Mini NJPW-themed
ring playset to jumpstart the series.
Who wouldn't want to take Great Muta or Jushin Thunder Liger with them wherever
they go? How about rocking out in the office with the most stylish pen imaginable
that is topped off with a Masahiro Chono figure strap?
With the Strong Style Mascot sets, these dreams can become a reality.
Stay tuned for more figure reviews!
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