The Pro-Wrestling statues of Dr. Takuro Horikawa - Part 2.

Blog #280 showcases more Pro-Wrestling sculptures by Dr. Takuro Horikawa.
 
After a number of gallery appearances, Dr. Takuro Horikawa continued to sculpt more pieces.
Broadening his inspirations beyond the realms of Pro-Wrestling, Dr. Horikawa's followup 
creations embodied interests from historical figures, movie likenesses, MMA greats, and
even Dinosaurs. 


           


Hollywood Hogan and The Rock's infamous staredown at WM X8 in 2002.




Dr. Horikawa's interests also go beyond Wrestling itself with a sculpture of Greek Olympian figure Apollo.




Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.



Edo period Samurai and influential figure Ryoma Sakamoto; as portrayed by Japanese Actor Masaharu Fukuyama.



On a smaller scale, Dr. Horikawa's work has extended to recreating Dinosaurs. Such is the case with this T-Rex sculpture.

Candid office photos of Dr.Horikawa's Wrestling sculptures taken back in 2014.

 

Out of all of Dr. Horikawa's work, I think Horikawa's Pro-Wrestling sculptures are the best. You can clearly see Horikawa's passion as a Pro-Wrestling fan carved into these pieces.




Another Hogan statue from 2015. 

Again, the realism here is amazing. Whereas most Hogan statues feature the Hulkster tearing
through his shirt, or striking a muscle-flexing pose, it's interesting to see Hogan depicted 
in a casual sculpt.

Would a sculpture like this be something you would collect?



Takuro Horikawa pictured at famed Puroresu store Toudoukan holding a mini photo album of his sculptures for sale.

Sadly, the above posts are the extent of the information that I could gather on Takuro. The few Japanese articles that did talk about Takuro stated that his love of Pro-Wrestling was rekindled after a lengthy absence. Crafting Wrestling figures (and sculpting in general) continued to remain a hobby for him beyond his daytime work as a Dentist.

Maybe Takuro's love of Pro-Wrestling will rekindle once again one day, and we'll have more Wrestling sculptures presented on display throughout Japan.

Further reading:

marmalade3232.ashita-sanuki.jp/e864309.html
This appears to be the blog of the Gallery that hosted Horikawa's sculptures.

wwwb.pikara.ne.jp/horitake/newpage4.html
Event photos from when Horikawa's work was featured at the Kagawa Prefectural Culture Hall in April 2011. The event was called Takeshi Horikawa Oil Painting & Takuro Figure Exhibition”; as Dr. Horikawa's father also had oil paintings on display.

www.rnc.co.jp/ent/photom/calendar/rcar/20141112
More gallery coverage from 2014. Includes additional photos of Dr. Horikawa and the previously-seen sculptures.

NITTO Hulk Hogan Model Kit from Japan

One of the absolute highlights of discovering Japanese Pro-Wrestling figures is the art of
uncovering rare gems from decades past.

Figures of recognizable foreign faces that appeared in Japanese figure lines long before the
WWF even thought about merchandising. The world's first Andre The Giant figure? Japan.
The Funks? Japan. Harley Race, Stan Hansen, Bob Backlund, Bruiser Brody and Abdullah
The Butcher? Yep. You guessed it ...all first made in Japan.

Today, we'll be adding another figure first to the list. Be prepared to say your prayers and
eat your vitamins with Blog #185 which puts the Leg Drop on the Nitto Hulk Hogan model
kit.

Hulk Hogan Nitto Model Kit

Known in Japan as "ハルク・ホーガン ニットーソフビフィギュア" (Hulk Hogan
Nitto Sofubi Figure).

Long before the dawn of Hulkamania in the west, Hulk Hogan was a prominent star
in Japan under the New Japan Pro-Wrestling promotion. As such, Japanese Toy Maker
Nitto decided to release a model kit based on the Immortal One as part of the company's
Professional Wrestling Series.

The unpainted Hogan model kit stands 33.5 cm (13 inches tall).

The front of the box features a painted picture of Hogan in his New Japan era ring attire
which consisted of black trunks inscribed with the Japanese Kanji "一番" (Ichiban
which means "Number One"). If you look closely, the kanji for Ichiban is moulded
into the Hogan model's ring trunks.

Ichiban also appears on the top right of the packaging next to Hogan's name.

The back of the box contains many great illustrations of Hulk Hogan along with a goofy
caricature at the bottom left corner.


           

Just in case you didn't know he was number one, Hogan is sculpted with an upwards
finger point.

The Nitto Hulk Hogan model kit predates Hogan's first action figure (which was made by
POPY) by one whole year in 1980.



Interestingly, the bottom portion of the side of the packaging mentions the Hogan model kit
was licensed by "TAITAN SPORTS" (they were going for Titan Sports - WWE's parent company).

The middle-right of the box strangely lists Hogan's various physical attributes such as
height, weight and muscle measurements.

The description in Japanese even refers to Hogan as "Mr. Axe Bomber" - a nod to Hogan's
Axe Bomber (Lariat) finisher in Japan.

Closing thoughts:

Despite being released one year prior to the incredibly valuable POPY Hulk Hogan Super
Pro-Wrestling Series action figure, the Nitto Hulk Hogan model kit is more common (and
less valuable) than one might think.

Compared to a whole line of blister-carded action figures, unpainted model kits are, for better
or worse, a niche market for collectors at best. The biggest testament to this statement are the
number of unpainted Hogan model kits that still pop up for sale across the web 41 years after
the Nitto Hogan model kit's initial release.

As to my knowledge, Hulk Hogan was the only Pro-Wrestler added to Nitto's Professional
Wrestling Series.

Though, at 13 inches tall, made of hard, durable plastic (whereas most Japanese figures are
made of a cheaper PVC material these days) and one of the very few examples of Hogan
crafted in his pre-WWF attire, the Hulk Hogan Nitto model kit is still a great figure to own
and an early example of how Japan was always one step ahead of the curb when it came to
marketing.

Popy Mil Mascaras figure review

Be prepared to go Sky High with our next figure review. Continuing our coverage of figures
from Popy's elusive Super Pro-Wrestling Series, Blog #160 is all about the Super Pro-Wrestling
Series Mil Mascaras figure.

Mil Mascaras was released in 1981 as part of Popy's 10 figure Super Pro-Wrestling
Series set.

As a Wrestler that changed his ring attire colours frequently, Mil is depicted in a green,
black and red design.


                            

A close-up of Mil's mask.

Being released in 1981, the Popy Mil Mascaras figure could arguably be the
world's first, official Mascaras figure created (though, if any reader has an
earlier example from Mexico, I would be happy to hear from you).

In typical fashion, the back of the Mascaras figure contains Mil's name written in Japanese
Katakana along with the Popy company logo.


Closing thoughts:

After 1981, Popy would begin focusing on creating Keshigomu (eraser figures) of
officially-licensed Pro-Wrestlers until the mid 1980's. A decision that ultimately led
to the arrival (and major success) of the Kinnikuman/M.U.S.C.L.E. series of minifigures.

The Super Pro-Wrestling Series would never be followed up in the 1980's leaving the
initial ten figure set as a benchmark for Japanese figure collectors for many years to follow.

Myself, I would have painted Mil in his standard white and black ring colours (or at the
very least, released an alternate colour variant to make the line even more collectible)
but that's just nitpicking.

Long before the likes of The Ultimate Warrior, Sting, or Macho Man Randy Savage
became marketable for their constantly changing attires, Mil Mascaras was setting the
standard with his limitless assortment of colourful ring attires and Lucha masks.

When it comes to unopened examples, though, this is the Rolls Royce of Mascaras
figure collecting. A likeness that wouldn't be recreated in Japan again on a majors
scale for another two decades.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan Deluxe Figure Collection review

In our last review, we took a look at Hiroyoshi Tenzan's first action figure from the late
1990's.

Keeping the offence going, Blog #147 takes on the Deluxe Figure Collection Hiroyoshi Tenzan.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan would receive his second action figure three years after the release of
his inclusion in the Super Star Figure Collection line.

The Deluxe Figure Collection (written with the typo on the packaging as "Figuer") was
Toukon Shop's attempt at producing New Japan Pro Wrestling figures complete with
removable entrance attire accessories.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan would be the sixth figure in Toukon Shop's Deluxe Figure Collection line behind

#1 Great Muta (Dragon),
#2 Power Warrior,
#3 Great Muta (Cyber),
#4 Kendo Kashin
and #5 Satoshi Kojima)

Tenzan comes dressed in his early 2000's purple entrance attire (which cannot be removed, unfortunately). Like Tenzan's last Toukon Shop action figure, Tenzan also comes with his
signature bullhorn helmet.

I wish Tenzan's Bull pendant was removable. But, alas, it is only decoration.

The back of the packaging contains Tenzan's stats and a brief summary of Tenzan's in-ring
exploits up until 2000. The figure itself was released in 2001 nearing the end of Toukon
Shop's run as a NJPW figure maker.

While Toukon Shop were known to produce figures based on Wrestler's entrance attires
in the past (such as Antonio Inoki or Osamu Nishimura's robe variant figures) the Deluxe
Figure Collection line served to recreate some of New Japan's most eye-catching and complex
entrance attires into figure form for the first time ever and in far greater scale.

As the sixth entry in the Deluxe Figure Collection line, Hiroyoshi Tenzan keeps the
tradition going strong.

Next up, we'll be taking a look at Hiroyoshi Tenzan's last action figure.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan Super Star Figure Collection 9 review

Let's storm into our next figure coverage like a raging bull. Or, better yet as New Japan veteran ....Hiroyoshi Tenzan!

Blog #146 takes a look at the Hiroyoshi Tenzan Super Star Figure Collection 9 figure by Toukon Shop.

As the ninth figure in Toukon Shop's Super Star Figure Collection, this figure would also
be the first to feature the likeness of Tenzan into action figure format.

The bottom of the packaging states the Hiroyoshi Tenzan figure was made in 1998
through Toukon Shop.

The back of the packaging contains lists Tenzan's stats and a brief description of
his in-ring accolades going up to 1997.

The stats read:

"Height: 183 cm Weight: 120kg
Special moves: Diving Headbutt
                         Mongolian Chop"


Now, let's take a look at the Tenzan figure when removed from it's packaging:

Tenzan comes with his signature Bull Horn helmet entrance accessory and is decked
out in his familiar animal stripe ring trunks.

A close-up of Tenzan's helmet brings to mind Jushin Thunder Liger.

Before we had the Brahma Bull, we had Hiroyoshi Tenzan and his cool bull decal
on the back of his trunks.

With bullhorn helmet removed. Tenzan looks ready to fight!

Perhaps Tenzan's most noticeable physical trait is his unique, side-shaved mullet with yellow highlights. A look that is still synonymous with Tenzan even to this day.

A close-up of Tenzan's bull decal.

As a big deal in New Japan Pro-Wrestling during the late 1990's, Toukon Shop (and later Character
Product) would go on to create several figures based on Tenzan's likeness.

In our next review we'll be looking at another Tenzan figure from Toukon Shop's DX line.

Play Set Products Jumbo Muto Bear Plush review

Continuing over from our previous coverage of Play Set Product's Muto Bear
keychain plushies, blog #137 supersizes to incredible proportions with another
great find.

Today's collectible coverage is all about Play Set Product's JUMBO Muto Bear
plush figures:




                               

You may recognize this adorable character as the mascot of the WRESTLE1
promotion. The first Jumbo plush is the Keiji Mutoh-inspired Muto Bear.

Just like his smaller plush keychain counterpart, Muto Bear's attire is based
on Keiji Mutoh's "Sir PROMENADE" (also shortened to "PROM") ring
gear from the mid 2000's.

The included championship belt is not intended to be removed.

With his unique kneeling pose, Muto Bear can stand on his own for display
purposes when not being cuddled.

Also unlike the smaller keychain version, there is no strap or hook attached
to Muto Bear's head.

The second jumbo Muto Bear variant is based on Keiji Mutoh's evil Pro-Wrestling
alter ego: The Great Muta.

From his ring pants to his Darth Maul-inspired ring mask and body paint, the
Great Muta Muto Bear figure contains plenty of detail. There's even a draw
string on Muta's pants!

The only downside (and a very minor one at that) is the lack of detail from
the back of both plushies.

Given that this figure is made of plush with a unique design, it's also quite
difficult to stand this version of Muto Bear on his own.

When compared to a standard Japanese figure (Toukon Shop's 5" Hiroyoshi
Tenzan figure).

Both Jumbo Muto Bear plushies stand an impressive 15 inches (38 cm) tall
(making them some of the biggest Great Muta/Keiji Mutoh figures ever created).

                              

Both plushies (and their smaller keychain equivalents) include an identical tag
which includes a picture of the Wrestler the Muto Bears are based off of (Keiji
Mutoh/The Great Muta) in front of an All Japan Pro-Wrestling backdrop (which
Keiji Mutoh served as president for between 2002 to 2013).

Confusingly, the first version is listed as "Mutoh Bear" while the Great Muta
version is simply listed as "Great Muta".

The back of the tag reads "Play Set Products X Keiji Mutoh
                                           Play Set Products Mutoh Bear
                                           MUTO BEAR Plushie"

                                                                  

Mogura House Kenta Kobashi (Chop variant) figure review

For blog #129, we'll be taking a look at another Kenta Kobashi figure variant
released by Japanese toy maker Mogura House in the early 2000's.

Without further adieu, let's take a look at Mogura House's Kenta Kobashi
Chop variant figure.

                               

Kenta comes in Mogura's early 2000's blister packaging. The Mogura House
logo is prominently displayed in the top right corner along with the Pro-
Wrestling NOAH logo on the left.

                                

The Kobashi figure is dressed in his black and purple Pro-Wrestling NOAH era
ring attire. This variant also features Kobashi with a chop hand sculpt and
without a championship belt.

                                      

The back of the packaging features Kobashi's stats and a brief bio leading
up to Kobashi's involvement in the Pro-Wrestling Noah promotion.

                                 

Producing as many variants of their legends as possible, Mogura House also
released the exact same Kobashi figure with a Pro-Wrestling NOAH GHC
Heavyweight Championship belt (you can read about more about the belt
variant HERE)

Autograph showcase #3 - Kairi Sane Autographs

The next series of collectibles in our Autograph showcase covers another

popular cross-over talent from Japan. Kairi Hojo, better known as WWE's
Kairi Sane!

At the bottom of this blog post, you'll be able to purchase one of these
authentic signatures for yourself. Keep reading!

 Blog #118 - Kairi Sane Autographs


                                            

As modern Joshi Autograph event souvenirs, these Autographs measure
30 x 21cm (8 x 11 inches) and feature a glossy finish to each page.

This particular design features Kairi dressed in her "Pirates Wrestler"
entrance attire; a pleasant reminder of Japan's proud tradition of over
the top Joshi entrance ensembles.

The next Autograph variant is an early STARDOM event souvenir
which features Sane with the "Goddess Of Stardom" Championship!

Besides being STARDOM's fourth Champion, this Autograph piece would
also celebrate Sane's first-ever title victory!

*
*
*
You can purchase the authentic Kairi Sane STARDOM Championship Autograph
 HERE<---------------------------

Autograph showcase #2 - Kana (Asuka) Autographs

Blog #117 covers three Autographs that I picked up that were signed by the Empress of Tomorrow: WWE's Asuka!


                                             

These Autograph pieces are signed on photo-print paper with a glossy
finish that measures 30cm x 21cm (roughly 11 x 8 inches). This size
is also known in Japan as the "A1" size.

The A1 signatures are most common as souvenir items sold at events for
modern Joshi talent such as Io Shira, Mio Shirai, Hikaru Shida, Yoko Bito,
and Haruka Kato (just to name a few).

Io Shirai, in particular, has her own merchandising company called "Carino!"
which has handled the production of many of the photos she signs in person.


                                         

Capitalizing on each Joshi's colourful ring attire and beauty, most photos
feature full-body shots of each Joshi in vibrant colours and background
graphics.

The photo scans simply do not do this colourful Autograph piece justice.

Fans of Asuka's pre-WWE career should note that the included signature
was signed as "Kana" (the name Asuka went under in Japan before signing
with the WWE's NXT division).

                                            

Asuka's next eye-catching Autograph gets the royal treatment with Asuka
dressed in gold and black ring attire.

While unsheathing her Sabre from it's hilt, Asuka brings to mind memories of
Tiger Jeet Singh; all the while looking ready to attack all who step in her way!

The final Asuka Autograph piece comes in a laminated case and features
Asuka dressed in Kimono and Kabuki Mask entrance attire.

This Autograph piece stands out the most from the other signatures in this
blog post since the Autograph was signed at a non-Wrestling related event.

Using her star power, Asuka was commissioned to sign Autographs and
take pictures for patrons who attended a special restaurant closing event.

Again, as a 2013 Kana-era piece, Asuka would redefine this look for her
debut with WWE several years later.

Here's another early Asuka Autograph example that was signed in 2009.

Asuka's ring colours for the following attire are based on masked Wrestler
Ultraman Robin whom Asuka teamed with.

Besides Wrestling, Asuka also worked as a graphic artist for the Nintendo
DS and has written for XBOX magazine.

Being sponsored by XBOX, you'll notice the XBOX 360 logo on Asuka's
trunks in the above Autograph. Talk about product placement!

By the early 2010's, Asuka's ring attires began to feature numerous colours,
each more visual than the last.

The above Autograph features another look closer to Asuka's most recent
attires competing with WWE.