Continuing to share obscure Japanese Wrestling collectibles with the world, I present four more sofubi figures:
Blog #281 Imperial Pro-Wrestling Federation figure review.
Imperial Pro-Wrestling Federation is a line of sofubi figures that were released by Japanese toymaker Utsugiyo in 2015.
Each figure stands about 4.5 - 5 inches (which is less than half the size of older Sofubi figures released in Japan). The design of the figures are meant to resemble the traditional Bullmark sofubi figures from the 60's and early 70's.
Design-wise, Utsugiyo states that the Champion Series two-pack features two protagonists: Larry Blackhole and Bear the Ted. 
Personally speaking, I think Larry is based on Thunderlips. The hat and handlebar mustache, plus IGWP-inspired belt seem reminiscent of Hulk's likeness. Additionally, I feel Bear the Ted is a tribute to Tiger Mask and Bruiser Brody (note Ted's furry boot coverings).
The Champion Series two-pack originally sold for 14,000 yen ($117 USD), which also came with a colouring book and poster. The poster's design was meant to replicate the look of classic Puroresu posters from the 1960's (specifically, the JWA).
Just like Thunderlips in Rocky III, Blackhole also features a cape of his own.
Only 27 sets were created, and anyone who didn't pre-order by May 7th had to be entered into a lottery in hopes of bagging the pair.
If you thought $117 for two miniature sofubi's was a tad much, be prepared to feast your eyes on the following:
Utsugiyo released a special variant set that was only available over the weekend.
Unlike the original Champion Series set, this special two-pack included multiple removable accessories. Teddy's vest chains and beard look reminiscent of Bruiser Brody here.
Released in 2018, this special set was sold for a jaw dropping 49,999 yen ($367 USD plus shipping!). Welcome to the expensive world soft vinyl 'designer art toys'. 
The only known photo I could find of the packaged Black Friday version. I wonder if the extra accessories are tucked away inside the packaging, or were removed at the last second? We may never know.
At 1 to $400+, would you consider hunting down these designer art Wrestling figures?
Sunday, 20 October 2024
Imperial Pro-Wrestling Federation figure review
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.
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.
The Pro-Wrestling sculptures of Dr. Takuro Horikawa - part 1.
Blog #266: the Pro-Wrestling sculptures of Dr. Takuro Horikawa.
As popular as Character Product/Charapro's Wrestling figures were in Japan, many collectors wish there were more gaijin's (foreign Wrestlers) added to the roster during the line's original run between the late 90's to late 2000's.
Through the fan-created statues of Dentist Takuro Horikawa, I was reminded of the Charapro figures of yesteryear. Looking at Dr. Horikawa's work, it's easy to imagine what the following legends would have looked like:
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
Johnson's easily-noticeable tribal chief tattoo is recreated in expert fashion.
When light glistens upon Horikawa's work, the statues appear to display skin texture.
Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
The most-realistic modern Hogan bust I've ever seen.
A savate kick. I could certainly see the original Tiger Mask sculpted in this pose.
Dr. Horikura starts his statues with a wire base.
A mold is then created. 
The
realism in Dr. Horikawa's custom work is simply astounding. I can't
think of a more-realistic late 70's - early 1980's Antonio Inoki.
Dr. Horikawa's work has been on display in various Art exhibitions alongside his father's paintings. Horikawa says with his limited schedule these days, it takes him on-average, about a year to complete one sculpture from start to finish.
Notice that these statues are much-larger than your standard Charapro. 
Another throwback Inoki. This look appears close to Inoki's appearance in the 1970's.
Hands down, the coolest Ichiban-era Hogan likeness that I've ever seen. I also think it's refreshing to see Hogan not sculpted in a raised #1 finger pose; as he is often depicted doing so from this time in his career.
Pro-Wrestling Ring capsule figure set review
Blog #265 - Pro-Wrestling Ring capsule figure set
If gashapons/capsule toys are your thing, you may get a kick out of the Pro-Wrestling Ring set.
The Pro-Wrestling Ring set was released by Marubu in 2022. There are five ring sets to collect.
Argentine Backbreaker.
Lariat.
Giant Swing.
Sasori-gatame. 
Like other gashapons, each figure comes with a mini booklet showcasing all five ring sets to collect.
Each ring comes with a grasp at the bottom; allowing collectors to wear the ring like a ringpop.
Present a matching ring to your beau and this set could make ideal wedding rings (or not...).
Sunday, 22 September 2024
Wrestling Empire Mod Packs Vol. 2.
Blog #264 - Wrestling Empire Mod Packs Vol. 2.
With fall here and Halloween just around the corner, Wrestling Empire players can start
celebrating early with two new character packs:
The first movie monster pack pays tribute to three of the most famous monsters from the
silver screen: Wolf Man, Count Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster.
Likewise, the second installment features an additional nine characters; all inspired by fan
-favourite horror movies such as:
Jack Torrance (The Shining)
Candyman
Samara (The Ring)
Nosferatu
Chucky
Valak (The Nun)
The Mummy
Elvira
& The Invisible Man.
Fans of cult Sci-Fi thriller The Fifth Element can grab this five character pack as well, featuring:
Ruby Rhod, Korben Dallas, Leeloo, Diva Plavalaguna & Zorg
Players feeling nostalgic for 90's humour can party on with Wayne and Garth in this
two-character pack.
All of which can be found here: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198300785269/myworkshopfiles/
Thursday, 29 August 2024
Utsugiyo Imperial Pro-Wrestling Federation figures review
Continuing to share obscure Japanese Wrestling collectibles with the world, I present blog
#260 which squares off against Utsugiyo's Imperial Pro-Wrestling Federation figures.
by Japanese toymaker Utsugiyo in 2015.
Each figure stands about 4.5 - 5 inches (which is less than half the size of older Sofubi figures
released in Japan). The design of the figures are meant to resemble the traditional Bullmark
sofubi figures from the 60's and early 70's.
Design-wise, Utsugiyo states that the Champion Series two-pack features two protagonists:
Larry Blackhole and Bear the Ted.
Personally speaking, I think Larry is based on Thunderlips. The hat and handlebar mustache,
plus IGWP-inspired belt seem reminiscent of Hulk's likeness. Additionally, I feel Bear the
Ted is a tribute to Tiger Mask and Bruiser Brody (note Ted's furry boot coverings).
The Champion Series two-pack originally sold for 14,000 yen ($117 USD), which also came
with a colouring book and poster. The poster's design was meant to replicate the look of classic Puroresu posters from the 1960's (specifically, the JWA).
Just like Thunderlips in Rocky III, Blackhole also features a cape of his own.
Only 27 sets were created, and anyone who didn't pre-order by May 7th had to be entered into
a lottery in hopes of bagging the pair.
If you thought $117 for two miniature sofubi's was a tad much, be prepared to feast your eyes
on the following:
Utsugiyo released a special variant set that was only available over the weekend.
Unlike the original Champion Series set, this special two-pack included multiple
removable accessories. Teddy's vest chains and beard look reminiscent of Bruiser
Brody here.
Released in 2018, this special set was sold for a jaw dropping 49,999 yen ($367 USD
plus shipping!). Welcome to the expensive world soft vinyl 'designer art toys'.
The only known photo I could find of the packaged Black Friday version. I wonder if the
extra accessories are tucked away inside the packaging, or were removed at the last second?
We may never know.
At 1 to $400+, would you consider hunting down these designer art Wrestling figures?
Tuesday, 8 August 2023
Audio download - Fire Pro-Wrestling 2nd Bout Game Music (1991)
Over the last few months, I have been working closely with the Critical Club forums to
archive as many game guides as possible. In the process, I have begun acquiring original
gaming soundtracks along with my regular imports.
For Blog #237, we're going to take a look at one of the earliest soundtracks released for
Japan's popular Fire Pro-Wrestling series.
Fire Pro-Wrestling 2nd Bout - Game Music
The year was 1991, and Human Entertainment had just released the sequel to their
popular grappling simulator Fire Pro-Wrestling Combination Tag. In a nutshell, Fire
Pro-Wrestling 2nd Bout introduced ten new players, additional game modes, and
a refined Wrestling engine, bringing fans closer to the antics of the squared circle.
To celebrate 2nd Bout's release, Japanese music label Try Trendy Technology
was tasked with issuing the official soundtrack of the game. The album simply
titled: Fire Pro-Wrestling 2nd Bout - Game Music, was also released in 1991.
At first glance, one might confuse the soundtrack's cover art with a stock image of 2nd
Bout's title screen.
The back of the album. The album uses the same cover model for 2nd Bout's game
release.
In case you were wondering, the cover model was a young Riki Fuji. At the time,
FMW had a working relationship with HUMAN Entertainment, and allowed Fuji
to be photographed for all of 2nd Bout's merchandising and promotional material.
Other than the front cover, there are no pages inside the booklet, other than this credit
page.
Most of the Fire Pro soundtracks included extra items that were bundled with the CD's.
The first title (Combination Tag) included stickers of certain Wrestlers. For 2nd Bout's
release, the bonus item was a two-sided foldout poster.
The design is simply the mode select screen.
Poster back: which contains the 2nd Bout roster (minus the four hidden boss characters),
a gameplay secret and liner notes.
The trick simply states that pressing Button 1 and II with the direction buttons will perform
an "unknown trick".
Button I, II and the directional buttons on the Wrestler select screen in exhibition matches.
Along with the liner notes is a special message from Fire Pro staff member Chachamaru
Sasazawa, who writes:
"Fire Pro Wrestling Second Bout Now the clever gong rings again. Two years and two months
after "Fire Pro Wrestling Combination Tag", the second release is finally here in response to
everyone's hot requests. 10 new wrestlers have been replaced and, of course, their techniques
have been upgraded. What's more, in "Fire Pro 2" you can freely form a tag team, so the
variety of battles has expanded dramatically. If you've never played it before, please give it a
try."
as well as a pixel artist, before going on to head Fire Pro's fan clubs, public events (such as Fire
Pro tournaments) and hotlines.
CD design.
Arranged Versions
1. Fire Pro-Wrestling 2nd Bout (opening theme)
2. Troubled Times (Wrestler select theme)
3. Genocider (Excite mode theme)
4. Metal Spark (World Championship mode theme)
5. Splendid Fighter (Elimination Match theme)
6. Congratulations (Ending theme)
Original Game Music
7. Fire Pro-Wrestling 2nd Bout (opening theme)
8. Troubled Times (Wrestler Select theme)
9. Genocider (Excite mode theme)
10. Metal Spark (World Championship mode theme)
11. Power Cyclone (Super Tournament theme)
12. Splendid Fighter (Elimination Match theme)
13. Counter Attack (2nd World Championship mode playthrough theme)
14. Fighter Entrance (Fighter's entrance theme)
15. Toast (Result - winner theme)
16. Dirge of Fight (Result - loser theme)
17. Congratulations (Ending theme)
DOWNLOAD LINK: