To round off Yamashiron’s Local Hero Spotlight, Team TokuNet interviews #301 and Kare Udon, creators of Yamashiron merchandise!

It’s been a busy week for Team TokuNet and Yamashiron! Besides our ongoing giveaway (which ends on May 16), interviews with Yamashiron and with Kamikaze Productions (Yamashiron’s creator) are available to read, but that’s not all for this spotlight! Lastly, Team TokuNet had the privilege of interviewing #301 and Kare Udon, two creators who have made Yamashiron-related merchandise, about their involvement with the hero and the kinds of products they make.

First, let’s talk to Eriko of #301 (three-oh-one) about her craft!

#301

You’re a hatmaker?

Hats are used to tie together (complete) outfits, and I wanted to make hats that were both stylish and cute. From hats for everyday use to ones with more unusual shapes, I make all kinds of hats.

How did you get involved in the Yamashiron project?

When I saw Yamashiron, I wanted to make a hat using him as the motif, so I did. My older sister (who likes Yamashiron) wore the hat to an event, and someone from the company reached out to me to make items for them.

(Team TokuNet: And it looks like there are some related hats for sale in Yamashiron’s Goods shop now! You can even see photos of her process for the new Yamashiron hat on Yamashiron’s blog!)

What else would you like to do?

I would like to make hats for cosplays. An exhibition of hats made from kimono or old clothes. Hats made in collaboration with other artists.

What other goods do you work on?

I sell hats I’ve designed on creema. There isn’t much there right now, but I’m looking to make both elegant and casual styles of hats as well as hats designed for children.

Thank you so much for the interview, Eriko! For any readers interested in seeing more of her work, you can find her on both Twitter and Instagram at @hahahat301!

And last but not least, here is Kare Udon!

Kare Udon

Please tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Kare Udon, and I’m a sculptor. You can see my works on my Twitter account @kare_udon_si.

Kare Udon’s Glass Dome series

I work as an IT technician during the day, and I spend my weeknights and weekends making local hero figures. Originally, I wanted to design figures for Kamen Rider because I like the series, but after getting interested in local heroes in 2020, I wanted to apply those skills into making local hero figures.

How did you get involved in the Yamashiron project?

At the end of 2020, I made a Yamashiron figure and shared it on social media. Yamashiro Gas Co’s Hero Department came across it and asked me to make figures for the company’s display. They also asked me to make figures of Yamashiron sitting in the seiza position.

What are some other projects you have been involved in so far?

I’ve been involved with Aku no Himitsukessya’s Dogengers as well as the Kant Project featuring Fukurou no Senki Kant from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

El Brave

Kant

What was the process like for creating Yamashiron?

It started with a prototype, and that took about one month to make using epoxy putty and plastic plates. From there, a silicon mold is made, and resin poured into that mold makes a replica. Several replicas are made, and after adjustments, repairs, and painting, the figure is finished.

(Team TokuNet: You can check out the process on Kare Udon’s blog!)

Are there other figures besides Yamashiron in the works?

Personally, I’d like to make figures of Redron, Aoiron, and Daidairon, the employees who make up Yamashiron.

What kind of goods would you like to see for Yamashiron?

It’s hard when considering development and production costs, but if given the chance, I’d like to make a deforme figure with fully articulated joints.

Mini Yammy’s a step in that direction!

A message to the Yamashiron and tokusatsu fans living overseas

Local heroes like Yamashiron are just as cool as the tokusatsu heroes you see on TV. You can see them in person, and the presence you’ll feel from the real thing is nothing like what you’d get through a TV screen. If you’re ever in Japan, please check out a hero show!

How can people acquire merchandise?

They can buy Yamashiron-related figures at Yamashiro Base. The Kare Udon online shop is another place for fans to buy local hero goods.

Screenshot of Kare Udon’s shop page

Kare Udon, thank you for your time! Team TokuNet looks forward to seeing what figures you’ll put out next!

And that’s all the Tokusatsu Network has for interviews, but our giveaway is still open until May 16! There are a lot of Yamashiron-related goods to send, and you could be one of 10 lucky winners!

CHECK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY DETAILS