{"id":10637,"date":"2026-04-21T11:13:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T02:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gachapara.jp\/?p=10637"},"modified":"2026-04-21T11:13:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T02:13:35","slug":"direct-interview-with-president-koji-ando-of-so-ta-latest-capsule-toys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gachapara.jp\/en\/10637\/","title":{"rendered":"Direct Interview with SO-TA President Koji Ando\" His latest capsule toy is too divine! Wacky Kaiyama's own interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

SO-TA Corporation (Studio Sota) has emerged like a comet in the capsule toy world and has now established its own unique position. What kind of commitment is hidden behind the scenes of this booming manufacturer?<\/p>\n

Capsuleer Wacky Kaiyama, known as \u201cJapan's number one capsule toy collector,\u201d talks directly to SO-TA President Koji Ando! The secret of SO-TA's success is revealed, from its early hits to its latest creations.<\/p>\n\"Mr.\n

(Photo: Mr. Wacky Kaizan)<\/p>\n

Hello, this is Wacky Kaiyama. This time, we take a close-up look at one manufacturer!<\/strong><\/p>\n

We take a closer look at \"SO-TA Corporation (Studio SO-TA BASE),\" a child of the capsule toy world that has also opened a store \"STUDIO SO-TA BASE\" in Shimokitazawa.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SO-TA is the windbreaker in the world of capsule toys! History of SO-TA Inc.<\/h2>\n

First, let us briefly review its history.<\/p>\n\"Direct\n

Established in April 2009 in Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, the company began selling \"Hoppe-chan\" amusement prizes in 2011, and in 2015 began full-scale production of capsule toys.<\/p>\n

The brand has been steadily expanding its fan base, attracting attention with the 2017 release of the \"Daikyo-ya Hanneri Kitsumen Netsuke,\" and will begin developing its own brand in 2023.<\/p>\n

This original character, \"Vanipockle,\" is also rapidly gaining popularity, with a sense of the near future and full of charm.<\/p>\n\"Direct\n

In this issue, we spoke with Koji Ando, president of Studio Sota.<\/p>\n

SO-TA's style of manufacturing<\/h2>\n

-- What was the first released mess?<\/p>\n

President Kouji Ando<\/span>\uff1a<\/b> The \"Puka Puka Duck\" was released in November 2015. It is the first product for general sale for which we made an original mold, and the key point is that it \"floats on water without collapsing.<\/p>\n\"Direct\n

-- What were some of your early blockbuster products that seemed to be a turning point for you as a manufacturer?<\/p>\n

President Kouji Ando<\/span>\uff1a<\/b> An early blockbuster was the \"Totsuko ni Egyptogami\" released in 2018. We didn't produce that many quantities the first time, but everywhere we put it in the actual machine, it sold out immediately and we had a lot of inquiries.<\/p>\n\"Direct\n

-- Please tell us about your latest work, which is much anticipated by your fans.<\/p>\n

President Kouji Ando<\/span>\uff1a<\/b> This is \"Gakken Science and Learning: Nostalgic Furokutachi Miniature Collection 2\" to be released in May this year. Anyway, we focused on the details of those days and the possibility to actually move the items. This is the ultimate capsule toy! This is the ultimate product that will make you think, \"This is a capsule toy!<\/p>\n\"Direct\n

-- SO-TA creates such attractive products one after another, but what is your usual philosophy behind your product development?<\/p>\n

President Kouji Ando<\/span>\uff1a<\/b> The most important thing in capsule toys is \u201cplanning ability. In addition to this, we pursue solid modeling ability and high quality, and we want to create products that we can deliver to the world with confidence as a manufacturer.<\/p>\n

\u25a0After the interview<\/h2>\n

I see. Personally, I am impressed by the \"1\/1 Funkorogashi\" released in 2022, which was produced from a specimen about 100 years ago, and the \"Nerunerunerune,\" a perfect miniature with detailed printing, whipped swell parts and vivid colors.<\/p>\n

We are actively collaborating with designers, and the number of people who are hooked on the unique world of Studio Sota is exploding. I look forward to seeing more!<\/p>\n

Profile of Wacky Kaizan<\/h2>\n

Wakky Kaiyama<\/strong>
\n1970 Freelance TV personality living in Sendai<\/p>\n

He has collected over 110,000 capsule toys since the second grade of elementary school.<\/p>\n

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, he started his career as a capsuleer and gacha researcher in Morinomiyako, and is now distributing his YouTuber \"Wacky Kaiyama Gacha Channel\".<\/p>\n

Books \"Ai no phony gacha gacha daizenshuu - All about Cosmos\", \"Wonderful World of Phony Gacha Gacha - Cosmos yo Eien\", \"Final Definitive Version: The Truth of Phony Gacha Gacha - Cosmos, Its Love\" (Futabasha), \"Nihon naikashii gacha gacha daizen\" (Tatsumi Books), \"Gacha ai 100% wakkyu Gacha Ai 100% Wakkyu: Showa Retro Gacha Saikyou Collection\" (Graphix, Inc.), \"Gacha Hon 06\" (Keichaps), \"Cosmos Mounted Paper Collection\" (Doujinshi), and others.<\/p>\n

Media \"Kaiun! Nandemo Kanteidan\", \"Matsuko Ariyoshi Angry New Party\", \"Matsuko no Shiranai Sekai\", \"Tokoro-san Jiken desu yo\", \"Non-Stop\", \"Numa ni Hamaite Kiteitaita\", \"Mezamashi TV\", \"Tamamusubi\" and others. Gacha Gacha\" and \"Showa Retro\" exhibits are currently being held throughout Japan.<\/p>\n

Official website:http:\/\/www.wakky4649.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Information is current at the time of publication.
\n.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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