Aki, who has been developing the global figure market since the company was founded, and Iwasa, the newly appointed president, talk about Good Smile Company's plans for the future.

In January 2024, GSC founder Aki passed the baton as CEO to Iwasa and became chairman of the company.

Aki

Since our founding, we have created and nurtured new markets by tapping on existing "gaps" in various areas, such as hobbies, interests and eras. It was a part of our vision and goals, but we did not foresee how big an impact we would make on the market, which transcends genres and genders. This has allowed us to grow as a company, resulting in an increase in employees, subsidiaries and group companies, making collaboration within the group even more important than ever. With the increasing complexity of the market, I thought it was time to transition into a new system led by Iwasa in a more logical and rational way, as I always tend to focus the more abstracts ideas (laughs).

Iwasa

I'm confident that I understand the path GSC should take, as I've been working to realize Aki's vision for the company, particularly in the past five to six years as COO. I believe it is my mission to carry on this vision and add my ideas in a way that will complement it.

GSC focuses on providing a place for creators, as well as "co-creating" a variety of products and services with such individuals.

Iwasa

Our main expertise is in the figure and hobby industry. The diversity of Japanese pop culture has contributed to its popularity around the world. Interesting ideas never cease to spring up but the impact of individual ideas is usually small, so its appeal may not reach its intended audience. We have grown as a company by supporting these ideas and valuing their diversity, and our stance on this will never change. We have fans all over the world not only because of the quality of products we provide, but also because of our diverse lineup.

Aki

Even individuals are multifaceted―a single person can like many different things. Nowadays, it is common to find people who own multiple social media accounts, each dedicated to one of their different interests. Our role is to help nurture the popularity of series and characters that are supported by countless of such individuals.

Iwasa

The thing about figures is that once you add one to your collection, it will always occupy a part of your space and mind. As Aki mentioned, we feel that it is our role to prolong the longevity of a particular work and sustain the interest in it. Many works are lost the moment they are put out into the world. This is why figures are important.

Aki

That's right. By prolonging the lifespan of a work, the series or character may catch the eye of more individuals, allowing it to transform from a niche subculture into a part of major commercialization. This may lead to the work being adapted into dramas, movies, kabuki plays, Broadway musicals, or any type of entertainment that will allow the work to be seen by many people all over the world.

Iwasa

The possibilities are endless. Currently, we are also trying our hand at the game and animation business. The impact may not be as explosive as figures and videos, but having a good mix of mediums at our disposal will allow us more options when nurturing works. "Acceptance, progress and development." We will continue to develop a variety of products and services with our core GSC beliefs!

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  PROFILEChairmanTakanori Aki

  Worked at Konami Group Corporation upon graduating university and founded Good Smile Company in May 2001. Since its founding, the company has strived to support the dreams of creators and developed its business globally, with a focus on figures with "co-creation" as its motto.

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  PROFILECEOKantaro Iwasa

  Primarily involved in management planning, group organization, promoting new business initiatives and overseeing overall company management since joining the company. Was responsible for establishing Lucky Factory and launching the smartphone game business, greatly contributing to the company's growth. Joined the GSC team in 2012.