Summary
Bandai Namcois not just a household name: it’s one of Japan’s biggest multinational video game publishers, and the licenser of popular anime franchises such as,Naruto,Gundam,Sword Art Online, andDragon Ball. Initially two seperate companies,BandaiandNamco, the two merged into a single entity during March of 2006.
Over the weekend of the 4th of July, they set up two primary booths throughout the convention, one known as theGundam Basein the Exhibit Hall, and one in the Entertainment Hall, with separate areas for workshop demos,MegaHouse’s newest collaboration,MegaCat,Studio Ghiblimerch, and small photo areas for mascot and cosplay enthusiasts. This time around, we got the exclusive opportunity to tour their merchandising booth and learn about their newest collectibles and interactive projects!
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Being The Builder
The main goal of this particular area was to demonstrate new products via workshops with casual brands. Merchandising and selling is an art form in itself. The idea is simple: host a workshop, garner interest, offer some for sale! To introduce more of their niche goods to audiences in America,Bandai Namcohosted demo stations for collectibles such as nanoblocks, micro-sized lego-like building blocks, with a variety of shapes and characters to choose from. This can range from characters, food, furniture, and even complex models for the dedicated architect. Visitors got to sit down and build their very own nanoblocks, and could even purchase more sets to practice their building skills at home. Their newest upcoming model kits from theGundamfranchise are fromThe Witch From Mercury, featuring the female protagonist.
Mega Cat’s In The House
MegaHouse’s newest and biggest project, launched their collaboration,MegaCats, a diner-themed collectible shop that’s centered around animecharacters cosplayedby animals. This includesSailor Mewn,Nyaruto,Nyan Piece, andNyandam. While a good number of small figurines were available for purchase, the booth provided guests with “menus”, modeled after a 1950s diner titled,Nyaruto Diner Menu. This included images with brief descriptions and prices of popular figurines, mostly made up of casual brands, and a few upcoming as well. With eight sections of the menu titled, “Starters”, “Small Bites”, “Shareables”, “Specials”, “Side Dishes”, “Refresher”, “Main Entrees”, and “Desserts” respectively, and all corresponding with the type of collectible. ForAnime Expospecifically,MegaCatsold aNyaruto2023 Limited Editionset of Naruto and Sasuke in their cat-forms.
Embracing The Niche
As mentioned prior, we know thatBandai Namcohas countless franchises under its belt, popularity of all kinds included.Studio Ghibliis no exception, and given its niche appeal in the US, having a stand with a fun whimsical background, was definitely in order. What’s particularly unique aboutBandai Namco’s involvement withStudio Ghibliis that they’re the primary merchandise distributor of its North American branch. Moreover, on their official website,Studio Ghiblimerch is the only franchise that they don’t solely rely on other retailers for. Meaning that while most other official merchandise under theBandai Namcotrademark is sold mainly through other parties,Studio Ghibligoods are always available in their online retail section.GundamandTamagotchion the other hand, will need to be purchased elsewhere.
Fun Is Fundamental
This was just one of many sections throughout the convention center, but given the variety of collectibles and the inside scoop of on how muchBandai Namcocares about its consumer base was nothing short of heartwarming.
Keep up to date with their newest releases on theirofficial website.
