Pre-Order Alpha Uyu Now
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For figure collectors, we are often faced with the problem of too many options and too many figures we want. From original characters to favorites from anime and games, there isn't enough space and money to bring them all home. We have to choose what we like most.Is there any figure that bonds us all together? Is collecting just a hobby based on personal preference with no ties outside of sharing similar taste? There is one upcoming figure that embodies the otaku subculture and is centered in the heart of all things geek, Akihabara. Introducing Alpha Uyu.
If you have had the chance to visit Akiba, this original character might look familiar. You can find her on the back of signs, poles and in random places throughout. Graffiti and defacing public property is of course not cool. However this street art has become a part of Akihabara with numerous different stickers being plastered to places they shouldn't be. What might be the most appropriate for the geeky getaway destination is the sticker of Alpha Uyu.
Before the figure was announced, I knew nothing about the sticker or the character other than it was cute and a bit cheeky. The most common sticker you will see is of her pointing at you with the caption Don't (Dameyo - ダメよ。) Absolutely (Zettai - ゼッタイ。). This can be loosely translated to mean "It's absolutely forbidden!" or "You better not!" In the streets of Akiba, that could refer to plenty of things.The character was designed by The Tokyo Fuki Committee (東京風紀委員会), an organization established by artist Alpha Uyu. They first gained attention on the streets of Tokyo through stickers featuring a girl in a school uniform which the Alpha Uyu figure is based off of. Since launching, the group has been involved in various artistic endeavors, including exhibitions and solo shows.
The Fuki Committee's presence in Tokyo’s art scene is an attempt to promote contemporary art and engage with the community through their unique expressions. Their art makes you wonder, is it time for Japan to break away from traditional values and embrace self expression. A perfect message for a sub-culture that has gone mainstream but still gets created with plenty of looks of disgust.
Chairman of the Tokyo Public Discipline Committee
Alpha Uyu is wearing a classic sailor uniform with a red armband. All anime fans should be able to recognize this as a symbol of the discipline committee. Taking the name of the founder of the art group, we can assume she is the head honcho in charge.
Her dignified expression and poised stance reflect her authoritative role. The stern look has an adorable appeal to it. With Alpha’s hand on her hip and leaning forward, it's clear that finger is meant to be inches from our face.
The official description from manufacturer Basetoys website states that Alpha “doesn't tease or flirt. She's determined to make people question the sometimes outdated formal guidelines that dominate Japanese society.” Do we obediently listen or do as we please?
We're bombarded with rules from all manner of authorities, making us think they're the be-all and end-all of right and wrong. Opinions change swiftly but laws do not, so what rules should we really follow? Despite the innocent yet authoritative demeanor, Alpha upholds her own set of beliefs.
The coloring of the figure is very well done. It is a simple color scheme but the gold highlights add the perfect amount of contrast. Her hair has very anime-esque accents where the light would be reflecting.
The gradient coloring of her hair is some of the best I have seen from recent figures. Alpha’s flowing locks and slight skirt fluttering give a good sense of motion. It adds a bit of sass to make it more interesting.
Alpha's design is rather simple but well put together. It has universal appeal and can be enjoyed by any anime lover.
During winter's wonderfest, a biannual figure showcase, the figure was revealed and they went all out. Having a life size version on display, complete with a cosplayer, it received a fair bit of attention. In addition, they even designed an itasha for it. It's clear that a large investment went into creating the figure.
The diorama in some of the pictures is unfortunately not included or available to purchase. If you want the additional sign you will need to make it yourself.
This is a limited edition figure and the pedestal will contain the number. There is a good chance that this could be the only manufacturing run so however many are made is what's available. If they do re-release, I would imagine the numbering would be dropped.
Set to release in April 2025, now is your chance to reserve one of these limited figures and bring home a piece of otaku history.
Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed it!
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