The Bandages Are Actually Pant Replacement Elastic from a 100 Yen Store: "It Looked Like Bandages, So I Used It Immediately"

――It's because he’s a "good-natured clumsy character" that he’s so loved by followers. How did you make the bandages and casts?

Youichi Noaki: The most challenging part was figuring out the materials for the bandages and crutch. Initially, I cut fabric and tissue paper into strips for bandages, but they didn’t look right and took a lot of effort.
While wandering a 100 yen store, I found pant replacement elastic. It was thick but looked like bandages, so I used it immediately.
For the crutch, since a traditional crutch wouldn’t suit a mobile suit, I extended the barrel of a Zaku Machine Gun to give it a Zatoichi-style concealed cane feel. Although neither the bandages nor the crutch looked entirely right (laughs). The sling is made from tissue paper.

――That’s full of creative ideas. The pose after completion also gives a weakened feeling.

Youichi Noaki: Thank you. I aimed to capture a casual, everyday atmosphere, like "a confused expression while moving from the hospital room to the bathroom." I hope it’s conveyed well (sweat).

――It’s well conveyed. Looking at your works, including this one, they are rich in ideas and very unique. What’s most important to you when creating Gunpla?

Youichi Noaki: In short, "if you can't win with a straight ball, use a curveball!" That might sound cool, but for me, it's a hobby I want to continue leisurely, enjoyably, and for a long time. No one feels good about being criticized or criticizing others, so if even a few people can get a chuckle from noticing my work, that's enough for me.

――That’s a wonderful hobby. Lastly, what does "Gunpla" mean to you?

Youichi Noaki: Unlike military models or real things, there are no strict rules with fictional objects like Gunpla. It’s a way to freely express my imagination without constraints, making it one of my few lifelong hobbies.

Source : ORICON NEWS