the rare ramenz be@rbrick

If there is one bearbrick I own that I should keep inside a safe because it is so damn expensive, this is it – the Ramenz Bearbrick (named after the Japanese comedy duo). Unique and unpredictable, the design is well worth the money for me. According to Toysdorado, only 300 pieces were produced and distributed in Japan. And as afar as I know, only five of them surfaced on eBay.

It was created in collaboration with Ramenz's Katagiri Jin (left), the funny guy who co-starred with his silly sidekick Kobayashi Kentaro (right) in the now-famous youtube vids about Japanese traditions (sushi, green tea, chopsticks, origami, apology, and onigiri.). These two also appeared in the Japanese version of the Mac and PC television commercials.

I like creative types like Katagiri Jin – commercialism is always last on their minds. The Ramenz bear has no trademark, no signature, and no 'Made in Japan' in all caps. The only thing imprinted on it is Katagiri's wild imagination.

Truly a rare bear. :-)

Ramenz pic from www.twinkle-co.co.jp / Info from Wikipedia, www.metafilter.com, www.fourxthree.com, www.japannewbie.com

be@rbrick dearest

One of the most expensive Be@bricks is the Star Wars Wicket, mainly because it is part of
a highly collectible toy franchise. Add that to the fact that there is only 0.52% chance that you will get one in a blind box assortment in stores.

The Wicket Be@rbrick, released in December 2003 as a 'secret' Be@rbrick, was based on the lead Ewok character from 'Return of the Jedi'. Ewoks are a cross between walking teddy bears and shih-tzus, and belong to an alien race of tree dwelling hunters-gatherers in the Star Wars universe. They may be small and cute but they're omnivores – meaning, while they love berries and other forest fruits, they'd have no problems eating humans. :-)