Medicom Toy
Leading Japanese Manufacturer of Premium Art Toys, Action Figures, and Collectibles
Discover Medicom Toy, the leading Japanese manufacturer of premium art toys and collectibles, including the iconic BE@RBRICK and MAFEX lines.
Overview
Medicom Toy is a leading Japanese manufacturer of premium art toys, action figures, and collectibles, celebrated for blending street art, pop culture, and high-end craftsmanship. Founded in 1996 by Tatsuhiko Akashi, the company started in Tokyo's Ebisu district and quickly became a global force in designer toys through innovative, limited-edition releases.
Iconic for the BE@RBRICK (anthropomorphic bear figure in multiple sizes, launched 2001 as a cultural canvas for collaborations), MAFEX (detailed 1/12 scale articulated figures), and lines like Kubrick (blocky LEGO-like figures), Ultra Detail Figure (UDF chibi minis), and Vinyl Collectible Dolls, Medicom targets adult collectors with scarcity-driven drops, artist partnerships, and faithful licensed adaptations. Its philosophy—"creating what we want"—has built a devoted following among streetwear, art, and toy enthusiasts.
History & Background
Medicom Toy was founded in 1996 by Tatsuhiko Akashi in Tokyo's Ebisu district (initially sharing space with a tonkatsu restaurant), focusing on limited-edition figures and licensed products. Early success came with Kubrick (2000), a blocky, nine-part figure inspired by Stanley Kubrick films and designed with an ex-LEGO employee.
The breakthrough hit was BE@RBRICK in 2001—a simple bear silhouette in sizes from 50% to 1000% (35mm to 700mm), which exploded as an art toy icon through collaborations with artists (e.g., Shepard Fairey, JJ Lin), brands (e.g., Nike, PlayStation), and IPs. Medicom expanded into premium action figures with MAFEX (mid-2010s) and maintained legacy lines like RAH (Real Action Heroes).
By 2026, following a 2025 capital/business alliance with Integral Co., Ltd. for growth, Medicom continues as a private leader in art toys, with flagship products like BE@RBRICK driving collaborations and MAFEX delivering collector-grade detail.
Product Categories
BE@RBRICK
Flagship bear-shaped vinyl figures in sizes (100%, 400%, 1000%, etc.) serving as blank canvases for limited-edition paints, patterns, and crossovers—core art toy collectible.
MAFEX
Premium 1/12 scale articulated action figures with high poseability, detailed sculpts, accessories, and screen-accurate designs—targeted at comic/movie fans.
Ultra Detail Figure (UDF)
Chibi-style mini figures (~7-10cm) with cute proportions, vibrant paint, and quick-release series—affordable entry to Medicom style.
Kubrick & Vinyl Collectible Dolls
Blocky, modular Kubrick figures (legacy line) and doll-like vinyl collectibles with fashion/art focus.
Other Lines
Perfect Posing Products (accessories), Miracle Action Figure (older), pre-assembled collections, and soft vinyl (e.g., Evangelion ASM series).
Major Product Lines
Medicom’s portfolio centers on BE@RBRICK and MAFEX, with standout releases:
- BE@RBRICK (e.g., PlayStation 400% homage February 2026, Year's Gift 2025/2026 editions, Monchhichi 100%+400%, Centennial Dragon 400% Brocade Satin, PROP SIZE ふくまる limited February 28, 2026 at MCT TOKYO, Series 51 ongoing)
- MAFEX (e.g., Moff Gideon August 2026, T-800/John Connor 2-Pack, T-1000 reissue, DC Knight Crusader Batman exclusive, The Boys Bloody Homelander, Marvel Scarlet Spider V2, ongoing DC/Marvel/The Boys/Terminator checklist for 2026)
- Ultra Detail Figure (UDF) (chibi minis across IPs)
- Legacy (Kubrick rereleases, Vinyl Collectible Dolls)
These lines feature limited production, high-profile collabs, and event/store exclusives.
Key Franchises & Licenses
Medicom thrives on collaborations and licenses:
- BE@RBRICK Crossovers (artists like Shepard Fairey/JJ Lin/DabsMyla, brands PlayStation/Nike, IPs Stranger Things Vecna, Monchhichi, National Palace Museum)
- MAFEX Licenses (Marvel Comics, DC Comics, The Boys, Terminator 2, Star Wars Mandalorian)
- Others (Evangelion soft vinyl ASM, general pop culture/art IPs)
Emphasis on limited, high-demand partnerships that turn figures into collectible art.
Global Presence
Headquartered in Tokyo, Medicom distributes worldwide through:
- Official website (medicomtoy.co.jp) with product lists, information, and links to online shops
- MCT TOKYO (direct flagship store, e.g., new releases like PROP SIZE ふくまる February 28, 2026)
- Official online shop (mct.tokyo) and other platforms (e.g., medicomtoy.tv/blog for announcements)
- Authorized retailers (e.g., international sites like bearbrick.com/new, japan-figure.com, art toy specialists)
- Events (exhibitions, collaborations) and global partners
Strong in Japan/Asia, with growing North America/Europe reach via online and collector networks.
Market Position & Collectibility
Medicom occupies the premium art toy and collector figure niche.
- Pricing mid-to-high: BE@RBRICK 100% ¥3,000–¥10,000+ (~$20–$70), 400%/1000% higher; MAFEX ¥10,000–¥15,000+ (~$70–$100+)
- Limited runs and collaborations create scarcity and hype
- Exceptional secondary market (e.g., rare BE@RBRICK collabs fetch high prices at auction/resale)
- Targeted at adult collectors valuing art, exclusivity, and cultural significance
Medicom pioneered the art toy boom and remains a benchmark for designer collectibles.
Why Collect Medicom Toy?
Collectors choose Medicom for:
- Iconic BE@RBRICK as a versatile art canvas with endless collabs
- Superior articulation and detail in MAFEX (screen-accurate, poseable 1/12 figures)
- Limited-edition exclusivity and high resale potential
- Blend of street art, pop culture, and premium craftsmanship
- Consistent innovation (new sizes, materials, partnerships)
- Strong display impact and community prestige
Medicom turns toys into cultural statements—perfect for serious collectors and art enthusiasts.
Where to Buy
Medicom Toy products are available through:
- Official medicomtoy.co.jp (product info, lists) and mct.tokyo (online shop, preorders, global shipping)
- MCT TOKYO direct store (flagship releases, e.g., February 28, 2026 drops)
- Authorized retailers (bearbrick.com/new, international art toy sites, eBay/Amazon official listings)
- Specialty collectible platforms and events (exhibitions, collaborations)
Preorder windows and blog announcements (medicomtoy.tv/blog) are essential—limited items sell out fast.