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OtapediaNanoblock - BE@RBRICK

Nanoblock has been pleasing fans of construction toy sets since the line's introduction in 2008. Smaller than their competitor, LEGO, the brand boasts the ability to create complex compositions. Medicom Toy partnered with the award-winning brand to create a BE@BRICK collaboration embodying both company's beliefs. The "BE@RBRICK x Nanoblock 2-Pack Set B" allows fans to create and display the best of Medicom Toy and Nanoblock together.

Brand/Creator and BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background

As of 2021, Medicom Toy has only produced two paired sets as part of the Nanoblock and BE@RBRICK Collaboration.

Collaboration Planning and Launch History

Medicom Toy released two versions of a two-part Nanoblock x BE@RBRICK figure set in 2018, The figure sets incorporate elements of both brands. They include one standard size BE@RBRICK with the Nanoblock logos and a set of Nanoblocks to construct a BE@RBRICK sculpture.

BE@RBRICK x Nanoblock 2-Pack Set B

This two-part figure set from Medicom Toy and Kawada break the mold for standard BE@RBRICK collaborations. With both a figure statue component and a mini-block construction set, fans have an opportunity to build their own BE@RBRICK. The B Set version of the collaboration features a matte black, standard-sized BE@RBRICK figure and a set of mostly white Nanoblocks. The smaller BE@RBRICK figure wears the stylized "nanobrick." logo on its belly in the same vein as previous collaborations. After construction, the accompanying Nanoblock model is taller, sporting the BE@RBRICK "@" symbol in black.

  • Product Name: BE@RBRICK x Nanoblock 2-Pack Set B
  • Manufacturers: Medicom Toy, KAWADA
  • Specifications: Set of 2 painted, articulated, non-scale plastic figures
  • Height (approx.):
    BE@RBRICK Ver.: 70 mm | 2.8"
    Nanoblock Ver.: 95 mm | 3.7"

Nanoblock Background

Nanoblocks are "micro-sized" building block toys sold by Japanese toy company Kawada. The toy line is well-known for its wide range of collaborators and specialty sculpture sets.

Nanoblock and Kawada Background: History

Nanoblock's parent company, Kawada Toy, first opened in 1952. Originally a toy and game wholesaler, Kawada developed their cornerstone brand, Diablock, in 1962. Kawada's product developers saw an interlocking object design in stationery products and adapted it for children's toys. In 1997, Kawada and LEGO Japan formed a license agreement, selling their products side by side. Kawada introduced the Nanoblock line in 2008 as a micro version of their Diablock line. Nanoblocks quickly became the company's best-selling product after its release. An intermediate-sized line called Nanoblock+ launched in 2014. The line's Basic Set won that year's Excellence Award for Innovative Toys at the Japan Toy Awards.

Nanoblock and Kawada Background: Reception

Nanoblocks feature a similar design to LEGO blocks on a much smaller scale. The bricks measure at pieces as small as roughly 4mm cubed. On average, they are 1/8th the size of the Diablock line. The sets often include spare pieces to compensate for any pieces lost due to their tiny size. Upon their introduction, Nanoblocks were praised as an affordable alternative to the popular LEGO line. Since the brand's introduction, several sets have won national and global toy excellence awards. Since 2010, the brand has hosted its own yearly general participation contest called the Nanoblock Award. Participants submit photos of their original creations using Nanoblocks in categories like food or still life scenes.

Other Notable Brand Collaborations

Nanoblock has made building sets in collaboration with some of the largest names in children's entertainment. Their Disney character sets are exclusively sold at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The sets depict characters like Mickey in seasonal attire and iconic landmarks like the Disneyworld Castle. Nanoblock's partnership with Sanrio has produced construction sets featuring characters like Hello Kitty and KeroKeroKeroppi. A high-profile partnership with The Pokemon Company began in 2013. In 2016, Nanoblock made four limited edition construction sets in honor of Pokemon's 20th anniversary. These sets depicted the franchise's first set of starter pokemon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu in a monochromatic color scheme. Outside of children's characters, Nanoblock famously partnered with Nikon in 2015. The collaboration resulted in a construction set for the brand's Nikon F SLR camera, receiving widespread media attention.

Notable Releases

Aside from partnerships, the Nanoblock line has three main building block series. The Mini Collections series includes themed projects. Themes include hobby-related areas like musical instruments and scientific subjects like marine life. The Sights to See series involves recreating cultural landmarks and architectural icons. Notable locations include the Sydney Opera House or New York's Chrysler Building. The Advanced Hobby series provides builders with a higher difficulty level than the other sets. These sets include thousands of extra small pieces to create realistic sculptures of recognizable icons like the Titanic.

Links

BE@RBRICK x Nanoblock 2-Pack Set B
BE@RBRICK Series
BE@BRICK Label

BE@RBRICK