Name of Series:

Ichigo Mashimarou ~Swimsuit version~

 Manufacturer:

Capsule Works

 Date of release (estimated):

January 2005

Price (singly in ¥):

300¥

Sculptor:

Unknown

No. of Pieces in the series:

5

Secret (SP)/Chase:

None

Variants:

Rare Color Variants

Size:

Around 3-5 cm

Availability (in Singapore):

La Tendo

Other Remarks:

How timely with the fact that I had just watched the pilot episode of Barasui's "Ichigo Mashimaro" that I would be reviewing the first part of the capsule figure series from Capsule Works which orginated from the same parent company that publish the manga series, Media Works. The story focus on the everyday activities of 4 elementary students which might be well affected by the only adult in the group, the 20 years-old Itoh Nobue. But seriously the series really work on the popularity of "Moe" in current otaku scene and Barasui sensei's works is surely one of the best to exude such pattern. In this first series of figurines which coincidentally marks the introduction of Capsule Works in the gashapon scenes, show the girls having fun at the beach during the summer.

Matsuoka Miu

The zaniest of the lot, Miu lives just opposite the Itoh sisters and love to just cross to Chika's room via the roof tiles instead of conventional footpath. Always full of antics and a ardent follower of Nobue. Here we see young Miu getting ready for a dive with her goggles in check. One of the nicest in the set with Miu engaged in a very natural pose perhaps like someone beckoning you to turn around to have a photograph taken and Miu definitely had that surprised facial expression. The bikini she is wearing is pretty adorable, surely have that innocent child-like style tagged to it. I really enjoy the various details included in this piece including the translucent beach ball (very real!), the goggles on Miu's head as well as the semi-transparent greenish blue sea water which allows us to see the sand beneath.

Itoh Chika

The younger Itoh sister is an elementary 6 student but sure has a more composed characteristic than her sister, 8 years her senior. Meticulous and always well-planned, Chika sure holds a certain authority among the group of friends. Here we see Chika just day dreaming as she dips her feet in the cooling water that was washed up the beach. Perhaps the one I like the least but still quite a nice figurine. The main problem with this Chika piece is the fact that her palms and soles are supposed to fit nicely on the grooves on the base but it is almost impossible to be accomplished. Chika's boring-looking black school swimsuit (with even the name tag on the left) sure draws much yawn. But once again I like the material used to make the sea water with the effect well expressed. The little crab in the rear is also a nice addition to brighten up this piece.

Anna Coppola

No relation to the famous director with the similar last name, Anna is a class-mate of Matsuri who would appear in episode 2, so I know nothing about her as of the point I am typing this. I think Anna is my tied fave as we see her wandering around clueless with her cute "strawberry patterned" float, perhaps feeling hesitant to step into the water as she has yet mastered swimming. I think Anna got the best hair and facial sculpt, the one that would make you shriek "KAWAII!". Beside that, the float and sandals are such adorable accessories. Can't say the same about the fish-net like bikinis though.

Sakuragi Matsuri

Matsuri-chan is a year younger than Chika and Miu and since she just happened to leave around their neighborhood tends to hang around with the girls. She is timid and introvert by nature and in the 1st episode would wept uncontrollably over the fact that her father had eaten by accident the pudding she had been saving up for. It seems like Matsuri is not prepared to venture into water especially with the summer dressing she is donning. I really like this Matsuri piece with the pose very natural designed and sculpted. The hair color is very cool, with a bit of brown on the lower half. How can I not mention that cute plate of eaten watermelon, with peels left behind, surely is a symbol of a hot summer.

Itoh Nobue

The supposedly lead of the series should start acting up her age and lead by example for her sisters and her demure friends, instead of indulging in her cigarettes and booze, and stop borrowing money from her younger sister when she is broke. Here we see Nobue seemingly lying aimlessly on the sand, which is a signature expression of hers. Once again superb design on the pose which bears no traces of awkwardness. I like the design of her attire, very contemporary and fashionable to what young Japanese girls of her age would be wearing, especially the sandals and the 3/4 length jeans. I love the way the jeans was unbuttoned, showing Nobue reluctance to be seen in her full bikini outfit or was she just plain lazy?