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Interview: Kojin Ono
Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion
2022
Interview from MPG Trainbot Raiden Book
(Packaged with MPG-03 Yukikaze)
Transformers Raiden Developer
Interview: Six outlines for MPG
In October 2021, the Raiden Project was full steam ahead after the
announcement of the first MPG. Mr Kojin Ono, a Transformers veteran who
created the original Raiden, started working on recreating the Trainbots,
“MPG”, with the use of modern technology. Who would have thought that 35
years later the Trainbots would be revived by their original creator?
Throughout this article we take a look behind the scenes to explore the
“secret birth of MPG”, known only to the development team. This vision is
unprecedented and these Transformers are only possible thanks to the
technology that has been cultivated over the years.
MPG Transformers
This is a new brand of Transformers which is an expansion to the Masterpiece
series. It is a culmination of technology under the themes of “Gattai”,
“Giant” and “Great”. The first figure selected is the Trainbot Light Speed
Commander Shouki. This was first released in 1987 under the Transformers
Headmasters series which was exclusively released to the Japanese market.
1 Memories of Raidens Creation
Ono: Raiden was originally released under the Diaclone “Real &
Robo”series and due to the influence and success of the Transformers series
in the United States, we decided to release a Transformer version of Raiden.
At the start of the original Raiden Project, I was designing a Sci-Fi train
but when I submitted the design to my boss it didn’t go down well. So I went
back to the drawing board and decided upon using an actual train. This was
also my first attempt at creating a combiner and I remember it was a steep
learning curve. Raiden was created to make it appealing to children and it
was a massive hit and it led to the subsequent “Real & Robo”
combiner robot series.
2 How did Raiden make a comeback for MPG?
Ono: Around 3 years ago we had a meeting to discuss the future of the
Masterpiece series and there was an opinion that we should make Raiden into
a Masterpiece. At the time I thought it would be difficult due to the
intellectual property rights but each of the railway companies willingly
agreed allowing us to proceed with the project. This was the first huge
project for the Masterpiece series with a 6 robot combiner and I certainly
felt the pressure. To ensure its success we created a new line so it sat
outside of the current Masterpiece series. We wanted to make this a special
product and market it to as many people as possible and as a result, “MPG”
was born.
3 What was your focus during the development of MPG?
Ono: We were determined to get the “realism” right for MPG. We had
lots of discussions with the TOMIX staff regarding the detailed
specifications of the vehicles. Since the shinkansen and standard trains
have different widths, we needed to devise a way to scale them just right so
they would not look out of place when positioned side by side. After lengthy
discussions we decided upon using the HO gauge scale. We also decided to
keep the robot modes in scale with the current Masterpiece series. However as the HO gauge is
quite large scale wise, it was a challenge to keep the robot modes in scale
with the other Masterpiece's. We
used various methods to prevent the vehicle modes from scaling down such as
increasing the number of foldable panels.
4 What are the differences between the original Raiden and the MPG Raiden?
Ono: The original Raiden used the N gauge scale and additional parts
were utilised for the combiner mode and this time around I was focused on an
integrated transformation. The fists and wings on the back of Raiden are now
recreated using an integrated transformation. The Leg Beams on both legs are
created from transforming parts of Suiken and Seizan which are scheduled for
future release. We also had to take the size of Kaen into account as the
train mode is much smaller in scale. The original Kaen came with Raiden’s
head but on this occasion we had to include the head with Yukikaze. There
are many other differences so please look out for them.
5 The future of the MPG Series
Ono: Raiden will be complete when the sixth member, Kaen, is
released. The upcoming releases of Suiken and Seizan are going to come with
Raiden’s weapons so please look out for their release. We are currently
working on the next MPG to follow Raiden. I can't tell you who this will be
yet but I’m working full steam ahead to please the fans so please await the
announcement!
6 To all Transformer fans
Ono: This is the first time we have attempted a Masterpiece project
and we have aimed for the highest quality to ensure fans will be happy when
Raiden is complete. I’m looking forward to the completed product myself. I
like to share the appeal of the older trains as well as the newer shinkansen.
Thank you to all Transformer fans who have supported us, it is thanks to you
that we can bring Raiden back to life. Thank you all for the opportunity.
Kojin Ono Profile
Kojin Ono is a member of the Transformers development team. He has been
involved in toy design since the initial launch of the Transformers and he
has worked on countless Transformer toys. As a seasoned developer who worked
on the original Raiden, he is currently in charge of developing the premium
Transformers toys in Japan, including the Masterpiece series.
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