{"id":4759,"date":"2026-04-23T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/?p=4759"},"modified":"2026-04-23T15:36:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T06:36:37","slug":"blending-the-virtual-into-the-physical-how-are-life-size-figures-created-at-hololive-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/4759","title":{"rendered":"Blending the Virtual Into the Physical: How are Life-Size Figures Created at hololive production?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">INDEX<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/4759\/#The_history_of_life-size_figure_projects_at_COVER\" >The history of life-size figure projects at COVER<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/4759\/#How_Ordans_illustration_became_a_life-size_Sakura_Miko_figure\" >How Ordan&#8217;s illustration became a life-size Sakura Miko figure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/4759\/#Creating_3D_data_and_prototypes_through_repeated_test_builds_and_reviews\" >Creating 3D data and prototypes through repeated test builds and reviews<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/4759\/#Painting_that_captures_the_finest_lighting_and_fabric_textures\" >Painting that captures the finest lighting and fabric textures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/4759\/#Unexpected_attention_to_detail_driven_by_artisanship_An_interview_with_the_creators\" >Unexpected attention to detail, driven by artisanship: An interview with the creators<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/4759\/#%E2%80%9CWe_are_happy_when_not_only_fans_are_pleased_but_the_talent_themselves_are_delighted%E2%80%9D%E2%80%95The_rewards_of_figure_production\" >&#8220;We are happy when not only fans are pleased, but the talent themselves are delighted.&#8221;\u2015The rewards of figure production<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_history_of_life-size_figure_projects_at_COVER\"><\/span><strong><strong>The history of life-size figure projects at COVER<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first time COVER and Design COCO produced a life-size figure together was in 2022, when they came together to make a figure of <strong>hololive English&#8217;s<\/strong> alumni, Gawr Gura. Exhibited at hololive SUPER EXPO 2022, the figure garnered much attention for how beautiful its molding was and the cuteness of its pose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following this were the two life-size figures of Fuwawa Abyssgard and Mococo Abyssgard, displayed between April and May 2025 at SHIBUYA TSUTAYA, Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_fuwamoco-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_fuwamoco-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_fuwamoco-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_fuwamoco-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_fuwamoco-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_fuwamoco-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They were created to commemorate the launch of AXGRIT, a new project celebrating the first anniversary of SHIBUYA TSUTAYA&#8217;s reopening, featuring original AXGRIT costumes and attached units. The difference in their expressions, their dynamic poses, and the fluffiness of their ears and tails were all perfect!<br><br><strong>Reference article:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"blogcard ex wide\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/1773\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t<div class=\"blogcard-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blogcard-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/H0A8067-scaled-e1749117440857.jpg\" width=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n      <div class=\"blogcard-body\">\n        <p class=\"blogcard-url\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"favicon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/s2\/favicons?domain=https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/1773\">https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/1773<\/p>\n        <div class=\"blogcard-texts\">\n          <h3 class=\"blogcard-title\">hololive English \u2013 Advent \u2013 Joins the 1st Anniversary Celebrations for the Renewal of SHIBUYA TSUTAYA \u2013 AXGRIT Pop-Up Shop Opening Day Report | COVERedge<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <p class=\"blogcard-description\">AXGRIT, a new brand of figurines brought to life in collaboration between Design Coco and SHIBUYA TSUTAYA IP Bookstore, launched their first project, the pop-up shop \u201chololive English \u2013 Advent -,\u201d which is now open as of April 25. This pop-up shop features merchandise with talents wearing original \u201cAnti\u00d7Gravity Unit\u201d outfits, a display of the [\u2026] | COVERedge<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Since then, there have been a total of more than 10 life-size figures produced by Design COCO, including those of Usada Pekora, Hoshimachi Suisei, Houshou Marine, and the hololive GAMERS (Shirakami Fubuki, Ookami Mio, Nekomata Okayu, and Inugami Korone): all very cute, all of the highest quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-5-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-5-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-5-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-5-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-5-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-5.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These figures have featured at many locations, including events, live shows, and even the entrance hall of the company office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_gamers\u88dc\u6b63-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_gamers\u88dc\u6b63-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_gamers\u88dc\u6b63-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_gamers\u88dc\u6b63-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_gamers\u88dc\u6b63-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_gamers\u88dc\u6b63-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Ordans_illustration_became_a_life-size_Sakura_Miko_figure\"><\/span><strong><strong>How Ordan&#8217;s illustration became a life-size Sakura Miko figure<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this segment, we will provide an insight into the production process of the Sakura Miko figure exhibited at the latest hololive SUPER EXPO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The planning process began in the summer of 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, it is COVER&#8217;s Licensing Division, part of the Merchandising Department, that is in charge of planning and coordinating life-size figures. These figures are primarily planned and produced to coincide with key moments for the talents and hololive production, such as pop-up events and live shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sakura Miko figure was created to align with the opening of the Sakura Miko POP UP SHOP (starting April 28, 2026), which will commemorate the opening of the Kyoto TSUTAYA IP Bookstore, with details unveiled during Sakura Miko&#8217;s birthday celebration, streamed on March 5, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u30103D LIVE\u3011\u30b2\u30b9\u30c8\u591a\u6570 &amp;\u8d85\u544a\u77e5\uff06\u65b0\u8863\u88c5\u3042\u308a\u203c \u3055\u304f\u3089\u307f\u3053\u751f\u8a95\u796d2026&quot; Fashion Beat &quot; \ud83c\udf38\u3010 #\u3055\u304f\u3089\u307f\u3053\u751f\u8a95\u796d2026 \u3011\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/B3OxuRMofcM?start=3545&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While the life-size figure itself is not for sale, a 1\/7 scale figure featuring the same pose and outfit is also being produced, which will be available for fans to purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When turning a talent into a figure, the first necessary element is the initial illustration. Existing illustrations can be used for reference in some cases, while in others, a brand-new one is commissioned. This time, the illustration was handled by popular artist Ordan, well known for having worked on numerous hololive illustrations and outfits, who created all-new original artwork for this project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/orudan_illust-1024x724.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/orudan_illust-1024x724.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/orudan_illust-300x212.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/orudan_illust-768x543.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/orudan_illust-1536x1087.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/orudan_illust-2048x1449.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On a vivid, red-painted Japanese-style bridge, Sakura Miko wears a gentle smile. The sleeves and hem of her outfit, fluttering in the wind, are breathtakingly beautiful. Recreating them in a three-dimensional figure, however, posed a formidable challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The production process can be broadly divided into three stages: 3D data, prototype, and painting. Let&#8217;s take a closer look at what happens in each stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Creating_3D_data_and_prototypes_through_repeated_test_builds_and_reviews\"><\/span><strong><strong>Creating 3D data and prototypes through repeated test builds and reviews<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is converting the original illustration into 3D data. Design COCO&#8217;s 3D CG team builds the 3D model from scratch, beginning by creating a rough human silhouette, then gradually refining the finer details, such as the facial mold, the flow of the hair, and the outfit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the 3D data has been completed, COVER&#8217;s Licensing Division reviews it, and Design COCO revises it based on any feedback. This back-and-forth is repeated several times until the 3D data is finalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second step is then taking the data and producing a prototype using a 3D printer. However, even if the data looks perfectly natural on a monitor, turning it into a physical, three-dimensional object can reveal subtle inconsistencies, off by just a few millimeters. Here as well, the prototype is reviewed multiple times, and adjustments are made so that even the smallest details feel accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_genkei1-768x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_genkei1-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_genkei1-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_genkei1-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_genkei1-1536x2048.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_genkei1-scaled.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is the assembled prototype. Everything except her eyes is unpainted, yet it is already clearly recognizable as Mikochi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei-683x1024.webp 683w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei-200x300.webp 200w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei-768x1152.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei-1365x2048.webp 1365w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei-scaled.webp 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Incidentally, just like scale figures, life-size figures are also constructed by assembling individual parts to form the full three-dimensional model. After assembly, which took roughly 30 minutes, the prototype was transported from Design COCO&#8217;s studio in Sendai, Miyagi, to COVER&#8217;s headquarters in Tokyo, where both companies conducted joint reviews.Multiple members from Design COCO and COVER&#8217;s review teams examined each part one by one, cross-checking it against the original illustration and the master style guide to ensure there were no mistakes or oddities. They inspected it not only from the front, but from the sides, behind, and every other angle, meticulously checking not only the standing pose and the finer details of the outfit, but also the bridge serving as the base and the cherry blossom petals swirling around the figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei_kansyu-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei_kansyu-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei_kansyu-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei_kansyu-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei_kansyu-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_genkei_kansyu-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Further modifications were then made to the prototype based on the feedback from this review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Painting_that_captures_the_finest_lighting_and_fabric_textures\"><\/span><strong><strong>Painting that captures the finest lighting and fabric textures<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the prototype is complete, the next step is painting, in which color is applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the painting stage as well, what matters most is attaining the most natural look in 3D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, even if an outfit is just one shade of pink, the intensity of the pink differs in areas hit by light and those in shadow. There are also areas where the hue appears different depending on the texture of the fabric or how it overlaps with the skin. To realistically reproduce these nuances, Design COCO&#8217;s painting team reportedly blends dozens of colors to create the final tones before applying them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki4-768x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki4-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki4-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki4-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki4-1536x2048.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki4-scaled.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki9_re-768x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki9_re-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki9_re-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki9_re-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki9_re-1536x2048.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_1_1scale_saishiki9_re-scaled.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like the previous ones, the Sakura Miko figure arrived from Design COCO in Miyagi, painted and disassembled, and was put together by the team at COVER.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is the fully assembled figure: now it is undeniably Mikochi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4729\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki-683x1024.webp 683w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki-200x300.webp 200w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki-768x1152.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki-1365x2048.webp 1365w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki-scaled.webp 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To the untrained eye, it may already look finished, but as with the prototype, both companies conduct rigorous inspections after final assembly as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki_kanshu-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki_kanshu-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki_kanshu-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki_kanshu-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki_kanshu-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_saishiki_kanshu-2048x1365.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, this time around, there were extensive discussions regarding the direction and size of her irises, as well as their depth. While carefully referencing the original illustration, the teams determined how it should be revised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, one or two of these in-person group reviews are conducted during each stage of the production process, but even between those sessions, COVER and Design COCO are in constant communication, exchanging emails and phone calls repeatedly: creating the figure through detailed discussions and meticulous coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once all these stages have been completed, the figure of Sakura Miko, looking truly beautiful, dancing atop a bridge amid swirling cherry blossom petals, is now ready to be unveiled at EXPO!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_expo2026-1024x768.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_expo2026-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_expo2026-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_expo2026-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_expo2026-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image_expo2026-2048x1536.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This life-size figure is a one-of-a-kind, but a smaller 1\/7 scale figure will be released for a limited time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more details, please check the official hololive production shop as well as Design COCO&#8217;s online shop, <a href=\"https:\/\/coco-store.jp\/\">COCO STORE<\/a>, and other participating outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to welcome her into your room!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unexpected_attention_to_detail_driven_by_artisanship_An_interview_with_the_creators\"><\/span><strong><strong>Unexpected attention to detail, driven by artisanship: An interview with the creators<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s now hear directly from the people involved for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Sakura Miko life-size figure. Production was handled by Design COCO Director Senga and Creative Director Sakai, along with Matsuda from COVER&#8217;s Licensing Division, Division 1 Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked what they were most particular about during production, Matsuda was the first to respond with simply, &#8220;The face.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Matsuda: Even the smallest deviation of just a few millimeters when it comes to facial features can create a completely different impression. With the eyes as well, if the direction of the gaze, the irises, or the pupils shift by even fractions of a millimeter, the eyes won&#8217;t align with those of onlookers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sakai: For us, too, the painting of the eyes is what we tend to focus and spend the most time on. Aside from that, we were also conscious of making sure the primary pink color was as close to the original illustration as possible. Also, for the gold parts on the hair ornament and outfit, we didn&#8217;t simply apply a standard gold paint: we painted them using our own interpretation of &#8216;gold&#8217; that matched the overall feeling of the illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can really feel the respect and love for the talent. They went on to say that they take particular attention during the sculpting stage to overlapping areas so that the body and the outfit don&#8217;t look like they are fused together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also talked about considerations unique to producing 1\/7 scale figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Senga: With the life-size figure, a major challenge is packing in details. We have to divide colors very finely to reproduce light and shadow so it doesn&#8217;t look flat, and craft the flow of the hair with precision. As the 1\/7 scale figure is much smaller, even a 0.1 millimeter shift can drastically change the impression the face gives off, or cause the paint to bleed. And if the mold is too intricate, it may not translate well during mass production at the factory, or cause defects. Both are difficult and rewarding in their own way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Matsuda: That&#8217;s right. Especially since figures are mass-produced largely by hand, they are also products in which maintaining consistent quality is tricky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The one thing we absolutely must avoid when producing figures is the situation Ozeki mentioned in a previous interview\u2015&#8221;a gap in quality between the photos shown at the time of pre-order (the painted sample) and the product that actually arrives.&#8221; There are, unfortunately, real-world cases where the quality of the final product is lacking, leaving fans disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our job is to deliver something amazing and highly valuable to fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s why we include our final step: investing significant time and effort in reviewing test units prior to mass production. It is this part of the process that gives us the confidence to deliver a quality product to fans. We feel that this is our mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"763\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_figure_genkei_saishiki-1024x763.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_figure_genkei_saishiki-1024x763.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_figure_genkei_saishiki-300x224.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_figure_genkei_saishiki-768x573.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_figure_genkei_saishiki-1536x1145.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/miko_figure_genkei_saishiki-2048x1527.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">On the left is the model for prototype review, and on the right is the one for painted review. Just like the life-size figure, details were adjusted through reviews conducted at COVER.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Senga also shared an anecdote about the finer details of the life-size figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Senga: This time, the base is a red wooden Japanese-style bridge. Normally, the base is made from the same kind of material as the figure itself, so at first, we discussed making this bridge from the same material and then attaching plywood over the top to make it look like a wooden bridge. However, we actually have an employee who used to be a furniture craftsman at a previous job, and as they worked on it, their craftsperson&#8217;s spirit seemed to start burning (laughs), so they decided to make the bridge out of real wood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_daiza19-1024x768.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_daiza19-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_daiza19-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_daiza19-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_daiza19-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sakuramiko_daiza19-2048x1536.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have the chance to see the life-size figure at a pop-up shop or elsewhere in the future, be sure to check out the material of the base as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CWe_are_happy_when_not_only_fans_are_pleased_but_the_talent_themselves_are_delighted%E2%80%9D%E2%80%95The_rewards_of_figure_production\"><\/span><strong><strong>&#8220;We are happy when not only fans are pleased, but the talent themselves are delighted.&#8221;\u2015The rewards of figure production<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone involved pours their passion into figure-making every day, but what do they find rewarding about their work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Senga: When we exhibit a life-size figure at an event, fans line up to come and see it. Some people even write extremely detailed impressions of our figures on social media, and seeing those reactions fills me with such joy and gives me a sense of fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sakai: When I see fans taking photos of the figure, it feels like all the effort has paid off. It also makes me incredibly happy when we get a reaction from the talent themselves. Them saying things like &#8220;It&#8217;s so cute&#8221; on stream makes me smile from ear to ear while watching (laughs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Senga: Seeing the inspiration behind a figure happy with their figure is something unique to VTubers. We also produce figures for anime and manga, but obviously, we can&#8217;t get any reactions from those characters. We have many hololive fans among our employees, so when the talent gives a positive reaction, the whole company celebrates, and it makes us even more motivated to make the next one even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Matsuda also commented from the perspective of a COVER employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Matsuda: I personally love figures, too. I have a collection of over 100 at home, including large statues and scale figures. From that love comes a great passion, which I want to draw upon to create even higher-quality figures and use them to convey the appeal of hololive production to many more people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve experienced this myself, but the charm figures have isn&#8217;t something you can explain with logic. Someone might happen to see a figure in town that moves them, leading to their discovery of hololive, and it would be my honor if something I have created with my own hands were the reason for such a wonderful encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going forward, I want to keep delivering captivating figures that also serve as a gateway into the world of hololive production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you for reading about the world of figure production, which connects hololive talents who exist in the virtual realm to our everyday lives in a way other than through streaming technology. We look forward to seeing even more life-size figures in the physical world soon!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong><strong><strong>[Sakura Miko Pop Up Shop Information]<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/89834-88-32f8291e6a0b864ac7b344718f838bc7-1200x675-1-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/89834-88-32f8291e6a0b864ac7b344718f838bc7-1200x675-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/89834-88-32f8291e6a0b864ac7b344718f838bc7-1200x675-1-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/89834-88-32f8291e6a0b864ac7b344718f838bc7-1200x675-1-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/89834-88-32f8291e6a0b864ac7b344718f838bc7-1200x675-1.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Period: April 28 (Tue) \u2013 July 28 (Tue), 2026<br>Venue: Kyoto IP Bookstore<br>Details:<a href=\"https:\/\/tsutaya.tsite.jp\/articles\/store-5166\">https:\/\/tsutaya.tsite.jp\/articles\/store-5166<\/a> (available in Japanese only)<br><br><strong>Related Article\uff1a<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"blogcard ex wide\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/2390\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t<div class=\"blogcard-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blogcard-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/DSA08865_thumb-scaled.jpg\" width=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n      <div class=\"blogcard-body\">\n        <p class=\"blogcard-url\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"favicon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/s2\/favicons?domain=https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/2390\">https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/en\/list\/2390<\/p>\n        <div class=\"blogcard-texts\">\n          <h3 class=\"blogcard-title\">Delivering New Experiences to Fans While Empowering Talent \u2013 Inside COVER\u2019s Licensing Business | COVERedge<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <p class=\"blogcard-description\">This time, we are joined by Yu Ozeki, Head of the Licensing Business Department, Licensing Division. Since joining COVER Corporation in 2020, he has played a key role in launching the company\u2019s licensing business and has continued to drive a wide range of collaboration projects with partner companies ever since. Licensing is not just about approving and overseeing the use of VTuber characters and trademarks, but it is also about thoughtfully shaping projects that support hololive production-affiliated talents and deliver new value and excitement to their fans. At the same time, the team is committed to protecting the brand by ensuring product quality and exploring ideas that can make a | COVERedge<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The history of life-size figure projects at COVER The first time COVER and Design COCO produced a life-size figure together was in 2022, when they came together to make a figure of hololive English&#8217;s alumni, Gawr Gura. Exhibited at hololive SUPER EXPO 2022, the figure garnered much attention for how beautiful its molding was and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":4710,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/dkgy1yki8xgbd.cloudfront.net\/?p=4692","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[206,205,132],"class_list":["post-4759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buisness","tag-206","tag-205","tag-licensing","en-US"],"acf":[],"categories_info":[{"slug":"buisness","name":"Business"}],"tags_info":[{"slug":"%e3%81%95%e3%81%8f%e3%82%89%e3%81%bf%e3%81%93","name":"Sakura Miko"},{"slug":"%e7%ad%89%e8%ba%ab%e5%a4%a7%e3%83%95%e3%82%a3%e3%82%ae%e3%83%a5%e3%82%a2","name":"life-size figure"},{"slug":"licensing","name":"Licensing"}],"thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/thumnail.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4759"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4802,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4759\/revisions\/4802"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coveredge.cover-corp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}