An Interview With Actar

Recently, I was interviewed by Singapore Media News Site OMY! over my figure collection. You can view the interview below:

Original article: here.

However, since they only had 4 minutes, a number of things were cut out. Read on for the complete interview:

– When did you start collecting?

I started building up my collection more than two years ago and since then, my collection has grown exponentially, comprising of figures and merchandise of characters and mecha from various Anime series.

– Why do you collect figures?

Many figure collectors base their collections on a figure’s details, sculpt, paintjob and overall appeal. However, my passion for figure collecting stems from my love of Anime, and the intriguing stories and memorable characters that Anime offers.

A figure is meant to be a real physical representation of a 2D character and it is supposed to capture the character’s essence. When I acquire a figure of a character I like, I can appreciate the significance of the figure more. I also collect to show my support for a particular series that I like.

– About how much money have you spent on these figures?

Way too much. However, being thrifty on other aspects of my life and selling the things I’ve lost interest in helps sustain this hobby.

– Are your parents supportive of your interest?

Like all parents, they think it’s a waste of money and I’m sure many people with hobbies can relate to that. But it’s never really a waste if you are spending on something you love.

– What do you think of people who say that Anime and Figures are meant for children.

First off, let me address the common misconception that Anime is for children. People have to understand that Anime is an art form that can convey a myriad of stories. While there are indeed Anime that are made for children like Pokemon, most Anime that are produced now are for Teenagers and Adults that deal with mature themes and complex story lines.

Similarly, figures based on Anime characters are mostly targeted towards adults as these figures have an unprecedented amount of detail and quality that only an older audience can appreciate.

– In Singapore, this is an interest not many will take on. Do you interact with other collectors?

While I don’t meet up with other collectors face to face often, we do interact on a day to day basis on online forums. Also, there are more and more conventions and events held in Singapore that celebrate Anime and other aspects of Modern Japanese Visual Culture as it continues to gain popularity. Examples of such events would be Anime Festival Asia, Cosfest and End of Year. Numerous collectors, including myself take these conventions as opportunities to get together.

– I understand that you had been featured on a Japanese Anime Magazine (or something along that line). Can you talk more about this?

Yes indeed! My room was featured in the book entitled ‘Otacool’, a play on the word Otaku, a Japanese term for people with obsessive interests, especially Anime and Manga. This book is a photo collection of the rooms of collectors from all over the world and is published by Kotobukiya in collaboration with Danny Choo.

I would like to take this chance to thank them for giving me the opportunity to have my room featured!

– You have a video series, tell me more about this.

I’m currently producing a video series on YouTube where I review figures, merchandise and anything that as to do with Japanese pop culture. I was originally inspired by the legions of Transformers Figure Reviews on YouTube and decided to start reviewing Anime figures, as Anime Figure Reviews were scarce at that point in time.

One of the reasons I review figures is to share my love and passion for the hobby with other collectors and fans around the world. Another thing that I hope to accomplish through my reviews is to provide people with an objective view of the figure, taking a closer look at its details, articulation and accessories. By doing so, it will allow them to make a more informed purchase. Right now, the two main figure lines that I’m focusing on are the figma and Robot Damashii line.

– Will you be venturing into related job/ fields in future?

As the saying goes: ‘Do what you love, love what you do’. Keeping that adage in mind, hopefully, I’ll be able to enter a job where my passions come into play. Be it in media, IT or Animation.

———

Thanks to everyone for their continued support and encouragement! I appreciate it more than you can imagine. If not for you guys, I don’t think I would have been able to be where I am now. (^.^)