Japanese Dwarf

The crimson short one invades the land of the rising sun

2 August, 2002

The initial cult success Red Dwarf enjoyed in the UK in the early 90's - back before it became the huge beast it is now - is being mirrored in Japan. Fans are currently discovering the show in a big way, and NHK Software Inc. and BBC Worldwide Japan are making sure there's plenty for them to enjoy. Most recently it proved a popular presence at the Tokyo Character Show in a section that included episode screenings, masses of brand new merchandise, and a display of costumes and props from the show.

NHK Software, a merchandising representative of Red Dwarf in Japan, have developed several new lines of Dwarf goodies; and yes, we finally have a Red Dwarf curry! Miyuki Kinoshita, marketing manager of BBC Worldwide Japan, told reddwarf.co.uk that "Red Dwarf is worshipped by those who love UK comedy and characters. There is a site called "tanomikomu" - which means 'implore' - where anyone can vote for product which has not been released into the market but which they want to buy. Red Dwarf has been number one in the DVD category for months!"

NHK, the channel on which Red Dwarf is shown in Japan, is a Public Service Broadcaster, much like the BBC. Despite a late night timeslot, around 2.9 million viewers tuned in to the show on its last screening.

We asked Miyuki what kind of products are being developed for Japanese Dwarf fans. "So far, T-shirts, a fan, a JMC clipboard, a ballpoint pen set, double file, telephone cards, card case, post cards, curry, poster, mugs, Kryten mask, badges, and home decor banners. A mobile phone strip, collectible pins, Holly screen mascot, an official guide and cat cookies are in development." Finally - a Red Dwarf curry! "Both Sato-san (Manager of Licensing & Merchandising of NHKSW) and I think the vindaloo curry is great! Tasty!"

The success at the character fair is hoped to bring Red Dwarf to an even bigger audience. "We think it was a great start in terms of merchandising business. We are able to respond to core fans who have waited a long time for RD goods, and also make a ripple of buzz communication through the internet."

NHKSW's Red Dwarf stand will be not be standing idle, either - appearing at 'C3 2002' in Makuhari Messe (August 24 and 25 - the C stands for Cultural Convention of Characters), and the Licensing Fair Asia in Tokyo (13 - 15 of Nov).

You can link to the - Japanese language - websites for the Character Show and Japanese merchandise from our Links section.