©2007ビックウエスト/マクロスF製作委員会・MBS

In October, CCP will be releasing the first in its "Characon" character inspired radio controlled car series, two cars featuring character motif from the anime "Macross F."  Pre-orders are currently being accepted as Asobit Hobby in Akihabara as well as other hobby stores.

With "Characon" series, a play on words combining both "character" and "control" from "radio controlled car," CCP plans to make a line of miniature and collectible "itasha."  Itasha are known throughout Akihabara and otaku circles as cars that feature large and sometimes garish homages to favorite characters in the form of custom paint jobs, stuffed animals, dolls, figures, and seat covers. The word "itasha" is a combination of the Japanese "itai" (ouch, pain), and "sha" (vehicle); literally a car that is painful to look at, but a term that has come to be embraced by community.

The "Characon" series will likewise feature character decals, logos, and other images to recreate the itasha effect in the palm of your hand.  Special limited edition decals will also be included for early purchases.  In terms of RC capabilities, cars will be equipped with basic steering, brake, and acceleration in addition to two radio frequencies so that you can challenge your neighbor.  

These first 2 cars will be based on CCP's 1/28 scale "Real Drive Mini" series, one featuring Ranka Lee and the other Sheryl Nome, both from the "Macross F" series.  Available car types will include the Subaru Impreza, for Ranka, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8, for Sheryl.  

In regard to the upcoming product release, a company representative says, "This new Akibahara subculture of "ita-sha" has been getting quite a lot of attention in the media lately.  Plastic model "ita-sha" are already on the market, so we wanted to be the first to make a radio-controlled model - one that can actually run around.  We think this will really strike a chord with people who can't get their hands on a real ita-sha, but still want to taste the experience of what it's like owning one.  If possible, we only want to expand our line-up from here."

Measuring 16cm long, the "Chara-con" will be priced at 4,500 yen each.  First edition models will be limited to 3,000 per car.