Our good friend Shin Tanaka has got together with Scion and Giant Robot to create a cut out template of his signature paper toy approach. These will be included in select Giant Robot issues. As of now there are two templates available from Giant Robot, one in the previous issue and one in the current issue. There will be a third one will featured in issue 58 which will be the next release. The point in collecting all three is that the readers will be able to assemble a “4-in-1″ robot commissioned by Scion.

SCION, SHIN TANAKA AND GIANT ROBOT ENGAGE READERS WITH UNIQUE TEMPLATES

Scion, Asian and Asian-American pop culture magazine Giant Robot and artist
Shin Tanaka bring cut-out fun to all ages and paper toy enthusiasts alike
through special templates included in select Giant Robot issues.

Tanaka’s first template appeared in Giant Robot issue 56 which also featured
an interview with the artist himself.  The second template followed in issue 57
which is out now, and the third will be featured in issue 58 which hits streets
on February 9, 2009.  Readers can cut out the templates and fold them following
the simple instructions to make their own robots.  Readers who create all three
figures can assemble them to create Tanaka’s larger “4-in1 Robot”
commissioned by Scion.

Tanaka, who was born in Fukuoka, Japan, is an artist who creates imaginative
paper toys, figures and sneakers with precise details.  When he was younger, he
began creating paper sneaker replicas with complete detail because he could not
afford to buy all his favorite shoes.  Since then he has collaborated with
Nike, Adidas and Reebok to create custom footwear and exhibited in Berlin,
Hawaii, and Portland, Ore.  He recently participated in the Kennedy Center’s
show “Japan! Culture + Hyperculture.”  Tanaka offers most of his fun
templates for free at his website http://shin.co.nr/ where fans can download
them, to print, build and customize.

Like Tanaka, Scion encourages personalization and free thinking.  Scion
continuously supports artists and brings their work to new audiences as
customization and creativity are some of the brand’s core values.

About Scion:
Scion is the newest line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A.,
Inc. Developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind, Scion’s
mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and
an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand
features three groundbreaking models: the all-new xD subcompact five-door; the
xB, an urban utility vehicle with an iconic shape; and the tC sports coupe.
For more information, visit www.scion.com.

About Giant Robot:
Giant Robot Magazine began in 1994 as a stapled-and-folded zine and has grown
into a full-fledged bi-monthly magazine available at most stores and
newsstands. Giant Robot opened its first store in 2001, and formulated a
combination of pop culture goods, ranging from Japanese import toys, graphic
design and art books, and monthly art exhibitions.  Giant Robot has since
opened stores and galleries in San Francisco and New York City, and also
operates a restaurant called gr/eats in West Los Angeles.