He doesn’t look 52 years-old and he certainly doesn’t act it! A visit to his office is like a trip to a huge and bizarre toy shop. Life size models of super heroes hang from the ceiling and uncountable figurines fill shelves. Playing and making toys, costumes, and props is his business and he’s the best at in all of Kyushu. Ten years ago Shinichi Doi threw in the towel as a salaried editorial designer and rented an office. His first big job was making Planet of The Apes promotional props for use in theaters in Kyushu. Now he is firmly established as the “go to guy” for handmade props, costumes, and special effect make-up, and anything else others won’t take on.

Doi says he’s particulary proud of the 25 Martian costumes he recently made for Space World. Working almost entirely by himself, he loves a challenge. When Fukuoka Now approached him about making a mask for our cover he jumped at the opportunity. Doi has very limited experience with Halloween, but is utterly fascinated by it. This year he and his students will join Fukuoka Now and our cover girl, Micaela Braithwaite on a tour of Halloween parties in Tenjin; but we doubt you’ll recognize us! Special thanks to Doi and Mineko Nagano (Human Academy) for their generous support in making this cover.

Behind the Scenes

Very few people have appeared twice on a Fukuoka Now cover in our 130 issue history, so Micaela Braithwaite, our February 2009 cover girl set a new mark with a return this month. We needed someone adventurous, and that’s Micaela!

Halloween Photo Gallery
Fukuoka Now staff will be out on the prowl this Halloween. If you spot one of us, please strut your stuff for our cameras. The best shots will be complied into an online photo gallery for everyone to see.