Osaka Mad Max Fan Gathering

Japanese Mad Max fans in front of Interceptor replica

On the 9th of July I was once again honoured to be a special guest at a Mad Max fan gathering in Osaka, Japan. Despite the very humid conditions in Osaka at this time of year, it was great to see many of the fans attending in full MFP or Mad Max related costumes.

A definite highlight of my visit was the opportunity to once again lay eyes on the Interceptor replica that I sold last year to long time fan Keiichi "Zac" Ishii. To see it arrive at the gathering flanked by a couple of Goose bike replicas was certainly a sight to behold. The event was held in a private café just minutes from the bustling streets of Denden Town, the electronics district of Osaka.

The gathering gave the 45 hardcore Mad Max fans, who attended from all parts of Japan, the opportunity to talk about their favourite post-apocalyptic hero. It also provided me with a unique opportunity to premiere a seven-minute teaser for the upcoming documentary The Madness of Max, along with an exclusive opening message from Jim Goose (Steve Bisley) and The Toecutter (Hugh Keays-Byrne). The teaser was enthusiastically received and there will be a downloadable version here at Mad Max Online in the not too distant future.

Fans of Mad Max 2 were also well catered for, with a representative from diecast model car maker Auto Art unveiling their plans for a 1:18 scale diecast Interceptor to be released early next year. With a well-supported Mad Max auction to close the proceedings, a fantastic time was had by all and plans for another meeting at the end of the year are already well under way.

A huge Thank You must go to Mr Maeda who kindly invited me to the gathering. Mr Maeda's shop, the awesome Hero Gangu Toy Shop, extends over two levels in Osaka and features a very impressive display of new and vintage collectible toys. It also boasts a special Mad Max section with many items on display and for sale. This Thank You must also extend to my great friend Satoshi Mamada of the MFP Osaka Branch and to the wonderful Mia Ando for her tireless translating of all my Mad Max ramblings.

– Tim Ridge (Nutter)