In the real world, Japan is a country known for its booming economy, social order and organization. But when it comes to the world of LEGO, its capital city is a sprawling city full of decay and decadence.
This year’s Brickworld -- the convention for LEGO enthusiasts -- played host to a futuristic Neo-Tokyo that models itself on the iconography of cyberpunk novels and movies, many of which feature cities in a state of disrepair -- torn apart by gangs, corruption and other societal ills. There’s also an element of the supernatural in most of these works, which was also at play in the LEGO Tokyo.
Image courtesy of Brickworld
A team of seven built the model, consisting of team lead Carter Baldwin, as well as Nate Brill, Kyle Vreze, Forest King, Ignacio Bernaldez, Sam Wormuth, Alex Valentino Chris Edwards.
Image courtesy of Brickworld
To create such a unique urban environment -- including the many interesting characters that dwell within it -- obscure pieces from LEGO’s Scala collection had to be used. The collection consists of clothing items and accessories that snap on with LEGO bricks, which provide verisimilitude to the city inhabitants' appearances.