B-co CEO Digs Riders

Appearing on NHK's "Weekly Business Compass" television magazine yesterday, Bandai CEO Takasu recounts Bandai's rise into the blue chips. He's been on something of a media tour lately, crediting Bandai's rebirth to its character division. Says he, "Bandai has been primarily a character company for the last six years," leveraging a stable of more than 200 characters using venues such as toys, food, and even underwear.

In particular, he believes the Kamen Rider franchise in underleveraged, and seeks to grow sales in that area. Good news for fans of the birotared bugs.