Hajime Kusui

Hajime Kusui (楠井 はじめ, Kusui Hajime), a skilled Japanese sculptor, is recognized for his contributions to Kotobukiya’s Frame Arms Girl series, a popular line of bishoujo-style plastic model kits that combine mecha aesthetics with anime-inspired character designs. One of his notable works is the Frame Arms Girl Durga I plastic model kit, a collaborative effort with sculptors Yasutomo Shimizu and Hatioto, released by Kotobukiya.

Standing approximately 165mm tall (non-scale), the Durga I model is a meticulously crafted piece that embodies Kusui’s expertise in blending intricate mechanical details with expressive character elements. The sculpture features a sleek, armored female figure based on Takayuki Yanase’s Frame Arms mecha design, adapted into a bishoujo style by Eiji Komatsu. The model is constructed from multi-colored plastic parts, including pre-painted face components with tampography, allowing for easy assembly without additional painting. Its design incorporates Kotobukiya’s signature 3mm joints and PVC hands, enabling compatibility with other Frame Arms and Modeling Support Goods parts for extensive customization.The Durga I sculpture showcases a dynamic pose with articulated joints, emphasizing both elegance and combat-ready functionality. Its armor, rendered in a combination of matte and glossy finishes, features sharp, angular lines and vibrant color accents, such as deep reds and metallic silvers, that highlight Kusui’s attention to detail. The kit includes interchangeable parts, such as alternate face plates and weapon accessories, enhancing its display versatility and narrative potential. Kusui’s sculpting work on the figure’s flowing hair and delicate armor paneling adds a sense of movement and personality, making Durga I a standout for collectors and modelers.As a testament to Kusui’s craftsmanship, the Durga I model balances aesthetic appeal with the technical precision required for posable model kits, appealing to both novice builders and seasoned hobbyists. Displayed on a custom base, the sculpture captures the essence of Kotobukiya’s Frame Arms Girl series, blending futuristic technology with anime-inspired artistry, and reflects Kusui Hajime’s ability to bring imaginative designs to life in the world of collectible models.