Sofubi, short for “soft vinyl,” is a type of plastic material used to create Japanese vinyl toys. These toys have captured the hearts of collectors worldwide due to their unique aesthetics and tactile appeal.
One reason why we love Sofubi is their ability to be molded into virtually any shape, resulting in endless possibilities for toy design. From iconic movie monsters to cute and quirky characters, Sofubi toys come in all shapes and sizes.
Additionally, Sofubi’s soft and smooth texture provides a pleasing tactile sensation that sets them apart from traditional hard plastic toys. Their hand-painted details and vibrant colors make them a standout addition to any toy collection.
But perhaps the most appealing aspect of Sofubi toys is the sense of nostalgia and history they evoke. Many of these toys are inspired by classic Japanese monster movies and TV shows from the 1960s and 1970s, giving them a sense of cultural significance and a connection to the past.
Sofubi production dates back to the 1950s when Japanese toy makers started experimenting with soft vinyl materials to create toys that were more durable and affordable than traditional celluloid toys.
In the 1960s, soft vinyl toys became increasingly popular in Japan due to the popularity of kaiju movies, which featured giant monsters like Godzilla and Ultraman. Toy manufacturers quickly realized the potential of these toys and started producing them in mass quantities to meet the growing demand.
Over the years, Sofubi toys have continued to evolve and gain popularity, with many artists and designers now creating their own unique Sofubi figures.
Today, Sofubi production remains a highly specialized craft, with many skilled artisans and manufacturers working to create high-quality toys that capture the essence of Japanese kaiju culture.
There are many companies that produce high-quality Sofubi toys, each with their own unique style and aesthetic. For example:
Medicom Toy: Based in Japan, Medicom Toy is one of the most well-known producers of Sofubi toys, with a wide range of products featuring collaborations with popular artists and designers.
Super7: Super7 is a US-based company that specializes in creating retro-style toys, including Sofubi figures based on classic movie monsters and popular franchises like Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Max Toy Co: Founded by artist and designer Mark Nagata, Max Toy Co produces a range of Sofubi toys inspired by Japanese kaiju culture and classic monsters from around the world. Nagata’s unique style and attention to detail have earned his company a loyal following among collectors.
There are many famous and expensive collectible Sofubi toys that are highly sought after by collectors. For example:
KAWS Astro Boy: This Sofubi toy was released in 2012 as part of a collaboration between artist KAWS and Japanese toy manufacturer, Medicom Toy. It features KAWS’ signature “XX” eyes on Astro Boy’s face and has become one of the most expensive Sofubi toys on the market, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 or more.
Bullmark Ultraman: Bullmark is a Japanese toy company that produced a range of Sofubi toys in the 1960s and 1970s, including a series of Ultraman figures that are highly sought after by collectors today. The Bullmark Ultraman figures can sell for thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity.
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