Japanese “sofubi” (soft vinyl toys) aren’t necessarily for kids — art collectors and hardcore fans have been snatching up the creepy-yet-cute toys. In the 1990s and 2000s, independent designers drew inspiration from kaijū such as Godzilla, tokusatsu series such as “Ultraman” and “Kamen Rider,” or the giant robots of “Gundam” and “Macross.” Many overseas sofubi creators invoke Japanese folklore and themes, such as maneki neko (lucky cats) and yōkai (folklore spirits). Read the full story on The Japan Times online. (Dan Orlowitz photos)
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