Designer toys, artist collaborations and MEGA figures.
Summaries are AI-generated
The report notes China's ACG user base reached 503 million in 2024 with a market size near 600 billion. It analyzes nine new business ecosystems including themed dining, merch economy, fan creation, training, cosplay, virtual idols, concerts, city landmarks, and IP tourism.
The Thai art toy market is growing due to strong purchasing power from 'Kidult' consumers and creativity from local small manufacturers. Data shows Thailand's total toy exports reached $8.78 billion, with art toy exports at about $3.202 billion, accounting for 36.4% of total toy exports.
BANDAI will release a 990 mm, approximately 1/1 scale replica of Okkotsu’s sword from the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, priced at ¥14,850, in June 2023. The PROPLICA item features three vibration gimmicks, two BGM tracks, multiple character voice lines, a touch sensor for curse‑energy simulation, and includes a display stand and booklet.
Los Angeles-based artist Josh Mayhem transforms designer toys into contemporary sculpture, creating gravity-defying works with resin and acrylic paint.
Paddle8's third art toy auction features 27 vinyl figurines by contemporary artists and toymakers, priced from $400 to $13,000. KAWS has the most works in the sale, with prices closer to those on AliExpress, eBay, and Phillips, making them an accessible entry into the art market.
Michael Lau's art toy collections are on display in Seoul for the first time, running through April 14 with tickets priced at 12,000 won for adults.
Takara Tomy Arts and the Dutch picture‑book brand Miffy’s Flower Shop are releasing a new plush mascot, “ブルーナ ちょっこりサンキューマスコット”, on February 15, 2025 for ¥1,870 (tax included). The line includes four pastel‑colored versions and will be sold at toy and hobby retailers nationwide and online, with a pre‑sale at the Flower Miffy pop‑up in Shibuya MODI from January 31 to February 16, 2025.
Kotobukiya, together with the ENRAI platform and partners, opened entries for the 1st Digital Apparel Design Contest (Jan 15–Mar 31, 2025). The student‑focused competition requires CLO software and offers a top prize of ¥100,000 plus virtual productization, with winners’ works displayed on Kotobukiya’s Akihabara venue screen and Hobby Japan’s VR sphere.
Kotobukiya, Booklista and Yuka & Alpha are holding a free, pre‑registration webinar for school teachers on Jan 8 2025 (Wed) 10:00‑11:30 JST to explain the 1st Digital Apparel Design Contest. The archive, minus the Q&A, will later be posted on Booklista’s YouTube channel.
Kotobukiya says the ARTIST SUPPORT ITEM web platform “ZIZAITEN” will enter early‑access in early 2025. It offers freely rotatable 3D video assets, priced at ¥110–¥220 per 24 h rental and a ¥3,300 monthly subscription for all content. Top creators Naoki Saito, Shimoida Sketch and KawaiiSensei will post review videos on Dec 12, 19 and 26.
Kotobukiya and Booklista are co‑hosting the First Digital Apparel Design Contest for university students, using CLO 3D software, with entries open from mid‑January to the end of March 2025. Winners receive cash prizes, virtual and real‑world productization, and exposure on Kotobukiya’s Akihabara Hall screen and official online channels.
Kasing Lung, born in 1972 and raised in the Netherlands, was influenced by Nordic folklore. He transitioned from a children's book illustrator to a toy designer in 2010 and created LABUBU in 2015. In 2019, he signed an exclusive license with Pop Mart, leading to the character's rapid popularity. In March 2024, his work 'Mon' sold for HK$330,200 at auction.
Sid Chou is redefining designer toys and interactive art through creative technology. In a rapidly evolving world of creative technology and design, staying ahead of the curve while maintaining uniqueness is no easy feat.
Independent designer brand RedGuardian LLC, founded by Angel Martinez in New York, focuses on handmade art toys, enamel pins, and art card series. Its first lines include "The Creative Clown" and "Chunder", and it recently launched the "Can't contain us" containers in collaboration with Martian Toys, as well as the limited edition "Clown of Wall Street".
