What is Sofubi

The term "Sofubi" is a Japanese pronunciation evolved from the English word "Soft Vinyl," which refers to vinyl toys. This material is among the more durable in the toy world, resistant to rust and breakage, making it ideal for long-term preservation. When sold, these toys are simply packaged in bags without bulky boxes, making them an excellent choice for collectors with limited space.

As a collectible, Sofubi only started spreading in mainland China over the past two years. These collectibles generally fall into two categories: vintage pieces from the era of monster movies popular in the last century, and new pieces designed by contemporary designers. The trend in China has mostly been driven by the latter.

In September 2017, the Beijing International Art Toy Exhibition drew a large crowd of Sofubi enthusiasts, attracting 20,000 visitors over three days. A feature auction at the event saw a distinctive "Hairless Cat" figure sell for 9,100 yuan.

In December of the same year, the Beijing Sofubi Festival (BSF) released two limited edition "Guardian Dragons" from the Sofubi brand BLACK SEED, with only ten pieces available worldwide. These typically sell for at least 1,000 USD in international markets.

T9G, a well-known Japanese figure designer within the community, creates work that pays homage to an era. His early pieces feature exaggerated monster figures and bright colors that evoke the Showa era. The first group of designers started making Sofubi to integrate their creations with childhood nostalgia, expressing their emotions through these pieces.

Compared to flat artwork that can only be admired from a distance, they prefer to transform their creations into tangible forms, offering more creative freedom and exploring new possibilities. Unlike sculptures, they believe that toys, which can be held in the hand, can bring the artwork closer to people.

Therefore, a significant part of the clientele for Sofubi toys comprises those who identify with the designers' visions.

The process of making Sofubi is straightforward: once the mold is prepared, the hot molten vinyl solution is injected into the heated mold. This soft vinyl casting technique, which was mass-produced in the 20th century, is why Sofubi can also be referred to as vinyl toys. After cooling, the toys are painted using brushes and spray paint.