The new project Genomens, launching this fall, was formed with the aim of elevating "sofubi" (soft vinyl toys), which are currently attracting attention worldwide, from a subculture to an art form. Committed to being made in Japan, and in order to further promote sofubi, a unique Japanese technology and culture, to the world, original sofubi will be featured in the "Irodori Matsuri" (Colorful Festival) campaign held throughout the entire building starting August 23rd (Wednesday).
This time, there will be no in-store sales whatsoever; the collection will only be on display at Isetan Men's Residence/Charlie Weiss and will only be available for purchase online at Isetan.
▷Click here for event information and sales methods.

The fact that people still buy and collect these kinds of things even as adults.

The group Genomens, formed by four people who deeply love soft vinyl toys, was named by Shingo Yasuda of MILK BOY TOYS. He said he chose the name "Genomens" because it's a combination of "Ladies and Gentlemen" and he thought it would be a nice, gentlemanly name.

As the name suggests, the eight bodies in Genomens' first collection are all in suit styles. "I personally like soft vinyl suits, and I'm genuinely happy with how they turned out, with a uniform-like finish," says Taku Yoshimizu of SwimmyDesignLab. Furthermore, Chikami Satomi of PUNK DRUNKERS seems pleased with the finished product, saying, "With suits, you can swap out any head and it won't look out of place. Since we're freely designing each one differently, I thought suits would be fine."


—Why did you decide to do this with these four companies?

Taku Yoshimizu: The other three people besides me are people who actually create things, and it all started when I asked Satomi-san around the end of last year, "Let's do something together." This is the first time we've made original soft vinyl figures.

Chikami Satomi: Our main focus is apparel, primarily T-shirts, but about eight years ago, we collaborated with a toy manufacturer, which got us hooked on soft vinyl figures, and we started making them ourselves about five years ago. Yoshimizu-san approached us, and the four of us got together in about three days.

Daiki Furuya: This time, I participated in Genomens by joining Yoshimizu-san, Satomi-san, and Yasuda-san. This is my first time making a soft vinyl figure under the Kitan Club name, and it's also my first time drawing the artwork myself and creating it from scratch.

Yasuda Shingo: I've always loved toys, and I've been making and selling soft vinyl figures at MILK BOY TOYS for about two years now. I really like soft vinyl figures, even though it's a little embarrassing (laughs). If you ask me why I like them, I'd say that even as an adult, I find the idea of buying and collecting these kinds of things appealing and romantic. I simply enjoy looking at them, and as someone who works in design, I get inspired by the sculpting and color schemes. I collect one-of-a-kind indie soft vinyl figures made by overseas artists.

From left to right: Daiki Furuya (Kitan Club), Chikami Satomi (PUNK DRUNKERS), Taku Yoshimizu (SwimmyDesignLab), Shingo Yasuda (MILK BOY TOYS)

Page 2: What are the reasons you're drawn to soft vinyl figures?