By using a suit to create a unified body, the individual's quirks are emphasized even more.

--So, what are your impressions of each other's soft vinyl figures?

Yoshimizu Yasuda's illustrations are unique, but they have a distinct personality, and it's interesting how well they fit with suits. With Kitan Club joining Genomens, I think the collection has a nice, relaxed feel to it, and it all comes together nicely.

Because everyone at Yoshimizu has a solid background in their respective fields, their work each has its own unique style. It's interesting because no matter what I do, my work can't become someone else's.

Satomi: I didn't have time to be conscious of other people's work, but I think I made something good. The very first one I made, "That Guy," was about five years ago, but since then I've been making things based on ideas I like.

Before arranging the old houses , I was incredibly anxious about drawing and bringing them to life myself, but my honest feeling is that I'm glad I did it. Everyone has their own quirks, but the suits turned out great.

I want to turn toys into something that sparks an artistic perspective.

—I hear the soft vinyl toy market is booming worldwide right now.

Yoshimizu: Among these members, Satomi-san's PUNK DRUNKERS soft vinyl figures are one of the most talked-about brands in the world. Although there are only a limited number of them, it seems that the number of collectors is increasing all over the world, including Asia and Europe.

I feel that the market for Satomi soft vinyl figures is growing year by year thanks to the internet and social media. The four of us are planning to exhibit at a toy show in Taiwan in October, and I think it would be good to continue doing things that can't be done anywhere else.

It's unthinkable that we'd release Yasuda Toys at ISETAN MEN'S , but I'm glad we were able to participate. Since these toys are made for adults, I hope they'll resonate in an interesting way, but I'd also like younger people to take notice.

Furuya: I'm really grateful that we were able to debut in such a great location right from the start.

Yoshimizu: This time, there are only 20 pieces available, making them quite rare. Each one is truly created through an incredible amount of handcrafted work, so I really hope you'll come and see the exhibition. I hope it will spark a new perspective on toys, moving beyond just toys to something more artistic.

Satomi: I've participated in various toy events before, but I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of reaction we'll get from Isetan, which is such an unexpected choice.

Left: Daiki Furuya (Kitan Club)

Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1975. Founder of the capsule toy manufacturer "Kitan Club". After learning capsule toy production at Yujin Co., Ltd., he established Kitan Club in 2006. His hit products include "Fuchiko on the Cup," which has sold over 10 million units, and "Egashira 2:50 Strap," among many others. His published works include "How to Make Fuchiko on the Cup" (PARCO Publishing). http://kitan.jp/

Center left: Chikami Satomi (PUNK DRUNKERS)

Founded in August 1998, punk-d pursues "interesting designs" from a unique perspective, aiming to transform disposable items like T-shirts into a means of communication. Their theme is "UNCOOL is COOL," creating exquisite designs that strike a balance between uncool and cool. They respect their own worldview and develop highly original items that don't belong to any particular category. http://www.punk-d.com/

Center right: Taku Yoshimizu (SwimmyDesignLab)

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1980. Studied comprehensive arts in Philadelphia, USA. After returning to Japan, established the design company "SwimmyDesignLab Co., Ltd." SwimmyDesignLab is a creative group that engages in innovative creative activities that transcend the boundaries between "design" and "art," regardless of the media. http://www.swimmydesignlab.com/

Right: Shingo Yasuda (MILK BOY TOYS)

Since its establishment in 1974, MILKBOY has been a leading brand in Harajuku fashion. Currently, designer Hitomi Okawa continues to design clothing inspired by "the youth of the era = icons." http://www.milkboy.net/

Photo: TAKU FUJII

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