Table of Contents
2. History of Sofubi
3. Why collectors love Sofubi?
4. Where to buy Sofubi from Japan
5. Shipping from Japan
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ about Sofubi
What is Sofubi?
Sofubi (ソフビ) is short for the Japanese term "soft vinyl" (ソフトビニール), referring to toys made from soft vinyl through a process called rotational molding.
These toys are known for their durability and distinctive designs, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
History of Sofubi
Sofubi toys originated in Japan during the 1960s. Pioneering companies like Marusan and Bullmark were among the first to produce figures of heroes and monsters from popular films and TV shows.
The inspiration behind the creation of Sofubi toys runs deep, rooted in Japanese tradition and culture.
Japanese creators drew inspiration from several sources:
- Kaiju: One of the primary inspirations for early Sofubi toys were kaiju - giant monsters from Japanese pop culture, such as Godzilla. These monsters often appeared in movies and comics, and their images were adapted into toy forms.
- Anime and Manga: Many Sofubi toys are inspired by characters from well-known anime and manga. For example, popular tokusatsu series like Ultraman and Kamen Rider significantly influenced the design and themes of Sofubi toys. These characters became iconic, and their images were often turned into vinyl figures.
- Traditional Japanese Crafts: The artisans who created Sofubi often used techniques and aesthetic principles borrowed from traditional Japanese crafts.
→ Read Also Sofubi subreddit: r/Sofubi
Why collectors love Sofubi
Sofubi toys are treasured by collectors worldwide for their uniqueness and artistic value. Each toy is handcrafted, making every piece unique.
Many Sofubi toys are produced in limited editions, increasing their desirability and value.
If you are looking for unique and interesting toys, we recommend checking out Gargamel Sofubi.
Gargamel Sofubi on Yahoo Auctions
Where to Buy Sofubi from Japan
- Mercari — Mercari is a popular Japanese marketplace for second-hand items, offering both new and used Sofubi figures. You can find a vast array of unique and rare pieces here.
- Rakuten Market — Rakuten Market is one of Japan's largest online marketplaces, known for its reliability.
- Yahoo Auctions — The ability to bid and win auctions makes the shopping experience exciting and potentially cost-effective.
International shipping
Unfortunately, ordering these toy’s from Japanese stores is only possible with a domestic address in Japan, but that doesn't mean that your location should limit your shopping.
So if you want to buy Sofubi from websites listed on there, you will need to use a proxy service, such as Remambo.
Ordering Sofubi is really simple with Remambo.
Our proxy shopping service helps thousands of people living outside Japan buy from Japanese online stores that are usually impossible to purchase from when overseas.
You can also read our HOW TO BUY guides about shopping at different online stores in Japan, and if you have any questions, our customer support team will be happy to answer your questions.
Conclusion
Sofubi toys are more than just playthings; they are pieces of art cherished by collectors for their uniqueness and beauty. If you’re looking to add something special to your collection, Sofubi toys are an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sofubi
1. What is Sofubi?
Sofubi are toys made from soft vinyl through a process called rotational molding.
2. Why are Sofubi popular?
They are valued for their unique designs, high quality, and limited editions.
3. Where can I buy Sofubi?
You can find them online on Remambo website, which offers worldwide shipping of Japanese goods.