Japanese veteran toy company Kaiyodo recently announced upcoming products based on contemporary Japanese wood carving artist Atsuhiko Misawa's acclaimed "ANIMALS" series. Set for a July 2022 release, the lineup includes capsule toys and sofubi figures. This article brings you the exciting details on the "Atsuhiko Misawa ANIMALS Bear" sofubi!
Atsuhiko Misawa began his animal-themed wood carving series, "Animals," in 2000. Ranging from small pieces to massive, awe-inspiring sculptures, his works captivate with their charming forms and unique aesthetic beauty. The facial expressions are rendered with a natural, serene quality, as if capturing the animals in a moment of quiet contemplation, exuding a profound, ethereal presence.
Among the "Animals" series, the "Bear" stands out as a truly iconic creation. Kaiyodo is now bringing this masterpiece to life as an impressively large-scale sofubi figure. Every detail, from its powerful physique and intricate muscle definition to the delicate paw pads and facial contours, has been meticulously crafted through extensive discussions with Atsuhiko Misawa himself, ensuring a faithful recreation of his hand-carved originals. The surface even boasts finely detailed chisel marks, making it an exceptional display piece! The figures will be available in three distinct colorways: the white Spirit Bear, the brown Grizzly, and the dark Asian Black Bear.
Atsuhiko Misawa ANIMALS Kuma
Suggested Retail Price: ¥18,000 / each
Product Types: 3 variants
Anticipated Release Date: July 2022
Pre-sale will be held at WF2022 [Summer] on July 24, 2022.
Available exclusively on the Kaiyodo Online Store starting July 25, 2022 (for details, see Kaiyodo's official website).
Source: KAIYODO Co., Ltd. - Figure Sculpting, Planning, Production, and Sales