Taiwanese designer JUBI, who shot to fame with the release of "Super Crab Kaiju" and has garnered a legion of loyal fans, created a new character in 2022, "Mimi Mau Mouse (ミミマウマウス)," which incorporates plant elements and boasts a unique and adorable style. Upon its debut, it was immediately beloved by toy collectors for its interesting design and exceptionally high-quality packaging. This time, we at Toy People are thrilled to collaborate with JUBI to bring you the "Mimi Mau Mouse Toy People Exclusive Ver." in 2023!～
The Toy People editorial team also took this opportunity to conduct a special interview with the somewhat mysterious JUBI, asking him to share the story and creative concept behind Mimi Mau Mouse, and allowing fans of JUBI to get to know him better. So, let's begin.
Toy People:What did you study in school? And what kind of work did you do before becoming a toy designer?
JUBI:I studied graphic design and have been working in game design for about 20 years. I'm still currently employed in that field.
Toy People:What prompted you to become a toy designer?
JUBI:After building up a collection, I gradually started to think, "I could probably do this too," and that's how it all began.
Toy People:Please tell us about the first toy you ever created!
JUBI:In 2008, I curated a samurai art exhibition (武BU X HI侍), and for that, I created a small samurai figure named "BUSHI GAKKI." However, due to my lack of experience and a poor manufacturer, it ended up being a huge financial loss, which is quite a bad memory. But this experience also taught me that if you want to get into toy design, assessing the risks you can afford to take beforehand is a crucial step.
Toy People:Besides making your own toys, you're also a well-known collector in the toy community. What kind of toys do you like the most? Have you been particularly obsessed with any new toys recently?
JUBI:BE@RBRICK was the first toy I started collecting. It was after I got into designer sofubi that I began designing my own. My main interests include The Wonderful! design works, Play set products, Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, James Jarvis, Jim Woodring, Parra, Will Sweeney, Itokin Park... hmm... this question really reveals my age.
▼ Such a neat arrangement of BE@RBRICKs must be a hassle during an earthquake, right? Is that what all you toy collectors are thinking? JUBI provided a brilliant solution that exceeded all expectations: embedding magnets in the feet of each figure and displaying them on thin metal shelves. Looking at such a spectacular number of BE@RBRICKs, this editor can't help but feel a torrent of RESPECT rushing in like the Yellow River!!
JUBI:Perhaps because I've been involved with and producing sofubi for a long time, my desire to buy toys has decreased significantly compared to before. But I really want Cannibal Fuckface, Neo Player One's Dorohedoro, Godzilla '64, and TkoM's Doublethink....
▼ Look at JUBI's recent acquisition, Johnny Ryan's Cannibal Fuckface! It feels so awesome to hold in your hand~
Toy People:The name of your new work, "Mimi Mau Mouse," is very interesting (in Taiwanese Hokkien, "mimi maomao" means something is a complete mess or in a sorry state). What's the origin of this playful name? And how does it connect to the piece?
JUBI:The original concept was a Mickey Mouse who had been bullied and beaten up (the kind that gets beaten so badly his shoes fall off...). I thought of "Mimi Mau," and it just so happened that "Mouse" could follow it, which is how the name Mimi Mau Mouse came to be.
JUBI:Initially, the design lacked distinct features. At that time, I was really into growing succulents and foliage plants, so I incorporated cactus elements into it, and unexpectedly, it turned out quite well. Unfortunately, the succulents I raise usually end up in a "mimi maomao" state too...
▼ Color sample adjustments for Mimi Mau Mouse.
▼ The original 3D printed prototype of Mimi Mau Mouse.
Toy People:How do you usually find inspiration for your toy creations? Do you have any special rituals?
JUBI:Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr are all sources of inspiration. I have a habit of collecting reference materials. Whenever I see an interesting or unique image, I save and categorize it. So, whenever I lack inspiration, I open up those folders. But I usually start with a theme that I personally want to create. I don't have any rituals, but when I'm in creative mode, I'll browse the web frantically, researching all sorts of related information.
▼ For a creator, a comfortable and enriching space is surely one of the best places to spark creativity. Looking at JUBI's workspace, this editor is once again reminded of the importance of a creative environment. JUBI also mentioned that displaying these collections is a way to constantly inspire himself~ although he admits he doesn't really look at them anymore (laughs).
▼ The exquisite handmade feel is also a major characteristic of JUBI's work. For example, the whiskers on the earlier "Michael Meow," or the creation of Mimi Mau Mouse's eye parts... you can feel the meticulous care in every detail.
▼ The unique packaging is also a key factor that enhances the overall feel and collectible value of JUBI's works.
Toy People:Among all the works you've created so far, which one is your favorite? Why? And which one left the deepest impression on you during its creation process?
JUBI:My second piece, "Super Crab Kaiju," which was a collaboration with the Hong Kong toy brand Unbox Industries. It was released 8 years after my first piece. The success of "Super Crab Kaiju" is what allowed me to embark on the path of toy design again. It also led to opportunities to collaborate with brands like INSTINCTOY and Gums Productions, so it holds great significance for me. I must thank Unbox Industries for that.
Toy People:What kind of environment do you like to create in? Please share what your studio is like with everyone~
JUBI:A bottle of Yin Bing Shi Milk Green Tea and my playlist.
Toy People:What are your hobbies outside of creating? Please give your fans a chance to get to know you better!
JUBI:Unlike a full-time toy creator, I have a regular day job. After subtracting the time I spend on creating, what's left is mostly watching Japanese dramas and listening to music. I really love J-pop ♫.
Toy People:Please write down (or draw) your answer: to you, "What are toys?"
JUBI:To me, toys are like "Weipa." They add a magical seasoning to life, making it more exciting and delicious.
※Weipa is really useful, but adding too much will make things very salty.
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