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At the Taipei Toy Festival in 2022, the eye-catching bear sofubi figure with its colorful palette and hand-drawn style was Chuku Kobo's work, "FRIDAY BEAR". Its overall relaxed aura captured the hearts of many attendees.
One year later, TOY PEOPLE NEWS had the opportunity to interview Rob Kidney, the British artist who created "FRIDAY BEAR" and has resided in Japan for over 20 years. Rob is an illustrator active in a wide range of fields including music, fashion, and magazines, and is also the director of "WISH LESS", a gallery and shop located in Tabata, Kita-ku, Tokyo.
This interview provided an opportunity for Rob to share the untold story behind the birth of "FRIDAY BEAR" and his rich creative experiences.
TOY PEOPLE: What did you major in during your student days? What other jobs have you had so far?
Rob Kidney: After graduating from high school, I went to the London College of Communication at the University of the Arts London, where I studied lithographic printing for two years through an apprenticeship, and then worked in the printing industry for nine years.
When I was 25, I enrolled in an Art Foundation course at Northbrook College in Worthing. Over those two years, I developed my skills and built up my portfolio. After that, I earned a degree in Illustration from Brighton University and became a freelance illustrator at the age of 30.
TOY PEOPLE: What was the impetus for opening the "WISH LESS" gallery in Tokyo? What criteria do you use for selecting exhibitions?
Rob Kidney: At that time, I was working as an illustrator/artist, and my wife, Yoko, was a freelance graphic designer. Having lived in Japan for 10 years, I found myself spending more and more time alone in the studio and realized I was experiencing a strong sense of loneliness. I knew I had to change my current lifestyle.
I had many artist friends in the UK who wanted to exhibit their work in Japan, and they constantly asked me, "Can you recommend a suitable space?" However, there are few artist-run alternative galleries in Tokyo. This sparked the idea of opening our own gallery.
It took a year to find a suitable property in Tokyo, but we finally chose Tabata, a quiet area at the end of the Yamanote Line. Since the Taisho era 100 years ago, many artists have gathered here, and it was even called the Montmartre of Japan.
Since its opening in 2012, the curation at "WISH LESS" has been about introducing domestic and international artists whom we genuinely love and respect. We believe our goal is not to chase trends, but to present high-quality exhibitions that leave a lasting impact on people.
Toy People:How did you come to start releasing your own toys?
Rob Kidney:Bringing my created characters to life in three dimensions has been a long-time dream. As an artist constantly creating new characters, it was incredibly difficult to choose just one out of so many to turn into a sofubi figure.
While in Tokyo, I discussed sofubi figure manufacturing with various companies, but I couldn't find a suitable one. One day, at a gallery, I was introduced to Mr. Kenzo Ishiyama, president of the Tokyo-based toy manufacturer "Kenelephant". I showed him a drawing of my favorite character, and he said it had potential to be developed into a sofubi. After discussions, we decided to make this "FRIDAY BEAR" into a sofubi figure.
Toy People:Please tell us about your experience working with Kenelephant's art toy division, 'Chuku Kobo'. For example, the production process (rough sketches, prototype creation, finishing...etc).
Rob Kidney:Since this was my first time creating a sofubi figure, working with them was truly an educational experience. In the initial stage, I drew three-view drawings of "FRIDAY BEAR," which I found quite challenging. To capture the physique, I even made a 3D model out of paper clay.
Later, when I visited Chuku Kobo's studio to see the first wax prototype, I was astonished by the quality, which far exceeded my expectations. The attention to detail and the faithful reproduction of the back view were incredible. I truly feel fortunate to have worked with one of Japan's best toy manufacturers.
I requested two small changes: first, to make the nose smaller, and second, to make him a little plumper. The most important point was to make the first color version as close as possible to my original drawing, so I specified the colors using the DIC color guide.
For the packaging design, I decided on a window box to evoke the figures I loved when I was young. I believe it's essential to show how the skilled sculptor captured the personality and energy of the original artwork in the figure. That's why I included the original drawing of "FRIDAY BEAR" on the back of the box.
Toy People:What is the origin of the name "FRIDAY BEAR"?
Rob Kidney:Although he's a toy, I'd like him to introduce himself!
"Hello, my name is FRIDAY BEAR. I don't really like working in an office in central Tokyo, so every Friday, after work, I go to Shibuya to look for used dance music records. On my way to the record store, I often take a break in a small park, drinking canned beer or sake, which always makes my face turn pink!
When I'm searching for used records, I forget all my worries, and I always end up spending too much money! I always carry a 12-inch record bag in my right hand and a 7-inch record bag in my left, and after years of doing this, I've developed a herniated disc... Since I spend most of my money on records, I can only afford cheap, shiny suits from discount stores. Huh? Is it a bit tight? Maybe I've gained weight because I often eat junk food in my cramped apartment!?"
Toy People: How do you usually find inspiration?
Rob Kidney: I make drawing a daily routine, imagining and conceiving new characters. Some of these characters are never drawn again, while others are refined and given personality. I draw inspiration from my life in Tokyo. It's a city that offers pleasant visual stimulation, with an abundance of illustrations of cute characters. The prime example of this is the inspiration for "FRIDAY BEAR."
I love searching for used records, and I often browse record shops in Shibuya on Friday evenings. I noticed that most other customers had just finished work, were dressed in suits, and were engrossed in browsing the record shelves. That's how the idea of a "hardworking bear in a suit who loves record shopping" was born.
Toy People: Among all your works, which one is your favorite? What's the reason? Which work left the deepest impression during its creation?
Rob Kidney: It's hard to pick just one, but it would have to be my work on the 2nd album "Rooty" (XL-Recordings) for the British electronic music duo Basement Jaxx. It was truly a life-changing experience for me. At that time, I had just graduated from university and was commissioned to create the album cover illustration and hand-lettering.
The cover of Basement Jaxx's 2nd album "Rooty," created by Rob Kidney. Image credit:TurntableLab
Not only that, but I also created illustrations for all the singles released from the album. This led to me working on motion graphics for their stage shows and co-directing the music video for the song "Jus 1 Kiss."
It was truly enjoyable to work with such talented musicians, and I strongly wanted to provide artwork that visually represented their unique music. Working in the music industry has provided me with various opportunities throughout my career, and I find it incredibly rewarding.
Toy People: What kind of environment do you like to create your work in? Could you tell us about your studio?
Rob Kidney: My workspace is divided into two small studios. One is a clean space for drawing and brainstorming ideas, where I keep my music collection of records and CDs, a turntable, and reference books on art and design. The other studio is primarily used for painting and more messy activities. Both are quite cluttered, but I enjoy having materials readily available at all times.
Music is the backbone of my creative process. In the studio, I always have about 10 hours of instrumental techno DJ mix CDs playing. This helps me enter a trance-like state, allowing me to fully immerse myself in creative work. Since I don't have neighbors, I can turn up the volume as loud as I want!
Toy People:Aside from your own creations, do you collect any other toys? Have you been particularly enthusiastic about any new toys recently?
Rob Kidney:Actually, over the past 10 years, my toy collection has been shrinking. When I first came to Tokyo, I spent a lot of time searching in places like Nakano Broadway and built up a large collection. I'm really passionate about Japanese resort souvenir figures from the 70s and 80s. I particularly love the colors and materials used. I think these souvenir figures possess characteristics of both mass production and craftsmanship.
Recently, an exciting new toy added to my collection is the "Lamby" figure, produced by Ediciones Figuritas in Mexico and designed by artist Pamela (ᴘᴀᴍᴇʟᴀ sᴜsᴛᴀɪᴛᴀ). I adore Pamela's art, and this figure wonderfully expresses her mark-making style, plus the packaging is beautiful.
Toy People:What are your hobbies outside of creative activities?
Rob Kidney:I'm really into hunting for used records, CDs, antiques, and books. Tokyo is a fantastic place that satisfies these desires of mine. I also enjoy DJing with 7-inch records at small bars and clubs in Tokyo. I love taking care of indoor houseplants, and my favorites are palms, cacti, and carnivorous plants.
Toy People:What is "TOY" to you? Please write (or draw) your answer by hand.
Rob Kidney:
We are pleased to announce that a collaborative product between TOY PEOPLE NEWS and Rob Kidney, the TOY PEOPLE exclusive "FRIDAY BEAR - TOY PEOPLE Ver.", is set to be released. (Detailed lottery sale information)
Be sure to check out Rob Kidney's latest works!
→ Rob Kidney Instagram
→ "WISH LESS gallery" Instagram
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→ kenelephant Official Website
→ kenelephant Instagram
→ Chūkuu Kōbō Official Website
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