Hello everyone, today I'll be unboxing and sharing the "Hatsune Miku Japanese Doll," a joint production by Yoshitoku and F:NEX.
Collectors familiar with PVC figures should be no strangers to the Japanese Doll series, a collaboration between Yoshitoku and F:NEX.
This series creates beautiful works by combining popular modern otaku culture with the traditional craft of Japanese doll making.
Another notable aspect is the price, which is absolutely top-tier for a PVC product.
This Miku is the ninth release in the series.
Yoshitoku was founded in 1711 and is the oldest surviving Japanese doll shop from the Edo period.
Their Japanese dolls, Hina dolls, and Gogatsu dolls are all of exceptionally high quality.
In addition to their high level of craftsmanship in creating kimonos and armor, they are also extremely meticulous about the dolls' facial features.
Their main store is located in Asakusabashi, Tokyo. The hotel I stayed at during my trip to Tokyo last year was nearby, and passing by their window, I saw a Japanese-style Star Wars Darth Vader armor set on display. Not only did it not look out of place, but it was also incredibly cool.
Besides high-end doll products, the store also offers more affordable plush toys, so it's worth a visit if you have the chance.
Now, let's get back to the Miku we're unboxing today.
While researching, I discovered that for this collaborative series between F:NEX and Yoshitoku, there is a dedicated prototype sculptor responsible for the costume of each release.
The costume sculptor isn't necessarily the same for every character; for this Miku, the costume sculptor is "Aki Yamazaki."
The original illustrator for this work is "Fuzichoco," and this is not the first time his work has been brought to life as a figure.
The Hatsune Miku Ichiban Kuji bust I reviewed before, as well as Magical Mirai 2020, were also based on Fuzichoco's art.
Furthermore, the original illustration for the GSC PVC figure "The Bride of the Other Shore," which also had a price tag exceeding ten thousand yen, was also by Fuzichoco.
To recreate the gorgeous and intricately patterned kimono from the original illustration,
Kyoto's "Nishimura Shoji Shoten" and "Bando Shoten" put immense effort into the dyeing and production of the kimono.
Considering the collaboration of so many professional artisans and the use of relatively high-end materials, it's not hard to understand why the selling price is set on the higher side.
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Here are the pictures.
Shipping Box
It's rare for a PVC shipping box to have its corners protected to the same standard as a statue, complete with plastic corner guards.
Main Box
The design is understated and elegant. Besides the manufacturer and product name, it only contains some cautionary notes and manufacturing information.
Instruction Manual
Perhaps because Japanese dolls use a lot of kimono fabric, some people mistakenly think Yoshitoku is a store specializing in kimonos.
They are, in fact, a specialized Japanese doll shop.
Contents
Main body, twintails, base, support stand.
The twintails have some weight to them, so they have sturdy pegs. It's recommended to use the support stand to prop up the hair during regular display.
360-Degree View
Please stop asking if the clothes are removable just because it's all fabric.
They are absolutely removable, but if you can't put them back on to their original factory condition, the value of this figure is essentially gone.
And I believe the vast majority of buyers do not have the skill to redress her.
Details
The facial details, I truly feel, are flawless.
The makeup and the sharpness of the hair are all top-notch, and the paint on the lips even gives them a moist, supple look.
Hair Ornaments
The sculpting is sharp, with no paint bleeding.
The details on the hands are also wonderfully executed.
According to the official description, the bird should be a nightingale.
The Kimono
It's simply a work of art. You could display this in a common area of your home without any issue.
Nameplate
That's about it for the unboxing and introduction of the contents.
The price of this product isn't something everyone can jump on, but if you have the budget and are willing to take the plunge, it is absolutely worth it.
At least for me, after unboxing it, I have no regrets. I didn't have a single thought of "What did I spend so much money on this for?"
This is because the feeling it gives is completely different from a typical PVC figure; it's truly a work of art.
I personally don't collect BJDs, so this will likely be the centerpiece of my personal Hatsune Miku collection.
However, if I get the chance in the future, I'd also like to acquire that P1S Miku statue, but the prerequisite for that is to clear up some space first.
