Onigiri Collaboration

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. Grape Brain is a Japanese artist and designer known for a distinctive, colorful, and surreal art style that blends elements of pop art, street culture, and retro aesthetics. The artist’s work often features exaggerated characters with bold outlines, vibrant color palettes, and a playful yet slightly eerie quality. Grape Brain has collaborated with various brands, toy designers, and apparel companies, creating unique figures, apparel designs, and illustrations that stand out for their eye-catching, almost psychedelic appeal. Hatsutorin Studio is a Japanese artist duo composed of Toshie and Shinji, established in 2016. Based in Nagano Prefecture, they create art toys and paintings that reflect a “POP / 奇々妙々 / ゆるい” (pop, whimsical, and relaxed) aesthetic. Their style is influenced by Japanese subculture, anime, and pop surrealism.  One of their notable creations is the “FUNNFUNN” series, which they began producing in 2018. This series features unique figures that have been showcased in various exhibitions and events. In 2020, they expanded into soft vinyl toy production, further diversifying their artistic portfolio.