Recently I had a chance to visit a traditional sofubi toy factory. I filmed the toy making process all the way through, from the first step (vinyl pouring) to the last (vinyl pulling).
After the visit, I talked with a couple of toy makers to ask a few technical questions and clarify some things, and I added those notes to the film. Here's the finished video (best viewed in full screen to see all the details + text):
Click here to check out my YouTube channel, with interviews with Paul Kaiju, Mutant Vinyl Hardcore, Peter Kato, Splurrt, and a bunch more.
Original reporting: indie + vintage toys, shop visits, interviews, event coverage.
4 comments:
Andy, great post! Thanks again for providing the fantastic behind the scenes looks at the various Sofubi processes.
Is this the main production factory for the Fort?
Any plans to visit a copper plating/mold making factory?
Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks! Not sure how much stuff the Fort gang has made here. Man, it would be really cool to visit a mold factory. Well, step by step. :O)
Toluene in the heating bath, no? EXTREMELY dangerous stuff. It's a bit jarring to see them working so brazenly with it but I suppose they're the experts and know what they're doing :D
Thanks andy!
That rings a bell - something like that, I think. There was certainly a strong smell. But you hit the nail on the head - these guys have been making toys a long time!
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