¶ Sofubi Publications
In-depth reference catalouges and encyclopedias.
Ultra Godzilla Monster Soft Vinyl Encyclopedia
"The Beautiful Book of Monsters"
(ウルトラ・ゴジラ怪獣ソフビ大全)
Kazunori SaitoÌ. 2008
Tankobon Hardcover
ISBN: 4062146177
Kaiju Encylopedia
(ニュースクールカイジュウソフビ大図鑑)
Kanou Ishizaka (Hyper Hobby), Brian Flynn (Super7). 2010
Tankobon Hardcover
ISBN: 4766120396
An overview of contemporary Japanese vinyl toys.
The Chogokin
(超合金)
KKコミックス. 1997
Comic
ISBN: 4063300463
Japan's first Chogokin Bible completed with the full cooperation of Bandai.
The All Soft Vinyl Figure Catalog
(ソフビフィギュア全カタログ)
成美堂出版. 1998
"Mook" – Magazine/Book
ISBN: 4415093213
A large collection of popular anime and monsters such as Godzilla, Ultraman and Atom.
Great Empire Of Fine Figure
白夜書房. 1997
"Mook" – Magazine/Book
(2 Editions)
ISBN: 4893675273
Catalog covering newer Marusan, vintage Rainbowman, Tiger Mask etc.
Tokusatsu Character Data File
1950s-60s/1970/1980s-90s
Kodansha. 2016/2017/2020
Tankobon Hardcover
ISBN: 4062198215
An extensive collective of Tokusatsu Characters.
Reference books, encyclopedias and curated collections.
Super 7 - International Toy Pirates
Super 7. 2008
"Mook" – Magazine/Book
ISBN: 097966781X
ITP takes you on a nostalgic journey to the endless days of youth and summers spent watching Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan battle for world supremacy.
Toy Karma: The Kaiju Toy Collection and Art of Mark Nagata
Mark Nagata. 2018
Paperback
ISBN: 9781732649804
Toy Karma is a about Mark Nagata's journey through illustration and Japanese toy collecting, profusely illustrated with photos of Nagata's art and toy collection throughout.
Idle Idol: The Japanese Mascot
Edward Harrison. 2010
Hardcover
ISBN: 0984190619
Photographs and written explanations vivify these
unique mascots that are artful, audacious and wholly Japanese!
The Art of Sofubi
(Sofubi, the Art of Soft Vinyl Toys)
Mondo. est 2021
Hardcover
ISBN: N/A
Mondo team up with photographer Robert Howell for a 2021 release.
So Crazy Japanese Toys: Live Action TV-Show Toys from 1950s to Now
Jimbo Matison. 2003
Paperback
ISBN: 0811835294
From obscure Japanese shows to programs that have gained popularity around the world – Crazy Japanese Toys! will delight casual fans and hardcore aficionados.
Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World
Woodrow Phoenix. 2006
Hardcover
ISBN: 4770030177
In "Plastic Culture", British comics artist and illustrator Woodrow Phoenix explores our relationship to toys in the twenty-first century, with particular emphasis on Japan.
Tokyo Underground: Toy and Design Culture in Tokyo
Brian Flynn. 2010
Hardcover
(2 Editions)
ISBN: 0867197390
The definitive book on toy shopping in Tokyo.
Killer Kaiju Monsters: Strange Beasts of Japanese Film
Ivan Vartanian. 2010
Hardcover
ISBN: 0061655791
Killer Kaiju Monsters is the ultimate ode to the legendary monsters of the Japanese golden era of special effects movies and television shows.
Figure it Out!: Designer Toys and Their Makers
Victionary. 2019
Paperback
ISBN: 9887850195
Figure It Out turns the spotlight on the creatives who apply their artistry onto unique collectibles that blur the line between toy and art.
MEATS by Retroband
CoART Publications. 2019
Screen Printed Hardcover
ISBN: N/A
Part biography and part catalog, this monograph explores everything from Retroband's MEATS' 2015 debut through to its mid-2018 issuings.
Cruising the Anime City: An Otaku Guide to Neo Tokyo
Patrick Macias, Tomohiro Machiyama. 2004
Paperback
ISBN: 1880656884
Neo Tokyo is where "anime" has become both urban fashion "and" cultural zeitgeist, and this is its first street-smart guide in English. Covering studios, toys, museums, games, film "locations," music and more.
Full Vinyl: The Subversove Art of Designer Toys
Ivan Vartanian. 2007
Paperback
ISBN: 0060893389
Covering a wide range of toys from garage kits, character & subculture figures and limited editions by master creators.
Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World
Matt Alt. 2020
Hardcover/Paperback
ISBN: 1472131878
The history of Japan's unprecedented takeover of the global imaginary – from Hello Kitty and the Karaoke machine to the novels of Haruki Murakami.
Printed editions covering a range of topics including Sofubi.
Clutter Magazine
Issues: 44 [1]
Clutter Magazine is the world's premier media source for Designer Toys.
Tsuburaya Pro Fan Club Newsletter
Issues: 7 (inferred by sales listings)
Printed version of the Fan Club's Newsletter. Comic sized magazine featuring Japanese articles.
Playtimes Magazine
Vol 1 Issues: 12 / Vol 2 Issues: 8 [2]
A Singapore toy publication produced and published bi-monthly. Ceased publication April 2007 [3]
Playtimes Magazine Collections
Volumes: 3
ISBNs: (1) 9789810805791 / (2)9789810805807 / (3)9789810805814
Super7 Magazine
Issues: 14 [4]
Before Super7 came Super7 Magazine, dedicated to Japanese toy culture, kaiju culture, art and design.
Michael Lau GARDEN® Magazine
Issues: 2 (inferred by sales listings)
Michael Lau magazine from 2004. Issue #2 features BxH centerfold.
Figure Ō Magazine (フィギュア王 Figyua Ō, "Figure King")
Issues: 274 (as of 11/24/20)
A monthly Japanese hobby magazine covering the figures and merchandise of many franchises.
Creators Sofvi (クリエイターズ ソフビ)
NEKO Publishing, Mook
Sofubi mook covering various western and eastern designers.
https://www.cluttermagazine.com/category/clutter-magazine ↩︎
https://web.archive.org/web/20070301061932/http://www.playtimes-magazine.com/pastissues.htm ↩︎
https://web.archive.org/web/20070614031719/http://www.playtimes-magazine.com:80/index.htm ↩︎
https://super7.com/blogs/super7-magazine/tagged/super7-magazine?page=1 ↩︎