Vol.1
"Stuffed Models"
Favorite's Plush Toys

To make dinosaurs feel more approachable, "plush toys" have been added to Favorite's new series.

While our previous figures expressed "cool dinosaurs," the new plush toy series was conceived with the concept of "cute dinosaurs" that could be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults.
Working with paleoartist and dinosaur/ancient creature restoration modeler Hirokazu Tokugawa, we aimed to develop models where the individuality and cuteness of dinosaurs coexist. By capturing the biological characteristics, as is typical of Favorite, within the comforting, soft, and textured feel of a plush toy, we sought to express the essence of dinosaurs. Favorite's vision, brought to life by Mr. Tokugawa, is slowly taking shape.

What stories will unfold with Favorite's first plush toys? The articles will be updated bi-weekly, so please enjoy the journey to their completion.

Vol.2
Dinosaurs Begin to Appear

With the theme of "cute dinosaurs" that combine individuality and cuteness, Mr. Tokugawa translated Favorite's envisioned images into two-dimensional forms. Details such as the number of claws, the image of teeth, and horns or sails, were expressed in a deformed style, and the endearing expressions of the dinosaurs began to emerge.

The lineup of dinosaurs includes five well-known and popular species: the iconic Tyrannosaurus and the Triceratops, recognizable by its three horns. Also included are the popular large dinosaur Brachiosaurus, the Stegosaurus with its distinctive back plates, and the Spinosaurus, inspired by its semi-aquatic form.

For coloring, we chose a calm, familiar tone for everyday life, and worked with Mr. Tokugawa to select images that suited the atmosphere of each dinosaur, whether carnivorous or herbivorous. The size was set to approximately 30cm, making them easy to pick up or display, developing a friendly, accessible scale.

Preparations for three-dimensional realization are complete. Next, sample production will finally begin.

Vol.3
Finally taking shape

Based on illustrations and blueprints, the dinosaurs began to take shape, and the first samples emerged. With the concept of "cute dinosaurs," these plush toys exude a charm and texture different from the figures Favorite has created until now, and their presence is starting to be felt. We are identifying areas for improvement by examining the details, texture, and volume that are not apparent in two dimensions.

First, we adjust the shape, balance, and size of the head by modifying its pattern. Special care is taken around the eyes, which define the expression, meticulously adjusting the size of the eyeballs and creating three-dimensional eyelids to add a powerful impression alongside cuteness. Subsequently, we proceed with correcting the overall outline, balance, and details such as claws and fingers.

Actually, there was another concept for the stuffed models: they had to be self-standing. Both bipedal and quadrupedal dinosaurs were designed with a balance that allows them to stand independently. This reflects Favorite's commitment to craftsmanship, adhering to the original dinosaur style even within the medium of plush toys.

In addition to the Tyrannosaurus, samples are rapidly being completed. We're in the final stretch towards completion.

Vol.4
The Five Completed Plush Dinosaurs

After repeated revisions and improvements to the samples, the first Favorite plush toy series, "Stuffed Models," consisting of 5 types, is now complete. With cuteness and dinosaur individuality coexisting, and combined with the soft texture of plush toys, these might just be Favorite's most approachable models yet.

As part of the dinosaurs' individuality and Favorite's commitment, even with their cute, stylized forms, we've expressed the distinct biological features of each, such as the number of claws, the image of teeth, and horns or sails.

Designed to stand independently, just as real dinosaurs did, these toys offer various ways to enjoy them, whether playing or displaying. We hope they'll be an opportunity to pick them up casually and befriend dinosaurs in everyday life.

The Tyrannosaurus features a large head with emphasized teeth and claws, displaying both cuteness and power.

The heavily built Triceratops not only has its signature three horns but also meticulously detailed frills and a beak.

The Brachiosaurus not only has a long neck, but also a balanced length of its fore and hind legs, and a three-dimensional recreation of the knob on its head.

The unique features of the Stegosaurus, such as its two rows of back plates and tail spikes, are accurately depicted.

The Spinosaurus, modeled after its semi-aquatic form, features a slender body and a distinctive sail shape.

Release Date: Mid-July 2025 onwards

Vol.5
Stuffed Model Interview

We spoke with Hirokazu Tokugawa, the general supervisor who collaborated with us on the development of the "cute dinosaur" stuffed models.

――Plush toys possess a unique, stylized world, and their charm and soft texture are beloved by a wide range of generations, from small children to adults. Favorite is now adding a new plush toy series, "Stuffed Models," to its lineup. What are your impressions of plush toys, Mr. Tokugawa?

"I've always been interested in how to design dinosaurs and animals to suit the materials and sizes of plush toys. It's one of my joys to see plush toy products not only in Japan but also in museum shops when I visit museums abroad. Through this, I've developed various ideas like, 'If it were me, I'd do it this way.' This Stuffed Model project became a long-cherished opportunity to test the image of dinosaur plush toys that I've been nurturing for many years."


――While themed around "cute dinosaurs," models were created that combine individuality and cuteness by capturing the inherent characteristics of dinosaurs. Mr. Tokugawa, you were extensively involved in the overall supervision, from creating the base illustrations to depicting and expressing dinosaur features. Could you share the specific points you aimed to express and the highlights for each dinosaur?

"The initial concept was to 'see if a self-standing design could be made into a plush toy,' specifically, one that could stand on two legs for a short period while playing without its tail touching the ground. When the first prototype was completed with this concept, it seemed feasible to make it self-standing, so then I adapted the entire body design to not compromise that. The size of the head and length of the tail were determined by working backward from that. I then added fine Tyrannosaurus-like details to the determined proportions."


"With its distinct features like horns and frills, and not having slender limbs or a tail, the Triceratops was a dinosaur that lent itself well to being a plush toy. Since the Tyrannosaurus design was already underway, I aimed for an atmosphere that would look natural when placed alongside it."


"Unlike the Triceratops, this is a dinosaur with a relatively simple form. For that reason, I aimed for a design where it could be recognized as a Brachiosaurus just by its silhouette. I paid particular attention to the shape of its head, making numerous fine adjustments to express its Brachiosaurus-likeness."


"Excluding the sail on its back and tail, the Spinosaurus had a slender proportion, making it a challenging dinosaur to design as a plush toy. Its long face was also difficult to represent in plush, requiring numerous fine adjustments."


"Since it has a very distinctive appearance, designing it to look like a Stegosaurus wasn't a difficult dinosaur to work with. Therefore, I thought about how I could 'express as much of the Stegosaurus' characteristics as possible' in the finer details. The first thing I decided was to reproduce the asymmetrical arrangement of the plates on its back. I also tried to make the head shape as close to the actual skull as possible."


――Regarding the dinosaur colors, they are generally unified in calm tones that blend easily into everyday spaces. Could you please share any specific images or motifs that you had in mind for the colors of each dinosaur?


"Since it was a plush toy, I thought, 'Let's boldly choose a color scheme and tone that I don't usually use for restoration models.' I also wanted it to be a 'bright color that catches the eye,' which led to the current color."


"The Tyrannosaurus' color was decided first, so to create a contrasting color when placed next to the Tyrannosaurus, I chose a calm green."


"Since it's a large-bodied dinosaur, I thought about conveying its size and weight through color, leading to a dark brown-based color scheme."


"To avoid clashing with the colors of other dinosaurs, and to match Favorite's soft model series' Spinosaurus, I opted for a bright blue."


"This is a combination of green and orange, colors strongly associated with the Stegosaurus image. I chose a bright green because it's a color that particularly suits a plush toy."


――Finally, please share your overall impressions of these Stuffed Models and a message for those who will be holding them.

"My impression of creating these Stuffed Models was, 'It was challenging, but fun!' Unlike creating restoration models, plush toys have significant constraints in terms of size, fabric, and materials, making it difficult to achieve the desired shape. Expressing the dinosaur's essence and cuteness within these constraints was tough, but on the other hand, it was also a very enjoyable process of rediscovering the dinosaur's charm. The resulting Stuffed Models, with their simple plush design, are, I believe, a unique Favorite item that embodies both the 'coolness and cuteness of dinosaurs.' I hope everyone enjoys discovering new charms of dinosaurs through these Stuffed Models."

Vol.6
New friends join the party, making it even livelier!

New friends are joining the Stuffed Model series.

From the regular size, five new species have been added: "Mosasaurus, Allosaurus, Giganotosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and Pteranodon." This expands the collection to a total of 10 types, including the previous five, broadening the individuality of the dinosaurs.

Furthermore, as a spin-off series, small and large sizes are now available!

Mini mascot series featuring cute dinosaurs in palm-sized form. With a ball chain attached, you can easily carry them on your bag or other items for closer enjoyment.

The lineup includes "Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Spinosaurus."

The premium edition, measuring over 60cm in length, has a fluffy texture and a presence that makes you want to hug it tight.

Release date: November 2025 onwards

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Hirokazu Tokugawa

(Tokugawa Hirokazu)

Paleoartist / Ancient Creature Restoration Modeler
A dinosaur and ancient creature restoration modeler who aims to create works that fuse academic research with the appeal of three-dimensional objects.
Responsible for sculpting and supervising the Mini Model Skull Series.