A dinosaur plush toy that's not just "cute."
This Brachiosaurus plush toy features a cute, deformed form that still incorporates its distinctive long neck, short tail, and forelimbs longer than its hind limbs. A "cute dinosaur" that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
BrachiosaurusBrachiosaurus
Order: Saurischia / Suborder: Sauropodomorpha / Family: Brachiosauridae
Size: 22 meters long
Period: Late Jurassic
One of the largest herbivorous dinosaurs for which almost a complete skeleton exists. It has characteristics that differ from other sauropods, such as forelimbs longer than hindlimbs, a body that slopes from the shoulders to the hips, and a short tail. It was once thought to have lived in water, but because it lacks a diaphragm and its lungs would be crushed by water pressure, preventing it from breathing, it is now believed to have been terrestrial.
Interview with Supervisor Hirokazu Tokugawa
- Plush toys have a unique world of their own, with their charming and soft atmosphere, they are loved by a wide range of generations, from small children to adults. This time, Favorite is adding a new series of plush toys called "Stuffed Models" to its lineup. What is your impression of plush toys, Mr. Tokugawa?
- I have always been interested in "how to design dinosaurs and animals to fit the material and size of plush toys," and it's one of my pleasures to see plush toy products at museum shops when I visit museums overseas, as well as domestic products. In the process, I've developed various ideas of "how I would do it if it were me." This "Stuffed Model" project has been a long-cherished opportunity for me to test the plush dinosaur image I've been nurturing for many years.
- While based on the theme of "cute dinosaurs," these models capture the original characteristics of dinosaurs, resulting in models where individuality and loveliness coexist. Mr. Tokugawa was responsible for comprehensive supervision, from creating the base illustrations to depicting and expressing the dinosaur's features. Please tell us about the points you wanted to express and the highlights of the Brachiosaurus.
- Unlike the Triceratops, this dinosaur has a relatively simple form. For that reason, I aimed for a design that would be recognizable as a Brachiosaurus just by its silhouette. In particular, I made many fine adjustments to the shape of the head to express the uniqueness of the Brachiosaurus.
- Regarding the dinosaur's colors, the overall calm color scheme blends well into everyday spaces. Please tell us if there were any specific images or motifs you had in mind for the Brachiosaurus's color.
- Since it's a large dinosaur, I thought it would be good to express its size and weight through its color, so I used a dark brown base for the color scheme.
- Finally, please share your overall thoughts on these Stuffed Models and a message for those who will be picking them up.
- My impression of making these Stuffed Models was "it was tough, but fun!" Unlike making restoration models, plush toys have significant constraints on size, fabric, and materials, making it difficult to achieve the desired shape. Expressing the dinosaur's character and cuteness within those constraints was challenging, but it was also a very enjoyable process of re-exploring the dinosaur's appeal. I believe the resulting Stuffed Models are unique Favorite items that, despite their simple design as plush toys, embody both "the coolness and cuteness of dinosaurs." I hope everyone will discover new charms of dinosaurs and enjoy them through these Stuffed Models.
Supervisor Profile
Hirokazu Tokugawa (Tokugawa Hirokazu)
Paleoartist / Paleontological Restoration Model Artist
A dinosaur and paleontology restoration model artist who aims to create works that combine academic research and the appeal of three-dimensional objects.