Dinosaur plushies that are more than just "cute"
This Tyrannosaurus plushie features a cutely deformed shape that still packs in characteristics such as the head shape, small forelimbs, and developed hind limbs. It can stand on two legs, expanding the ways you can play with and display it.
TyrannosaurusTyrannosaurus
Classification: Saurischia/Theropoda/Tyrannosauridae
Size: 12-14 meters in length
Period: Late Cretaceous
One of the most popular dinosaurs and the largest terrestrial carnivore in history. Its lower jaw was enormous compared to other theropods, indicating an extremely powerful bite. Its teeth had distinctive serrations, making them suitable for tearing meat from prey. Although its forelimbs were degenerate with only two digits and appeared weak, they are believed to have been powerful enough to hold down prey.
Interview with Supervisor Hirokazu Tokugawa
- Plush toys have a unique, deformed worldview, and their charm and soft texture appeal to a wide range of ages, from small children to adults. Favorite is now adding a new series of plush toys called "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 material and size of plush toys." I enjoy looking at plush products in museum shops, not only in Japan but also when I visit museums overseas. Through this, I've developed various ideas of "how I would do it." This Stuffed Model project became a long-cherished opportunity to test the dinosaur plushie ideas I had nurtured for many years.
- While focusing on "cute dinosaurs," we have created models where the unique characteristics and cuteness of dinosaurs coexist by capturing their inherent features. Mr. Tokugawa oversaw the entire process, from creating the base illustrations to expressing the dinosaur's characteristics. Please tell us about the key points and highlights you wanted to express for the Tyrannosaurus.
- The initial concept was to "see if a self-standing design could be achieved with a plush toy" where it could stand on two legs for a short time during play without its tail touching the ground. When the first prototype was completed based on this concept and it seemed capable of self-standing, we then adjusted the overall design to maintain this feature. The size of the head and the length of the tail were determined inversely from there. We then added the fine Tyrannosaurus-like details to the determined proportions.
- Regarding the dinosaur's colors, the overall palette is subdued and blends well into everyday spaces. Could you tell us about any specific images or motifs you had in mind for the Tyrannosaurus's color?
- Since it's a plush toy, I thought I'd "boldly choose a color scheme that I wouldn't normally use in the restoration models I usually create." I also wanted it to be "bright and eye-catching," which led to the current color.
- Finally, please share your overall impressions of this Stuffed Model project and a message for those who will be picking it up.
- My impression of creating this Stuffed Model was "difficult but fun!" Unlike creating restoration models, plush toys have significant constraints in terms of size and the fabrics/materials used, making it challenging to achieve the desired shape. Expressing both the dinosaur's essence and cuteness within these constraints was difficult, but at the same time, it was a very enjoyable process of rediscovering the dinosaur's charm. The resulting Stuffed Model, with its simple plush design, embodies both the "coolness and cuteness of dinosaurs" in a way unique to Favorite. I hope everyone will discover new charms of dinosaurs and enjoy themselves through this Stuffed Model.
Supervisor Profile
Hirokazu Tokugawa (tokugawa hirokazu)
Paleoartist / Paleontological Restoration Model Artist
A dinosaur and paleontological restoration model artist who aims to create works that combine academic research with the appeal of three-dimensional objects.
