Sofubi stands for soft vinyl, a term referring to vinyl figures that are hollow inside.
During the 1970-1990s, specialty stores for these soft vinyl toys were concentrated in areas like Nakano Broadway and Shibuya, often seen as difficult to enter and catering mostly to enthusiasts.
However, in the current Reiwa era, soft vinyl specialty stores can be found all over Tokyo, catering not only to collectors but to people of all ages.
In this article, we introduce four nostalgic soft vinyl specialty stores in Tokyo, ranging from kaiju and anime to indie creations—places that offer something for everyone, not just enthusiasts.
Medicom Toy Omotesando (Omotesando Store and Others)
“Medicom Toy” was established in 1996 and has several stores in Tokyo, including Omotesando, Shibuya, Tokyo Skytree Town, and more.
The company began with collaborations on figures from Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes and expanded into original creations such as the iconic BE@RBRICK.
From Evangelion models to Osomatsu-kun, original Tiger Mask, Disney characters, Keith Haring designs, and Jean-Michel Basquiat patterns, the possibilities for collaboration seem endless.
Each figure transcends boundaries, creating a chaotic yet exciting world of soft vinyl figures. Why not explore this vibrant world of soft vinyl firsthand?
- Medicom Toy
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- Location
- Omotesando Hills West B2F, 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
- Business
- 11:00〜21:00（Closed at 20:00 on Sundays）
Sofvi (soft vinyl figure) Cruiser Cosmoknight Alpha (Ekoda Station)
Located in the shopping street of Ekoda, a subculture hub near the Tokiwadai Manga Museum and Nihon University College of Art, Sofvi Cruiser Cosmoknight Alpha specializes in nostalgic, retro-style soft vinyl figures such as Ultraman, Godzilla, Obake-kun, and Doraemon.
Due to high demand, this store frequently updates its stock and invites customers to sell their own figures.
The shelves are packed with over 1,000 figures, offering a nostalgic display of Showa-era goods. The owner’s passion for vintage and subculture is evident here, creating a unique atmosphere.
Be sure to check the store’s Twitter (@cosmoknightalpha) before visiting, as opening hours vary.
- Sofvi Cruiser Cosmoknight Alpha
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- Location
- 25-17-1F Sakae-cho, Nerima Ward, Tokyo
- Access
- 3-minute walk from Ekoda Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- Business
- 13:00〜20:00
- Closed
- Tuesdays and Thursdays
Ultraman World M78 Tokyo Station Store(and Others)
Located in Tokyo Character Street beneath Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Central Exit, Ultraman World M78 is an official shop dedicated to all things Ultraman.
Offering soft vinyl figures starting at just 770 yen (including tax), this store provides affordable options for fans of all generations.
With figures from Ultraman series including Ultra Seven, Ultra Q, Ultra Father, and many more, the store caters to both nostalgic collectors and new fans. From exclusive soft vinyl to other Ultraman-related merchandise, this shop offers something for everyone.
It is overflowing with merchandise loved by all generations who enjoy the Ultraman series. In addition to soft vinyl figures, there are plenty of other goods available, making it popular not just with men but also with women.
Be sure to head over and grab your favorite Ultraman figure! Hurry before your favorite character’s soft vinyl figure sells out!
Shuwatch! ＼(o|o)／
- Ultraman World M78
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- Location
- Tokyo Character Street, Tokyo Station Ichibangai B1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
- Access
- Directly outside Tokyo Station, Yaesu Central Exit
- Business
- 10:00～20:30 (Subject to change, depending on facility）※Schedule may change during New Years Holidays
T-BASE JAPAN GINZA Gallery (and Others)
Opened in 2022 in Ginza, T-BASE JAPAN GINZA Gallery is a modern, yet traditional soft vinyl specialty store that merges soft vinyl with Japanese traditional crafts.
The space resembles a contemporary art gallery, with soft vinyl figures displayed in a calming, Japanese-inspired setting.
This gallery is ideal for those looking to explore hybrids of traditional craftsmanship and cute, quirky characters. It features indie soft vinyl from unknown artists, action figures, and unique collaborations between soft vinyl and traditional Japanese techniques, such as lacquerwork and more.
It’s a surreal yet refined space that blends cute, chaotic, and timeless aesthetics into one captivating world.
It seems like more and more people are becoming captivated by this adorable yet chaotic, otherworldly fusion of traditional crafts and characters.
You might just experience a fateful encounter with a character that makes you want to welcome them as part of your family.
- T-BASE JAPAN GINZA Gallery
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- Location
- GINZA 2nd ave.1 B-1, 2-7-7 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
- Business
- 10:00〜19:00
Summary
These four soft vinyl specialty stores in Tokyo offer a diverse range of figures for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Once a niche hobby, soft vinyl figures have evolved into an accessible, family-friendly market with hybrid creations that transcend traditional boundaries.
Whether it’s through retro kaiju, indie creations, or collaborations with traditional crafts, soft vinyl continues to captivate audiences of all ages, making it a fun and evolving collectible world.