Top 5 Toys - GoldenArmKid

GoldenArmKid is a graphic designer from Auckland, New Zealand. He took some time out to take some great photos and share some stories about his favourite sofubi pieces below:

5) Devilman by Secret Base

"As a 10 year old kid I would visit our local video store and head straight for the martial arts section which was right next to the manga section. This was where I discovered anime through the Devilman dubbed OVA's which is what first spurred my interest in Japanese culture. For me this is the toy I would have gone crazy for as a kid. I love that it also pays homage to the vintage bootleg colours."

4) Zudon by Zollmen

"Zollmen are in my opinion the most creative toy company out there. I really love all their toys but Zudon is extra special because it's the only toy in my collection that my girlfriend actually likes and appreciates it so much that she's practically claimed all the Zudons as her own. Being able to share appreciation for this toy with her makes it that much more special."

3) Keronia by Butanohana

"It's quite tricky to describe how much I love Butanohana and picking a favourite was not easy either so I've gone with the first I scored. I've always loved Godzilla but being from a younger generation this was not something I grew up with as a kid. Discovering Toho and Tsuburaya as an adult definitely added an extra layer of appreciation for these toys. For me Butanohana have a rough yet refined aesthetic that is difficult to describe. These little guys just have so much personality you can't help but smile when you look at them."

2) Gorilla Ju by Hirota Saigansho

"This toy was my first grail. Something which I never thought I would be able to obtain. At the time Gorilla Ju were only released through a small shop in Tokyo and aftermarket prices were way out of my range. I was very lucky to be offered this guy for a fair price and being my favourite version I couldn't say no. Since then my Hirota Saigansho collection has grown but even with all the new HS toys this Gorilla Ju is still my favourite. The little blue native takes this toy to another level with his comical expression. It really is the perfect addition to an already amazing toy."

1) Zagoran by Gargamel

"The first vinyl toy that got my collection started was a Crouching Zagoran in plane. From then I was hooked and started to collect any Zags I could get my hands on. I was lucky enough to purchase this custom standard Zag by Kiyoka Ikeda from Gargamel at the Thrash Out Show in 2010. This toy will most likely always be number 1. It has so many great memories attached to it from my trip to Japan and my journey collecting to get there."