Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Asami, compiled and reported
Boxed model figures adored by gashapon fans are on display in Taiwan, with Mr. Choukai Toshio himself on-site to share the story behind each piece. The exhibition also includes items that, due to the Evergreen strike, were unable to reach Taiwan – a rather special feature of this show.
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Mr. Choukai Toshio poses with one of his favorite works. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Asami)
The first large-scale themed exhibition of 2019 kicked off on June 28 at Taipei’s Huashan 1914 Creative Park, where various animals come to life across more than 30 photo spots, offering a heartwarming and photogenic experience.
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Toshio Choukai, Japan’s legendary prototype artist, has handcrafted a series of vividly realistic anthropomorphic animal figures. The Animal Life series released in Taiwan — including “Dog Yoga Master,” “Sleepy,” “Roll Over, White Eyes!” “Baby Hug,” “Dog Dance Master,” “Prayer,” “Dog Yoga Baby,” “Cat Yoga Master,” and “Cat Yoga Baby” — has been loved by fans with every release.
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Mr. Choukai Toshio attends the press conference Dressed as a “Kung Fu Master,” he unveils a brand-new piece with a single dramatic move
At the press conference, the artist shared that he was especially nervous about his first overseas special exhibition. He expressed gratitude to all the behind-the-scenes staff for helping to present the works in such an engaging way. When asked if there were any particularly challenging animals to create, the master of animal prototypes mentioned reptiles — pointing to a large alligator figure nearby, noting that its scales and facial expressions were the most difficult to capture. He also humorously shared that he once kept a two-meter-long chameleon for 24 years.
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Over 30 life-sized themed figures and brand-new prototype pieces
Transforming from gashapon and capsule toy sizes, desk-sized therapeutic items, into full-sized animal figures — only available at this special exhibition. With over 30 oversized figures, not only are the sizes magnified, but so too are their charm and cuteness.
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