The toy that launched a thousand hypebeasts: meet the godfather of designer vinyl.
Toypunks is a documentary film series covering the converging world of Japanese toys, fashion and punk rock. Exploring the birth of the designer vinyl explosion from its roots in character culture and punk music, Toypunks takes you in-depth with Japanese fashion icon, Hikaru Iwanaga, creator of the worlds first designer toy. Frank Kozik, Hiddy Kinoshita of Secret Base, Balzac, Three Tides Tattoo and more are interviewed highlighting profound cross-cultural connections between todays top creative talents in toys and fashion.
Production
DIY punk aesthetic perfectly matches its subject matter.
Director
Christopher Nelson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Hikaru Iwanaga's 'Bounty Hunter' brand started as a punk clothing label before the iconic skull toys existed; the vinyl figures were originally just promo items for the clothes.
This 2008 doc predates the 2010s Funko Pop explosion by years, essentially documenting the last moment designer toys felt underground rather than mass-market.
US
