DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.07.02
A shop where unique miniature toys, sofubi (soft vinyl figures), and figurines come together
Nearest Station
A shop curated by "Ken Elephant," a manufacturer renowned for its hyper-realistic miniature capsule toys made in collaboration with various companies. This space brings together a wide range of products across genres and also includes an in-store pop-up area. Miniature toys, soft vinyl figures, figurines, miscellaneous goods, books, and even art pieces are all gathered in one place. The result is a pop and delightfully chaotic space where a unique sense of cuteness blends seamlessly with an imaginative worldview.
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This shop showcases a wide array of past masterpieces from “Ken Elephant,” a pioneer of capsule toys that collaborate with companies to create faithful miniature replicas of items found in everyday Japanese life.In addition to miniature toys, visitors can enjoy a variety of charming and unique capsule toys created by different artists, as well as capsule toys featuring popular characters.
Original capsule toys crafted by artists—rich in expression and so captivating they’re sure to draw you in—are also on display.
Among the highlights are the chair series from “Karimoku 60” that ignited the miniature capsule toy boom, the iconic cameras from “Konica Minolta,” and the grand pianos from “KAWAI”—all small in size yet crafted with remarkable precision to look just like the real thing.
The “Pokkoshi” capsule toy series by plush toy artist Munyu is also a very popular line, where you can discover adorable designs from past releases, with new items also available for purchase on the spot.
Currently available capsule toys can be purchased in box sets, with the contents a surprise until you open them. There are always around 30 varieties in stock, offering such a rich selection that it’s hard to choose.
The sofubi (soft vinyl figures), one of the signature items of “Ken Elephant,” come in a wide variety—from popular characters to slightly quirky and cute original characters created by artists.Just like the capsule toys, both past archive pieces and current products for sale are lined up in the shop, filling the space.Some series are available both as capsule toys and sofubi, letting you enjoy the charm of both formats—a distinctive feature unique to “Ken Elephant.”
Among the archive showcases, the sofubi art piece “A SOAKING GIRL” by artist Kanaya Namiha stands out with a strong presence.Quietly emerging from the ground and softly gazing this way, her eyes are hand-painted by Namiha and come in various versions.
On the shelves of products for sale, rows of sofubi in vibrant pop colors brimming with originality are displayed.
Original goods and artworks by other artists are also available for purchase.These items are part of the product lineup offered at the company’s shop “VINYL,” located inside JR Tokyo Station’s ticket gates at Gransta Tokyo.
Tote bags featuring the main visual and logo of the “VINYL” shop, created by illustrator Shuntaro Takeuchi, are also on sale.
In the central space of the shop, solo exhibitions by various artists are held from time to time. This is one of the unique attractions of “Ken Elephant,” which maintains close relationships with many artists.Whether you visit with the aim of exploring capsule toys or just happen to stop by, it is a special space where you can casually experience art and design and have your senses inspired.
The memorable first solo exhibition featured Kosuke Sugimoto.At the center is his art piece “SHOETREE,” in which deteriorated sneakers are used as planters to display plants.
These works are both exhibited and available for purchase.At the shop’s entrance, mannequins dressed in the shop’s uniform greet visitors, enhancing the unique atmosphere and adding to the artistic vibe.
The community space “Ochanoba,” located near the entrance on the same floor as “Ken Elebenshitsu,” is also operated by “Ken Elephant.”This space features free papers published around the Ochanomizu area, as well as the “Walking Map,” which highlights local attractions and showcases the charm of the neighborhood.The “Walking Map” comes with an acrylic keychain featuring notable spots, available for purchase from the capsule toy machines installed there.These capsule toys are exclusive to “Ochanoba,” making them perfect as souvenirs from Ochanomizu.
The design of the “Walking Map,” like the main visual and logo of “Ken Elebenshitsu,” was created by illustrator Shuntaro Takeuchi.
The featured spots illustrated on the acrylic keychains change depending on the theme at the time.
For example, in the photo, the theme is “classic cafés,” and the keychains feature delicious-looking menu items from classic cafés in Ochanomizu.
The information contained this article was correct as of 07/02/2025 (the time of publication)
