SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TERRIBLE WHORE
TERRIBLE WHORE is a brand of toymaker named Takashi who has created dozens of sofubi. Be sure, you will forever remember his cute and creepy monsters with incredibly cool swastikas on their shoulders.
Takashi has been fascinated with sofubi toys since early childhood. And he has been making his own toys since 2015. Why his brand has such a vulgar name and how his toymaking is connected to the 2011 earthquake in Japan — read in this interview.
Takashi has been fascinated with sofubi toys since early childhood. And he has been making his own toys since 2015. Why his brand has such a vulgar name and how his toymaking is connected to the 2011 earthquake in Japan — read in this interview.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TERRIBLE WHORE
TERRIBLE WHORE is a brand of toymaker named Takashi who has created dozens of sofubi. Be sure, you will forever remember his cute and creepy monsters with incredibly cool swastikas on their shoulders.
Takashi has been fascinated with sofubi toys since early childhood. And he has been making his own toys since 2015. Why his brand has such a vulgar name and how his toymaking is connected to the 2011 earthquake in Japan — read in this interview.
Takashi has been fascinated with sofubi toys since early childhood. And he has been making his own toys since 2015. Why his brand has such a vulgar name and how his toymaking is connected to the 2011 earthquake in Japan — read in this interview.
Your style is literally full of monsters. Where does your passion for monsters come from? Can you highlight that some movies/cartoons/comics/etc impressed you the most?
I am heavily influenced Japanese comix and movies, like "AKIRA", "Fist of Northern stars", Cult comic master "Maruo Suehiro", and most of the 80's Japanese cartoons and Tokusatu. Movies are like "A clock work Orange", "KIDS", "The Return of the Living Dead".
Can you remember the first sofubi toy you had? Or some toy that really shocked and impressed you a long time ago. What was it?
My very first Sofvi is Tatsunoko Pro Animation's "Gyakuten Ippatsu Man・Gyakuten Ou robot", when I was 4 years old. I lost it long time ago and I bought it again when I get old.
Why did you start to produce your own sofubi toys? What were your triggers to do it?
I love toys and sofvi for long long time, but main reason to start making toy is this; 2011, Japan had a huge earthquake. The total disaster changed everything. Tsunami destroy many cities and towns, also kill people. TV showed huge black tsunami over and over. Also, Nuke Plants were exploded. When I saw these situation, I realized I could be die tomorrow or even a second later with no reason. These things made myself like I do whatever I want lest ofmy life just for myself.
What was the most difficult stage when you started to produce your own toys?
Transformed original sculpture to wax is most difficult part. Very easy to fuck it up. Temperature, humidity, and combination of wax affects the result. There is no right answer, always has to try and error.
Why did you call it "TERRIBLE WHORE"? What does it mean for you? Do you have some strange situations when people see your name?
It was an inside joke with my friends. The meaning of TW is the essential connotation of a lowly, vile, cowardly and inconsistent human being. Some English-speaking people were laughted.
You did a lot of really different toys. We would like to know the background of a few of them. For example, your latest FUCKQ toy: horned skull with insane swastikas and big brains. Tell us how you created it? What inspired you? What's its background?
Also we would like to know the history and background of your other signature toy. 3-eyed and really cute one How do you produce it?
Also we would like to know the history and background of your other signature toy. 3-eyed and really cute one How do you produce it?
Dokuro Machine Helter Skater is a character that contains all the elements of a villain that I imagine. The symbol on his chest is the "Manji", a sacred symbol widely used in Japanese shrines and temples. It is completely different from the Nazi swastika, which is the opposite circumference. In old Japanese special effects, the Manji symbol is often used for villainous characters, and this is an homage to that. His skeletal face and bared brain, the design is creepy and grotesque, yet somehow pop-like.
The three eyed monster, Aiko, is a tribute to the very first Japanese Kaiju, Garamon. At first glance, he looks cute, but it is also somewhat creepy.
The three eyed monster, Aiko, is a tribute to the very first Japanese Kaiju, Garamon. At first glance, he looks cute, but it is also somewhat creepy.
Where do you get inspiration besides the world of monsters and toys? What's your current favorite music? What do you like to do being free of toy making?
I don't know if it's special or not, but I do all the processes by myself, including character design, sculpting, wax molding, soft vinyl production, and painting. I don't think there is anyone else who has done so much on his own.
Where do you get inspiration besides the world of monsters and toys? What's your current favorite music? What do you like to do being free of toy making?
To get inspiration, I try to go out into the city and visit various stores, take walks, go to galleries and museums, and see and experience both what I am interested in and what I am not. Recently, I've been listening to Japanese underground hip-hop and American country. In between making toys, I check auctions for toys.
What's your plans for 2022?
I am planning to release a new work this year. Also, I'm not sure if I'll be making by sofvi or not, but I'd like to make some large size works.
