Kick off your shoes and grab some popcorn because Hong Kong’s Gaki Tomy Studio is back with something worth getting excited about. These aren’t your everyday collectible figurines – they’re something you might find in an ancient temple… if that temple existed in a galaxy far, far away. Last year, Gaki Tomy released vinyl figures called Akigaki and Shugaki Rival editions. Now, those cool designs have a makeover with an ultra-stylish stony finish. Look out because these tough guys in chibi form have an otherworldly vibe and supernatural powers.
The inspiration behind these little dynamites is as fascinating as the figures themselves. According to lore, the Akigaki and Shugaki rivalry spanned thousands of years without a definitive victor. This tug-of-war between the two entities is reflected in numerous myths. Some revere them as Oni and Kami, figures typically present in Japanese folklore, while others perceive them as protective spirits. Folk stories even tell that stone statues were erected in their honor, seeking their blessings.
Here comes the exciting part. These newly minted ‘Stone Rival’ editions of Akigaki and Shugaki are up for grabs. All you have to do is slide into Gakisoul and DMs(Direct Messages) on Instagram. The pair is available at a pre-order price of USD $168. Can’t decide and want to rally behind only one of them? No problem – you can order each separately for USD $87. These are soft vinyl figures featuring 6.5-inch Akigaki and 6-inch Shugaki. International shipping is sweetly affordable at just USD $7 extra. Payments are accepted via PayPal for overseas orders (a small 5% charge applies) or bank transfers.
Patience is a virtue, and these guys are worth the wait. The shipping for your order is expected around the second quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, watch more exciting stuff from Gaki Tomy through Instagram or Moai Production on Instagram and Facebook. Grab yours now and let the ancient rivalry take center stage on your display shelf!