
The return of Kenelephant’s OSUSHIMEN figures, specifically the second wave from their Passion Product line, offers a curious blend of the mundane and the heroic. Masami Iida’s distinct design language ensures these sushi-inspired characters aren’t merely food with limbs, but rather fully realized personalities ready for display.
Kenelephant, in collaboration with artist Masami Iida, presents the OSUSHIMEN Sushi Supermen Vol 2 gashapon figures. This series includes four unique designs, available as gashapon capsules for 500 JPY (appx. $3.25 USD) or blind boxes for 550 JPY (appx. $3.58 USD). Collectors can expect these pieces to arrive in July 2026.
The Kenelephant x Iida Partnership
Kenelephant continues its “Passion Product” brand with this sixteenth entry, demonstrating a clear commitment to fostering distinctive artist collaborations. This isn’t Kenelephant’s first foray into whimsical food-themed figures, but Iida’s particular aesthetic—chunky, slightly absurd, and full of character—makes this release feel substantial. Their previous work together established a baseline of quality, and it’s always good to see a manufacturer build on success with fresh, inventive designs rather than resting on reissues.
New Heroes, Familiar Flavors
This second series introduces four new heroes, moving beyond the original roster to include KOHADAMEN, the gizzard shad man; MAGUROWOMAN, the tuna woman; AKAGAIWOMAN, the ark shell woman; and FUTOMAKICAR, the sushi roll car. Each figure interprets its culinary origin with surprising imagination, from KOHADAMEN’s distinct silvery sheen mimicking fish scales to FUTOMAKICAR’s robust, cylindrical form suggesting a vehicle. The descriptions mention individual preferences and personalities, which helps ground these fantastic characters in something relatable, even if it’s just their favorite drink.

Sculptural Whimsy and Narrative Detail
Consider MAGUROWOMAN, for example, with her formidable stance and the distinct texture on her fish skin-inspired suit. The designers aren’t just slapping faces on sushi; they are building character designs that truly reflect the essence of the ingredient itself, giving them human-like qualities without losing the food identity. It’s a delicate balance Masami Iida navigates with a playful touch, reminiscent of classic Japanese character design where form follows an underlying narrative. This kind of conceptual clarity and execution often positions Kenelephant’s gashapon production quality on par with companies like Kaiyodo’s earlier artist-focused capsule lines, offering high value for its size.
Capturing Culinary Personality
What makes these pieces more than simple novelties is the way they embody the spirit of their ingredients. AKAGAIWOMAN, for instance, promises vibrant reds and a dynamic pose, perhaps reflecting the freshness and slight chew of ark shell. The challenge with gashapon is often in the minute details, and the early images suggest that Kenelephant is managing to translate Iida’s distinct 2D art into compelling 3D forms without losing any of that initial charm. Collectors appreciate when a small sculpt can convey a big personality, and these characters deliver that.
The Collector’s Survival Guide: How to Justify This
The Collector Math:
A single piece at 500 JPY is roughly equivalent to a premium coffee, but this figure offers years of visual engagement. Investing in this set means acquiring four distinct art pieces from a respected designer, something far more lasting than a fleeting daily expense. You’re securing a piece of an evolving artistic partnership that will only grow in significance.
How to tell your wife:
Hey, Kenelephant just announced the new OSUSHIMEN figures, including AKAGAIWOMAN with her cool shell details. It’s really more of an art collection; Masami Iida is a genius with these whimsical designs. It doesn’t even take up much space.
How to tell your parents:
This isn’t just a toy, it’s a piece from a designer named Masami Iida who’s really pushing the boundaries of what collectible art can be. Look at KOHADAMEN; the subtle texture and color work on that tiny figure prove incredible craftsmanship. Discovering these artists early is part of the hobby, like finding a promising painter before they hit it big.
How to tell your kids:
Listen up, these are the OSUSHIMEN, and each one is a real sushi hero. MAGUROWOMAN is super strong because she’s tuna, and FUTOMAKICAR is actually a super-fast sushi car. You can look at them whenever you want, but they stay right here.
The OSUSHIMEN Sushi Supermen Vol 2 promises to be another charming, high-quality entry in the Kenelephant x Masami Iida catalog. With distinct characters and a thoughtful design approach, these figures definitely earn their spot among art toy enthusiasts.
🟢 Product Specifications 🟢
- ✅ Original Title: KENELEPHANT 情熱PRODUCT 第16彈『OSUSHIMEN 壽司超人 第2彈』謎樣英雄回歸!
- ✅ Product Name: OSUSHIMEN Sushi Supermen Vol 2
- ✅ Manufacturer: Kenelephant (ケンエレファント)
- ✅ Artist Collaboration: Masami Iida (飯田マサミ)
- ✅ Series: 情熱PRODUCT (Passion Product) 16th Edition
- ✅ Designs: 4 types (KOHADAMEN, MAGUROWOMAN, AKAGAIWOMAN, FUTOMAKICAR)
- ✅ Release Date: July 2026
- ✅ Reference Price (Gashapon): 500 JPY (appx. $3.25 USD)
- ✅ Reference Price (Blind Box): 550 JPY (appx. $3.58 USD)
- ✅ Material: PVC/ABS (typical for gashapon)







