Kitan Club, a well-known Japanese Gashapon toy brand, has teamed up again with Taiwan’s RBen Studio to release the fourth installment of their famous “Fat Animals” series. Launched in August 2024, this new collection brings more of the beloved chubby animal figures to fans, priced at 500 JPY (approximately $3.50) per capsule.
The “Fat Animals” series is renowned for its endearing reinterpretation of various animals, giving them a distinctive, rotund appearance. This style, created by animal figure artist Huang Bo-Xiang from RBen Studio, reimagines animals with a two-headed proportion and an irresistibly plump, spherical form. These figures maintain realistic details despite their exaggerated shapes, combining cuteness with authenticity. Kitan Club’s Gashapon versions of these figures have become known for their exceptional quality and unique charm, standing out among similarly sized capsule toys.
The latest release, “Fat Animals Vol. 4,” includes four new figures: a platypus, a koala, an emperor penguin, and the series’ largest figure to date, a giant orangutan. Each figure stands approximately 3.7 to 5 cm tall, designed to be as round and cuddly as possible—resembling animals that a doting grandmother has lovingly overfed. The figures also feature detailed texturing, particularly in the orangutan’s fur, adding a level of craftsmanship that makes them highly desirable collectibles.
Featured Figures:
- Orangutan (オランウータン): The largest figure in the series, showcasing detailed fur and a hefty, round shape.
- Emperor Penguin (コウテイペンギン): A chubby version of the regal bird, perfectly capturing its dignified yet cute appearance.
- Koala (コアラ): A rotund representation of the sleepy marsupial with detailed fur texture.
- Platypus (カモノハシ): A plump and adorable take on the unique, duck-billed mammal.
Product Details:
- Name: RBen Studio Animal Figure Mascot Vol. 4 (アニマルフィギュアマスコット４)
- Price: 500 JPY per capsule (Approximately $3.50)
- Size: Approximately 3.7–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)
- Release Date: August 2024
- Manufacturer: Kitan Club
- Designer: Huang Bo-Xiang (RBen Studio)
Design and Special Features:
The “Fat Animals Vol. 4” series continues to delight with its adorable, chubby designs. The figures are small but packed with personality, making them perfect for casual collectors and fans of high-quality, detailed miniatures. The intricate fur detailing, particularly on the orangutan, enhances the realism and appeal of these otherwise exaggeratedly cute figures. The variety of animals in this release also ensures something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of birds, mammals, or the more exotic platypus.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Kitan Club and RBen Studio has once again produced a delightful series of Gashapon figures with “Fat Animals Vol. 4.” These plump and charming animal figures are a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of their designers, offering both visual appeal and collectability. Released in August 2024, these figures will surely be a hit among quirky, high-quality collectibles fans.
