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Explaining the History of Dollfie | The New Doll Hobby Culture Pioneered by Volks

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Explaining the History of Dollfie | The New Doll Hobby Culture Pioneered by Volks

The History of Dollfie Explained | The New Doll Hobby Culture Pioneered by Volks

Dollfie is a customizable ball-jointed doll released by Volks Inc. in November 1998. It is a coined term that combines "Doll" and "Figure," born with an innovative concept that had not existed in the doll industry until then. This article will chronologically explain the background of Dollfie's birth starting from Volks' founding philosophy, the release of Super Dollfie in 1998, the introduction of Dollfie Dream in 2001, and the evolution up to the present. Let’s trace how Dollfie democratized doll hobby culture and formed a community that spreads worldwide. 【Related Articles】: Dollfie Beginner's Guide | Thorough Explanation from the Differences between SD and DD to Purchasing Methods

What is Volks? The Prehistory of Dollfie’s Birth

To understand the history of Dollfie, it is essential to know the origins of its manufacturer, Volks Inc., and the company's "Sculpture Village" concept. Volks has played a role not just as a hobby manufacturer but as a platform connecting creators and enthusiasts.

Establishment and Philosophy of Volks Inc.

Volks Inc. has established a unique position in the model and hobby industry. Since its founding, the company has aimed not just to sell products but to spread the joy of "making things" and provide a space for creators and enthusiasts to interact. Through the manufacturing and sales of garage kits, it has created an environment where individual sculptors can present their works and fans can acquire them. This philosophy of "connecting creators and enthusiasts" laid the foundation for the later birth of Dollfie.

Sculpture Village Project: Leading the Garage Kit Culture

The Sculpture Village Project promoted by Volks was an initiative to support individual sculptors (prototype makers) and develop the garage kit culture. In Sculpture Village, opportunities were provided to commercialize the works of talented creators and sell them at events such as Wonder Festival. As a result, many sculptors, both professional and amateur, found a platform to thrive, and Japan's unique garage kit culture blossomed. The experience of creating a system that "supports creators and delivers to enthusiasts" led to the customization culture and community formation of Dollfie.

1997: Experimental Release of 1/6 Dollfie

Prior to the release of Super Dollfie in 1998, Volks experimentally released a 1/6 scale Dollfie in 1997. This early model was smaller compared to later SD and DD, but the concept of a customizable ball-jointed doll was already established. Improvements were made while observing market reactions, leading to the full-fledged debut of Super Dollfie the following year.

November 1998: The Revolution of Super Dollfie’s Birth

In November 1998, Volks released Super Dollfie (SD), revolutionizing the doll hobby industry. Until then, ball-jointed dolls were expensive artworks for a select few enthusiasts and artists, but SD was designed as a customizable doll that anyone can enjoy. This release marked the beginning of a new era of democratization of the doll hobby.

The Birth of the Coined Term "Doll + Figure = Dollfie"

"The name 'Dollfie' is an original term coined by Volks, combining 'Doll' and 'Figure'. This name embodies a clear intention to merge elements of traditional collectible dolls with the figure hobby that enjoys assembly and customization. It symbolizes a new concept in the doll hobby of 'not just enjoying the view, but creating individuality with one's own hands.' With the birth of this term, Dollfie came to be recognized not just as a doll, but as a new genre.

The World's First Customizable Ball-Jointed Doll

Super Dollfie debuted as 'the world's first customizable ball-jointed doll'. Until then, ball-jointed dolls (BJD) were sold as completed works of art, with no expectation for owners to modify them. However, SD was designed with the premise that owners would customize them, including part exchanges, face makeup, and changes to wigs and eyes. The resin body can be disassembled and reassembled without tools, and face makeup can be erased with an eraser and redrawn as many times as desired. This design philosophy of 'allowing owners to participate in creation' was the biggest difference from traditional dolls.

A Groundbreaking Strategy Targeting Women

Volks overturned the conventional male-centered hobby industry by developing Super Dollfie with women as the main target. This was an extremely groundbreaking strategy at the time. The appearance of the dolls was centered on androgynous and beautiful designs inspired by girls and boys, appealing to the sensibilities of female users. Furthermore, by expressing face painting as 'makeup' and body maintenance as 'esthetic' and using accessible language instead of technical jargon, they created an environment where beginners and women could participate in the doll hobby without feeling psychological barriers. This strategy was a great success and contributed to the expansion of the doll hobby population.

Features and Impact of the First Generation SD Model

The first generation Super Dollfie had a height of about 60cm and a 1/3 scale, with a body made of resin (polyurethane resin). Thanks to the ball joints, it allowed for natural and diverse posing, enabling various expressions, whether sitting or standing. From its release, it garnered significant attention, with pre-orders selling out almost immediately due to its popularity. Those who had previously had no interest in dolls, especially young women, became enthusiastic about this new hobby, rapidly broadening the base of the doll hobby. The success of the first generation SD laid the foundation for the subsequent development of the Dollfie series.

Three Innovations Brought by Dollfie

The birth of Super Dollfie was not just about the introduction of a new product. It brought three major innovations to the entire doll hobby industry, transforming dolls from something enjoyed by a select few enthusiasts into a culture that everyone could enjoy. Here, we will systematically look at the three innovations brought by Dollfie.

【Innovation 1】Democratization of Customization: Designs Everyone Can Enjoy

The greatest innovation of Dollfie is the 'democratization of customization.' Traditional ball-jointed dolls were only manageable by a select few enthusiasts with specialized knowledge and advanced skills. However, Super Dollfie was designed to allow even beginners to easily enjoy customization. Parts can be removed by hand without tools, and wigs and eyes can be changed simply by swapping them out. Face makeup can also be attempted by anyone using dedicated pastels and brushes, and if mistakes are made, they can be erased with an eraser and redone. Official guidebooks and workshops are also well-equipped, allowing everyone to casually experience the joy of 'creating their own doll.' This design philosophy significantly broadened the base of the doll hobby. 【Related Article】: You can learn specific methods of customization in the Dollfie Beginner's Guide | A Comprehensive Explanation from Differences Between SD and DD to Purchase Methods.

【Innovation 2】Wordplay: The Familiarity of 'Makeup' and 'Esthetic'"

Volks made an effort to use friendly language while explaining how to handle dolls, avoiding technical terms. Face painting was referred to as "makeup," body cleaning and maintenance as "esthetics," and part exchanges as "dress-up." These terms were familiar and approachable for female users, significantly lowering the psychological barriers of feeling "difficult" or "too specialized for me." Additionally, by referring to doll purchasers as "owners" and positioning the relationship with the doll as a "partnership" rather than "ownership," it fostered a sense of attachment and responsibility towards the dolls. With just a choice of words, the image of the doll hobby was refreshed.

【Innovation 3】 Community Formation: The Start of Doll Party

The third innovation brought by Dolphy was the formation of a "community" where owners could interact with each other. Since 1999, Volks has been holding an event called "Doll Party," providing a space for doll owners to bring their dolls and interact. At this event, there are exhibitions and photography of dolls, exchanges of costumes and accessories, and sales of works by custom dealers, creating a place for owners to exchange information and foster friendships. This formation of a real community has greatly expanded the enjoyment of the doll hobby, transforming it from a solitary hobby into a sociable culture. The Doll Party continues to this day and has developed into one of Japan's largest doll events.

The Emergence of Dollfie Dream (DD): 2001

Following the success of Super Dollfie, Volks announced a new series "Dollfie Dream (DD)" in 2001. Unlike the resin-based SD, DD adopted soft vinyl material and was introduced with the new concept of turning anime and game characters into dolls. This allowed Dolphy to expand to an even broader user base.

Adoption of Soft Vinyl Material

The biggest feature of Dollfie Dream is that it uses soft vinyl (sofubi) material instead of resin. Sofubi is lighter than resin, less likely to break when dropped, and easier to handle. Additionally, its soft texture makes it easy to change outfits and allows for natural dressing with fabric clothes. Furthermore, sofubi is suitable for mass production, which helped keep prices lower compared to resin-based SD, making it more accessible to a larger number of users. This choice of material allowed DD to meet different market needs than SD.

Turning Anime/Game Characters into Dolls

Dollfie Dream actively developed collaboration models that turned popular anime and game characters into dolls. Initially, characters from works like "Sister Princess" were commercialized, creating a significant buzz. By three-dimensionalizing two-dimensional characters and allowing owners to freely pose and change outfits, a new way of enjoyment emerged for anime and game fans. Subsequently, collaborations with numerous popular works such as "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya," "K-On!", "Hatsune Miku," "Love Live!", and "THE IDOLM@STER" were realized, and DD became widely accepted among anime fans.

Development of a New User Base Different from SD

Dollfie Dream developed a new user base different from Super Dollfie. While SD was supported by creative-oriented users who wanted to "create their own original dolls," DD was favored by character fans who wanted to "have dolls of their favorite characters and enjoy them." Additionally, the price range was more affordable compared to SD, serving as an entry point for those trying the doll hobby for the first time. By developing both the SD and DD series, Volks successfully expanded the doll hobby market further. 【Related Article】: You can learn about the detailed differences between SD and DD in What is Different About Dollfie? A Comparison with Ball-Jointed Dolls and Figures.

Evolution of Dolphy: 2000s to Present

Since the 2000s, Dollfie has undergone various evolutions, including diversification of size options, advancements in frame technology, expansion of collaborations, and overseas development. Dollfie's strength lies in its ability to continuously provide new value while responding to user needs.

Diversification of size options: SDM, MDD, DDP, DDdy, etc.

Dollfie has significantly expanded its size options to meet the diverse needs of users. In Super Dollfie, in addition to the standard 1/3 scale (approximately 60cm), larger SDGr (SD Graffiti, approximately 65cm), toddler-shaped SD13 (approximately 60cm), and smaller SDM (SD Mini, approximately 43cm) have been introduced. In Dollfie Dream, in addition to the standard size (approximately 60cm), there are also mini-sized MDD (Mini Dollfie Dream, approximately 40cm), toddler-shaped DDP (Dollfie Dream Petite, approximately 27cm), and even smaller DDdy (approximately 23cm), offering a variety of options. This allows users to choose dolls that fit their preferences, budgets, and display spaces, further expanding the enjoyment of the doll hobby.

Advancements in frame technology: Development of DD-f³

The mobility of Dollfie Dream has greatly improved due to advancements in frame technology. Notably, the latest "DD-f³ (Dollfie Dream Frame Cubic)" frame has a wider range of joint movement compared to previous models, allowing for more natural and human-like posing. Fine movements such as bending and stretching of arms and legs, as well as twisting of shoulders and hips, can be expressed, significantly enhancing the expressiveness during photography. Additionally, the holding power of the joints has been improved, allowing for stable poses while standing. Thanks to technological innovations, Dollfie Dream has evolved from "dolls for display only" to "dolls to enjoy movement." For those who want to learn more about advanced posing and photography techniques, please refer to the Dollfie Beginner's Guide | Comprehensive explanation from the differences between SD and DD to purchasing methods.

Expansion of collaboration models: Junichi Nakahara, PINK HOUSE, The Idolmaster, etc.

Dollfie has actively expanded collaborations not only with anime and games but also with fashion brands and artists. Representative examples include Super Dollfie modeled after girls illustrated by Showa-era illustrator Junichi Nakahara and collaboration dolls with the fashion brand "PINK HOUSE." In the anime and game fields, numerous characters from the "THE IDOLM@STER" series have been turned into dolls, receiving high support from fans. These collaborations not only demonstrate the cultural expansion of Dollfie but also play a role in attracting various fan bases to the doll hobby.

Overseas development: To Korea, North America, and Europe

Dollfie's popularity is not limited to Japan but has also spread overseas. Volks has established bases in Korea, North America (Volks USA), and Europe, providing Dollfie to overseas doll fans through official channels. Particularly in North America and Europe, there are many fans with a strong interest in Japanese doll culture, and events equivalent to doll parties are also held. Additionally, with the spread of social media, a culture has emerged where Dollfie owners around the world can interact and share their works across borders. Dollfie plays a role in globally expanding the doll hobby culture that originated in Japan.

The Doll Hobby Culture Nurtured by Dollfie

Dollfie has cultivated a unique doll hobby culture that goes beyond being just a product. Events for owners to interact, a dealer culture that supports creative activities, and a photography culture as an art form have all formed a multi-layered community.

Dolls Party: One of the Largest Doll Events in the World

"Dolls Party" is a doll event organized by Volks that has been held since 1999, and it is now one of the largest in Japan and among the most prominent in the world. It is held several times a year in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, attracting thousands of doll owners each time. At the event, owners bring their prized dolls to display and photograph, enjoying information exchange and socializing. Additionally, there are sales of costumes and accessories by custom dealers, as well as announcements of new products and workshops by Volks, making it a comprehensive festival of the doll hobby. Dolls Party is a central part of the Dolphy culture and is a source of enjoyment for owners several times a year.

Formation of the Owners' Community

Dolphy owners interact not only at events but also regularly through social media, blogs, and offline meetups. On platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, communities have formed where members share doll photos and videos, teaching each other makeup techniques and costume-making know-how. Small-scale "tea parties" are also held regionally, providing many opportunities for owners to deepen their friendships. These communities serve as a source of information for beginners and a platform for veterans to present and receive feedback on their works. Dolphy creates connections between people through the hobby.

Birth of the Custom Dealer Culture

With the spread of Dolphy, many "custom dealers" have emerged, creating and selling costumes, wigs, and accessories for owners. These dealers, whether individuals or circles, sell their original creations at Dolls Party and other events, developing in line with Volks' "Sculpture Village" concept. High-quality costumes, original design wigs, and intricate accessories are among the diverse works produced, allowing owners to combine them to create their unique dolls. The custom dealer culture has become an essential element supporting the ecosystem of the doll hobby.

Photography Culture: The Art of Doll Photography

Many Dolphy owners look forward to beautifully photographing their dolls and presenting them as works of art. Photography techniques have diversified, including outdoor shoots, studio lighting, and storytelling scene captures. On Instagram and Twitter, stunning doll photos that rival professional work are posted daily, receiving likes and comments as feedback. Doll photography is increasingly recognized not just as a record but as a form of artistic expression, with photo exhibitions being held. The photography culture further expands the enjoyment of the doll hobby.

Craftsmanship of the Kyoto Workshop: The Value of Handmade Dolls

The quality of Dolphy is supported by the "Angel's Village" workshop in Kyoto, where handmade production takes place. Rather than mass production, artisans carefully finish each doll, maintaining high quality and unique value.

Manufacturing at Kyoto's Angel's Village

Volks' Dolphy manufacturing base, "Angel's Village," is located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. This workshop handles the production, assembly, inspection, and face makeup of Super Dolphy and Dolphy Dream. Angel's Village also hosts workshop tours and experience events, allowing owners to see firsthand how their dolls are made. Visiting the workshop deepens the affection for Dolphy and enhances understanding of the craftsmanship. Angel's Village is considered a sacred place of Dolphy culture.

Quality Control through Handwork

In the manufacturing process of Dollfie, many steps such as polishing parts taken from molds, assembly, face makeup, and final inspection are performed manually. In particular, face makeup is carefully painted by artisans with brushes, resulting in subtly different expressions even among the same model. This uniqueness of each individual being "one of a kind" is a major charm of Dollfie. Although manual manufacturing takes time and costs, the quality and individuality that arise from it become invaluable to the owners.

Homecoming Service: Enhanced Maintenance System

Volks offers a "Homecoming Service" as an after-sales service after purchase. This service allows owners to send their dolls, which have been worn out after years of use, to the workshop, where artisans perform cleaning, repairs, and parts replacement. Particularly, with "Face Beauty Up", old makeup can be removed and new makeup applied, reviving the doll. This homecoming service allows owners to cherish and use their dolls for a long time. The enhancement of the maintenance system shows that Dollfie is not just a product but a long-term partner.

Summary: The Future of Dollfie and the Significance of Japanese Doll Culture

Since its birth in 1998, Dollfie has spread Japanese doll culture to the world through the democratization of doll hobbies, technological innovation, and community formation. Dollfie will continue to evolve and deliver the joy of doll hobbies to even more people in the future.

Expansion of Global Fanbase

Dollfie has fans not only in Japan but also in South Korea, North America, Europe, and various countries in Asia. With the spread of social media, interactions between owners across borders have become commonplace, forming a global community. The overseas expansion will continue to grow, and Dollfie will play the role of an ambassador conveying Japanese doll culture to the world. An era is coming where owners from diverse cultural backgrounds enjoy Dollfie in their own unique ways.

Continuation of Technological Innovation: Development of New Materials and New Frames

Volks is constantly working on the development of new materials and frame technologies. Innovations continue, such as improvements in mobility represented by the DD-f³ frame and the development of pure skin materials that have a texture closer to real skin. In the future, even more natural movements, more beautiful appearances, and easier-to-handle materials will be developed, making Dollfie an even more attractive presence. Technological innovation continues to expand the possibilities of the doll hobby.

Contribution to the Cultural Status of Doll Hobby

With the advent of Dollfie, the doll hobby has become recognized as a culture enjoyed by a wide range of people, not just a niche for enthusiasts. Various values are recognized, such as its aspect as a creative activity, a place for community formation, and a means of artistic expression. Dollfie has played an important role in promoting Japanese doll culture to the world and enhancing its cultural status. Dollfie will continue to contribute to the development of the doll hobby in the future.

For those who want to know more about Dollfie, please see Complete Guide to Volks and Dollfie | Thorough Explanation for Beginners from Differences Between SD and DD to Purchase Methods. It provides comprehensive information on basic information about Dollfie, types, purchasing methods, customization methods, and more. Additionally, in What is Different from Dollfie? Comparison Explanation with Ball-Jointed Dolls and Figures, the differences between Dollfie and other products are explained in detail.

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Complete Guide to Volks and Dollfie | Introduction to Doll Culture for Beginners