Japanese artist Shigeki Hayashi creates tiny figures so detailed that you'd swear they were molded plastic. They are actually made from ceramic, however, and their design is heavily influenced by manga, anime and science fiction.
Hayashi's new collection of Japanese figurines, 'New Type Ceramics,' is being shown in Chicago's upcoming Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Fair, or SOFA, which takes place November 7-9.
Implications - The Internet has created a major confluence between the anime, science-fiction and fantasy communities. This formidable niche features extremely passionate consumers desperate for accessories relating to their (relatively) underground interests. Companies or brands that can use characters from these series to create limited-edition or 'special' collectible items can benefit from these intensely devoted fan bases.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Sci-fi/fantasy Collectibles
- The creation of limited-edition or special collectibles relating to anime, science-fiction, and fantasy genres can be a profitable business venture due to the fervent fan-bases of these communities.
- Ceramic Art
- The incorporation of manga/anime and science-fiction influences into traditional mediums such as ceramics can generate unique and eye-catching artwork.
- Passionate Niche Communities
- Companies or brands that can tap into the intensely devoted fan-bases of anime, science-fiction, and fantasy communities can benefit from creating accessories or collectibles that cater to their interests.
Sectors Adopting This
- Art and Design
- By combining anime, sci-fi, and fantasy influences into traditional mediums, artists and designers can create unique and disruptive products that appeal to a niche audience.
- Entertainment
- Entertainment companies can capitalize on passionate niche communities by creating merchandise or limited-edition collectibles featuring popular characters from anime, sci-fi, and fantasy series.
- Retail
- Retailers can benefit from engaging with niche communities by offering accessories or merchandise that caters to avid fans of anime, sci-fi, and fantasy genres.
