# Manga-Inspired Ceramic Art Sci-Fi Japanese Figurines By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-10-30 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifelike-ceramic-art-shigeki-hayashi-new-type-ceramics-in-chicago-show References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/4356/new-type-ceramics-by-shigeki-hayashi.html) & [www1.ocn.ne.jp](http://www1.ocn.ne.jp/~sheceram/indextop.html) Japanese artist Shigeki Hayashi creates tiny figures so detailed that you'd swear they were molded plastic. They are actually made from [ceramic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu), however, and their design is heavily influenced by manga, anime and science fiction. Hayashi's new collection of [Japanese figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultraman-figure), '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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sen-donnan). 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sci-Fi Show Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yusuke-hanai-1.md) - [Sci-Fi Nostalgic Dragon Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ground-dragon.md) - [Whimsical Spirit Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima.md) - [CG Technology Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cg-technology-art-exhbition.md) - [Collaborative Sculptural Art Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neojomon-biomorphic-fantme.md) - [Origami-Inspired Porcelain Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saori-matsushita.md) - [Starry-Eyed Dichroic Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starryeyed-dichroic-sculpture.md) - [Afro-Futuristic Marble Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaia.md) - [Plastic Sci-Fi Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artfx-boba-fett.md)