Can’t remember when I came across this magazine, but we go back way in time as a collector. Maybe it was a forum or a site that sold Japanese craft books.
As a collector I am very shy with my online presence. Partly due to drama in the dollcommunity and partly because I feel I have nothing significant to say to other dolly collectors. But I do love hearing other peeps’ stories. ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
Then why collect a Japanese magazine? Because 1. the patterns slap each time, 2. amazing photos and, 3. staying on top of what is hot in Japan. My first ever encounter with Blythe was in 2006 in Japan, and silly me did not buy a doll because my ex wanted a statue of the “Attack of the Colossus” game and that was our carry-on space gone. Relationship is long dead but I still have that cursed statue. ┐(´ー｀)┌
The mag is published twice a year by HobbyJapan and sometimes even offer kewl collabs with various doll companies or artists. We are up to vol.41 and I have all of them from the last couple of years. I even managed to snag up some old copies (vol 1 to 6) from second hand websites. Lucky! ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜ One day I hope to own them all.
I have gotten so lucky in the past that I was able to purchase the Emile from the Kumukuku collab featured in vol.39
And preorder the Ruruko x Candy Stripper collab featured in vol.41. And she will ship in November. ৻( •̀ ᗜ •́ ৻) Can’t wait to unbox her.
I need to confess that I have never used any of the patterns yet. Naughty me hehe. But the care tips for certain dolls have been very useful to me.
As a still beginner in the Japanese language I am not there yet to read the articles without Papago lens translation but one day I will get there reading this magazine without translation help.
I keep my eye on the Dollybird instagram for the new vol. release. It should be around November/December.
Maybe they will do an article on the BeSummit in October. ( ˶°ㅁ°) !! That would be totally awesome!
Japanese craft books are really good, I enjoy browsing through them and creating from them. I hope it will not suck that much money during my upcoming trip. （´∇｀”）
One a rainy day, I flip through the pages with a hot drink by my side. It makes me feel blessed that in 2026 it is still possible for a company to print a physical copy of that high quality. There have been attempts by international fans to create a magazine of their own but the time, budget and effort going in to such a project can burn people out. Might look into making a small zine of my own with my dolls in it. But do not know if there is any interest in this.
For now I will read and collect my Dollybird magazines. Connect with dolls all over the world.
Love you all, embrace whimsical, stay weird and fuck AI.
(╯’□’)╯︵ ┻━┻