We all know about Sonny Angel, but who invented it? If you want to know more about Toru Soeya, please read this.
The angelic figurine known as Sonny Angel has been gaining fans and growing in popularity for 20 years. People are now decorating their homes and lining the walls with little smiling toys. Some people, like Victoria Beckham, have them on their phones. But who was responsible for the creation of Sonny Angel? We would like to introduce Toru Soeya, CEO of Dreams Co., Ltd., a toy manufacturer that makes angel figurines.
(Hero image: dream)
Who invented Sonny Angel?Dreams CEO Toru Soeya introduces the original “Sony”
Image credit: Yume
Toru Soeya was born in 1959. He joined Bandai in 1992 with a long history in toy production. Yes, that Bandai is a famous toy manufacturer and half of Bandai Namco Entertainment, the video game company responsible for Elden Ring. However, a few years later, Mr. Soeya established his own company, Dreams Co., Ltd., and became independent.
Dreams Inc. continued to produce small, curious collectibles and trinkets. One of the early products that found success was a version of a rubber duck that glowed in the dark, offering a more vibrant bath time experience. This is reportedly one of Soeya’s favorite works.
It wasn’t until 2004 that Soeya came up with the concept for the toy that would become a huge sensation.
sony invention
Image credit: Yume
Inspired by the baby Kewpie, Soeya created the same angel-like figure Sonny Angel and named it after his own nickname, Sonny. Soeya wanted a character that would bring joy and comfort to young Japanese women under stress. He even called them “pocket boyfriends,” which is an odd phrase considering the figures are of… well, babies. In an interview with Vox, Dreams marketing director Jackie Bonheim clarified that the attraction is platonic and based entirely on cuteness.
Although the appeal is undeniable and dolls have grown in popularity, it wasn’t until recently that dolls began to garner attention on the internet. Soon, celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Bella Hadid also had Sonny Angels. Even the American sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live had an entire sketch with Dua Lipa revolving around Sonny Angel.
To dreams and beyond
Image credit: Yume
Sonny Angel’s success is undeniable, but Soeya isn’t solely focused on them. Dreams’ goal is to create things that will be loved for a long time. In an interview with Esakai translated by Lovely Little House, Mr. Soeya said, “I believe that I was able to capture the hearts of many people because I designed the product as a product that is soothing just by looking at it, with function being secondary or even tertiary.” “I will,” he said. ”
A quick look at what Dreams has to offer shows Soeya staying true to this principle. An adorable figurine that “bites” your charger, a soft stuffed friend that protects your belly from your desk while you work, and a spherical orb that projects planets onto the ceiling are just a few of the unique things Dreams has created.
In addition to this, Soeya has also opened a cafe and an apparel brand. It’s clear the CEO shows no signs of slowing down.
Information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
