Kaiyodo Founder Osamu Miyawaki Dies at 96: Legacy of Collectible Figures

For enthusiasts of anime, collectible merchandise provides a hands-on method to engage and admire the medium beyond just watching their preferred series. A prominent figure manufacturer in this field, Kaiyodo, boasts over five decades of expertise in creating top-notch, reasonably priced figures for fans of anime, video games, and cinema. Established in 1964, Kaiyodo’s inventory encompasses characters spanning from Izuku Midoriya of My Hero Academia to Marvel Comics legends like Deadpool.

I was deeply saddened to learn on February 16th, 2025, that Osamu Miyawaki, the visionary founder of Kaiyodo, passed away at the venerable age of 96 from natural causes. As stated in an official obituary titled “Farewell: Osamu Miyawaki, Founder of Kaiyodo,” the company announced that, in keeping with Miyawaki’s wishes and those of his family, the wake, funeral, and memorial service will be held privately among immediate relatives. It is our heartfelt hope that no flowers, gifts, condolences, or monetary tributes are sent as a mark of respect. The humility and simplicity expressed by Miyawaki’s loved ones in these trying times are truly inspiring.

Osamu Miyawaki’s Life Was Filled With Rich, Creative Endeavors That Defined His Legacy

1928 saw the birth of Osamu Miyawaki, who spent his childhood in Kochi Prefecture. At the age of 15, he began working for the South Manchuria Railway Company, an experience that included witnessing the closing acts of World War II in China. Upon returning to Japan, he embarked on a journey to establish his identity, holding over 30 diverse jobs during this phase – from advertising work to fishing on a tuna boat off the coast of Tosa. After starting a family, Miyawaki sought stability in employment and eventually established his own model shop in Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture, which he called “Kaiyodo”.

Following the establishment of Kaiyodo, Miyawaki’s initial creative endeavors in producing model kits significantly boosted the popularity of garage kits (unassembled resin pieces for self-assembly and painting to create unique statues or figures) within Japan. The prosperity of these early model kit productions granted Kaiyodo a strong industry standing, enabling Miyawaki to transform the nascent company into a legitimate manufacturer. Today, Kaiyodo partners with prominent IPs globally to design dynamic, colorful figures and statues for anime enthusiasts worldwide. Although Miyawaki’s demise is a significant loss in the collectibles sphere, the remarkable legacy he left behind is undeniable.

2025-02-26 04:10

Osamu Miyawaki’s Life Was Filled With Rich, Creative Endeavors That Defined His Legacy

Read More