#gentaro araki

[bon-bon-blog]

Unoa Freak 1, 2 and 3 [Review]

Summary

The Unoa Freak series is specifically written to celebrate and discuss Unoa dolls. Created in 2003 by Gentaro Araki, founder of Alchemic Labo, they were one of the first BJD available on the market. They are not as popular as they once were but Unoa dolls come in many common sizes, making these books a great resource to this day. The books also contain tutorials on face-ups, manicures, modding, stringing and more.

These books have been created with so much love and creativity, from the beautifully illustrated covers, to the fashion editorial style spreads for the patterns. They are one of my favourites to take off the shelf just to flick through the pages.

The number of patterns varies by book and each one has been created by different artists, so do take a look at the tables below before purchasing.

Details

Language: Japanese Author: Graphic Sha ISBN-10: UF1-4894253720 UF2-4798600261 UF3-4798609021 Patterns UF1: Pirate set,Mod set,Country set,Babydoll,Punk dress,Traditional fabric set UF2: Freie Shirt, shorts, socks. Honeymeryl corset body and skirt. Silver butterfly Jumpsuit. Elolita jacket, dress and bloomers. Dollsdrugkingdom Blouse, skirt, petticoat. Atri corset, garter, skirt, bustier, bra, stockings and miniskirt. Sekiguchi uniform set for girl and boy UF3: FLC shoulder bag,FLC Pants,FLC Socks,FLC Beret,FLC Suspender pants,Poupee Mecanique pants,Poupee Mecanique shirt,Silver butterfly jumper skirt,Hanon onepiece dress,"Galum shorts, sailor shirt, socks, beret",FLC Blouse,FLC Tunic,FLC ruffle shoulder blouse,FLC piping shirt,Atri bustier,Atri tutu skirt,Atri Skirt panties,Atri Panties,SilverButterfly sleeveless dress,FLC Cropped Pants ,FLC Denim pants,Poupee Mecanique pants  Sizes included: Unoa sister, Unoa boy, Unoa Zero, Unoa Fluorite, Unoa azurite, Unoa Ani, Unoa chibi

Visual pattern list

UF1

UF2

UF3

Pros

Gorgeous cover art with a partially transparent layer

A real must if you love Unoa dolls

The photography is superb

So many patterns for any size of Unoa doll

Includes a few accessories 

Tips and tutorials for common doll styling and mods

Cons

Minimal instructions for the patterns, sometimes just a couple of drawings

The patterns in the book don’t work for every size of Unoa doll, usually each pattern is designed for a particular body sculpt (cries in Unoa Zero)

My copy of UF2 had a few pages come loose from the binding - not sure if it's a common problem but something to keep in mind

Final thoughts

I don’t think I would recommend these as pattern books for beginners, as the patterns are sized so specifically and the instructions are quite minimal, but if you are an experienced sewer I think you will enjoy the variety of styles here. My main reason for recommending these books wouldn't be the patterns though - it's the peek into BJD history that make them special. I think they are a great addition to any bookshelf. 

[littlewalken]

Everyone help me stick to this when it comes to Unoas- You have a Chibi with two faces, a Lusis with two faces and a yawn face. You don't need to buy any that aren't a boy or the elder sister taller than a Lusis or winking or Halloween faces.

[struungout]

Had the urge to swap Nori and Amaya’s heads on each other’s bodies because they’re the same resin color and I can hahaha.

Haru’s posted girl versions of Modeun before, and honestly, the sculpt makes for a great girl and it’s a shame he didn’t release the sculpt like XO as a boy and girl. Boy!Maji isn’t something you ever see though, and honestly, she totally works as a babyfaced guy.

Makes me wonder if anyone has made hybrids or genderswaps of their Haru Casting dolls yet. One of my friends has a boy!Wind, but other than that, I haven’t seen much in mix and matching with his sculpts.

[henijay]

[dollsonmain]

I'm not much of one to toot my own horn, but I do feel like the way I painted her lips released a lot of the sense of tension the sculpt had both with the default lip and unpainted.

While Gentaro Araki did intend for Unoss (especially Seina) to be a bit pensive, I don't like my dolls looking stressed or unhappy, so I'm glad she looks more relaxed and comfortable. There's enough unhappiness IRL, thanks.

[maleficentmrsofallevil]

The Dolly Insider + Dollybird

The US doesn't have a fashion doll magazine anymore (sadness), but there's a website with email subscription called The Dolly Insider.

Courtesy of this website, I have learned that Hobby Japan, a Japanese hobby store and media company, makes a book called Dollybird. It's Japanese language only, released annually, and I am so jealous.

It runs from 1,800 to 2,200 yen, has to be imported to the US, and contains interviews (including face-up tutorials by Gentaro Araki), patterns, and tutorials (how to make eyes, learning to make purses with felt or leather, etc.).

So of course now I'm shopping. Amazon (US) has a few volumes for $40+ USD. I've also found:

CDJapan (English, ships to US)

Mandarake (sort of English, but I recommend Google Translate and using proxy like Buyee, cuz HOO boy, their shipping is pricey)

Amazon Japan (but my US account does not work. I would have to create a new account)

Japan Figure (English, $5 off your first order)

I've been saying I want to learn Japanese for a while, and this just might be the thing that lights a fire under my butt.

[valleydoll]

Super excited to be able to add a Unoa Aki to my collection as a cute companion to my Unoa Hal. This Aki is actually one of the ones painted by Gentaro Araki himself, and I’m always extra happy to have a doll painted by the artist who created it!

This doll actually came with two wigs (as well as the usual extra hands and feet) and while I think the strawberry blond wig is pretty I like the dark hair better:

[naradivision]

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Lao Tzu

Introduction

Yuuya Kanata (夏向 勇矢) is the leader of the Nara Division rap battle team, Miraitabi. Easily recognized for his outstanding raw but clear voice, he regularly goes by the moniker “ARROW” in rap battles. A hard-working people person who loves attending so many different part-time jobs in his free time, in fact, his presence in the D.R.B. wasn’t on the government’s plan to begin with. His choice to join the fray is purely coming from a resolve to protect his beloved hometown and a hope to find a way for reuniting with his older sister, but little does he know, this decision will rope him into a bigger issue than he would imagine…

The art belongs to picrew created by pono_trpg (my edit parts: ahoge, left side streak, eye color, momiji pendant, background)

Yuuya is a 19-year-old freshly graduated from high school. He has shaggy and natural reddish hair that descends to the base of his neck with curtain bangs and a left side streak dyed in bright orange color. His hairstyle usually ends up with something like a half-up ponytail. Despite being bestowed with a pretty look, his physique is in a good shape. He has sharp ‘sunset’ colored eyes and slightly long lashes compared to other boys. He also has his lobe piercing on both ears.

As an outdoor person, he prefers wearing something casual, like a t-shirt paired with his favorite jacket, which he may tie around his waist at times. He wears dark three-quarter pants along with a pair of black-and-magenta sneakers and dark gray socks. His wrists have several wristbands and hair ties circling aound. Sometimes he also keeps a fanny pack, but what has become his usual trademark is the bronze omamori pendant around his neck. The necklace itself is a memento from his departed father and also carries a symbol of his team, a momiji leaf, thus it means a whole lot to him. At home, he just loves wearing hoodie.

Etymology

Yuuya is written “courage” (勇) and “arrow” (矢)

His name more or less allude to Hamaya (破魔矢), the Demon Breaking Arrow, one of Japanese lucky charms.

Kanata is written “summer” (夏) and “towards” (向)

His surname also has the same pronouncing as the Japanese word “Kanata” (彼方 / かなた) meaning “far away”

Aliases

YuuYu  - Asahi 

Brat / Goody-two-shoes  - Saigo

Human - ANGE

Aniki  - His peers

Kanata-kun  - Gentaro, Asebi

“Nara Boy”

“Siscon”

“Summer” (Figuratively)

— Biographical Info —

Gender:  Male

Age:  19

Ethnicity:  Japanese

Hair Color:  Reddish Orange

Eye Color:  Magenta/ Orange

Height:  175 cm (5’9”)

Weight:  67 kg (147 lbs)

Bloodtype:  A

Birthday:  June 21

Zodiac:  Gemini ♊️ 

Piercings:  Lobes

Markings:  N/A

Headcanon VC:  あらき-ARAKI (Rapping)

Family:  

Father (deceased)

Mother (divorced, moved out)

Older sister (moved out)

— D.R.B. Info —

MC Name:  ARROW

Occupation:  University student / Part-timer (various jobs)

Color Theme:  #FE6F5E (Bittersweet)

Division:  Nara

Team:  Miraitabi

Position:  1st member (Leader)

Hypnosis Microphone

Yuuya’s Microphone is a handheld red-orange megaphone scattered with a number of cartoon stickers, featuring attractions in Nara. It reminds him of the device he used when working as a tour guide, the job he takes pride in the most.

His Speakers take after a miniature Shinto shrine which has both left and right side accompanied by two large red pinwheels with round speakers planted at their center. Each side of its eaves is also decorated with double speakers attached to the huge chōchin (paper lantern). But since the shrine’s doors remain closed, what is kept behind them turns into a complete mystery to both himself and everyone. When Yuuya starts rapping, the pinwheels begin to spin. Vibrant fireworks can be seen setting off in the background, their coherent shots are in sync with the tempo of his lyrics. On a further note, the shrine itself seems to display a mysterious glow in the dark.

His rap ability, Breakthrough, will auto-activate and grant him a self-authority to dispel whatever effects enemies try to put on. If arming this ability with his attacks, it will guarantee a 100% chance of piercing through the targets with drastic damage. His ability can be used infinitely in battle; but the more he gets worked up, the more it will take a toll on his physical stats.

Contrasting to his usual homie vibes, Yuuya is no doubt blessed with such a clear and strong voice which goes best with thumping beats and aggressive rhythms. He is pretty creative and decisive at utilizing his talent by showcasing the ability to arrange keys or harmonies on his own whenever he sees fit. His rap themes mostly revolve around his unwavering love for his hometown, his friends, his zest for music, and how this world is so vast you can always find new experiences everyday. Most importantly; he often makes his raps refer to the vibrant yet fleeting impressions of “summer” —sometimes with the melancholic undertone as he mentions people to cherish the time with their loved ones as much as they can before things get too late.

— Personality —

Given the punky looks and reddish hair with a showy streak, people might have a false opinion of him being no more than a delinquent or an average playboy at first. However, the reality is quite the opposite.

Despite his intense feats during the rap battle; Yuuya actually is a responsible, considerate, and hard-working boy who doesn’t mind running around lending his hand to those in need. He loves to see the best in people and is willing to help as much as he can to bring out their potentials. Besides his warm charisma, the passion he has for anything related to ‘music’ isn’t just something to ignore. It first manifests from his father’s influence but soon develops into his own flair. A bit regretful that he seems not likely to keep a high profile, anyone can nonetheless feel captivated by the impression he nails through his performance.

Anyway, being tender doesn’t mean he is a naive person. He may not be the best in academics (it’s not like he isn’t trying), but he is surprisingly more sharp and perceptive beyond he lets on ..…But, is that everything you happen to know about him? After constantly struggling with his self-dissatisfaction since childhood, Yuuya has adopted a habit to put on a façade; always acting in a ‘mature’ sort of way as he seeks to tend everyone’s needs while determining to cover up any shred of himself that deemed to be weak or ‘unfavorable’ to others. And for a friendly advice, please refrain from stepping on a landmine by insulting someone he holds dear. Because despite hating to hold a grudge toward anyone, he is indeed very protective of those he cares about.

His sense of awareness along with his wish to grow up as his own individuality are often clashing with his innate desire to be likable, that’s probably why he appears to be somewhat reserved and seems to carry some touch of idealism than other socializers.

From the event of his birthday 2024, it’s revealed that he has quite a sentimental side and still holds on a heartfelt attachment toward his loved ones over these passed years. But at the same time, he tends to subdue his feelings as he does feel ashamed of being too needy.

— Fun Facts —

Handedness: Right

Favorite Food: Anything homemade

Least Favorite Food: Anything relate insects

Likes: Diverse genres of music, Animals (esp. fluffy ones), His family and friends, His hometown, Singing, Taking care of others, People, Ramune, Festivals, Fair weather, Discounts

Dislikes: Violence, Dirty jokes, Cigarettes & their smoke, Horror stories, His weaknesses, Saigo’s annoying attitude, Being babied (except by his older sister), Feeling alone or worthless

— Backgrounds —

To be continue

He has a certain link with some canon and horrendous Chuohku member, but the problem is he isn’t yet aware of it.

Trivia

As his surname stands for “summer” season, his birthday is around the arrival of summer when the Northern Hemisphere happens to have the longest period of daylight called “Summer solstice” or “夏至 (Geshi)” in Japan. It is reveled in the event of his birthday 2024 that his birthday is also an anniversary of his father’s death.

He can ride… a bicycle and uses it to go to other places on a regular basis.

He can play both electric and acoustic guitar. Moreover, he used to be an active member of his school’s music club. He is also open to do the commissions of mixing audio tracks for clients.

He is currently adopting one Siamese kitten whom he and his team named “Ojou-chan (Milady)” into his care until they could find her real owner —Unbeknownst to them, the kitten also brings her strange “buddy” along from nowhere, who eventually becomes Yuuya’s other roommate and his plus-one to almost every moment of his life.

He used to be scared of horror things but lately seemed to gain some immune thanks to a certain roommate who loves to pull a prank on him.

He is a big softie with animals and most kinds of them find his presence rather comfortable to be around. Even the aggressive Nara deer are somehow obedient to him.

Because of his friendly and helpful nature, practically everyone in the town is kinda fond of him. Hence he knows a lot of people as a result.

It looks like Gentaro Yumeno knows his father to some extent, but how?

[havraniko]

Unoa arrived on Saturday and she's just so breathtaking and wonderful that I can't let go of her

I guess that's what grail doll is

Pretty box

Some stuff, default blue wig of beaitiful color, manual, optional bust, and a pretty creature herself in hideous mohair wig (it's a huge mystery for me why people at the dawn of this hobby thought that this monstrosity looks good)

Pretty little hand

She has faceup by Gentaro Araki. She's been like this for... 11 years? So, I don't have the heart to wipe it off. Especially considering my horrible makeup skills.

Eye changing mechanism is missing, and that's a pity. Default blue eyes are very beautiful. And sculpted eyebrows are funny.

She is such a lemon. And her resin feels somehow soft. She's lighter in weight than my other dolls of this size. No idea, if it has something to do with age or she's just been like that from the start.

There's so much work needs to be done, but she's still gorgeous. I like her a lot. Her shapes are perfect (from my point of view), as well as her small breasts.

100% aesthetic ecstasy

[unoalchemy]

Paradise Skin 1.5 Boys and Girls!

Thank you all for your patience with UnoAlchemy for our hiatus! We’re back this time with a brand new release of Paradise skin 1.5 boys L-bi and B-el. This is first time they have been cast in Paradise skin, and we’re so excited about them. Since people like to mix and match the boy and girl faces, we want to offer you the option to choose a boy or girl body, and one boy or girl face with your doll! Want a Sist boy? No problem! Want an L-bi girl? Go for it!

As always, the tan dolls do have flaws. Some are minor, and some are very visible. If you’re sensitive to flaws in the resin color, we ask that you avoid purchasing Paradise skin from us at this time. However, we’re offering a discount on these dolls because we know they’re not perfect. There is no A grade for tan dolls. Due to the inherent flaws in casting we prefer not to grade them. Every single doll has very comparable flaws in the tan resin.

Your options:

1.5 Boy 40000 JPY: One boy body with one face (L-bi, B-el, Lusis, Sist). If you wish to add a decadent or additional face, the cost will be an additional 4500 JPY each. You can buy fist hands for 3000 JPY. *Important note – many of the faces have marbling on the tip of the nose. It can be easily hidden with a faceup, but we want you to be aware. The boy bodies also have a streak of marbling on the shins and lower torso, and fog-like marbling in other places.

1.5 Girl 35000 JPY: One girl body with either a large or small chest, and one face (L-bi, B-el, Lusis, Sist). If you wish to add an additional decadent face, the cost will be an additional 4500 JPY each (we will need to do an inventory check). You can buy clasped girl hands for 3000 JPY. *please note that the girl bodies all have a heavy marbled streak on the belly, plus marbling in the shins and thighs. Every decadent Sist plate has some marbling flaws on the face. Be sure to check out our social media (Instagram or Facebook) for examples of these flaws.

All kits are assembled but unpainted. Each kit comes with a pair of acrylic eyes and a fur wig.

As always, to order please send an email to UnoAlchemy@gmail.com. Let us know what you want. We will send you an invoice as soon as we confirm inventory for you. If we run out of available dolls, we’ll let you know ASAP.

[roterwolkenvogelbjd]

IT IS FEBRUARY! Which means my not-so-arbitrarily picked date for my hobby-anniversary is here, woho! (I just use February whenever cause my first doll arrived January 2010 and the second one in February 2010).

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AND THAT MEANS NINE FRIKKIN YEARS 👏👏👏👏 I'd say I had relationships shorter than that but I never had one so it's just a long ass time 😂 or to be technical, precisely 1/3 of my life

.

This year you get Rhys, because he is afore mentioned second doll, and Allegra, because she's version 3 of my first doll. Nostalgia all around here!

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(Depending on when you followed me, you might remember Allegra as her version 2 aka Unoa Lusis who was the first Pazuzu if you so will. Had a very extensive wardrobe of gorgeous dresses including Cadenza and SWITCH... and then she grew to version 3 and rejected EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Good times man.)

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Thanks for all these years, for all the friendships made and the memories created. Despite how much vile shit the recast side has brought into this hobby, I still love it and will continue to fight for it 🙏 It is insane to remember how long I know some of you guys 😱 (and that the entirety of my English skills are based on this hobby lmao)

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(And my Mom has her EIGHT YEAR hobby anniversary jfc. Doesn't beat her marriage yet tho lol)

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💬 Rhys is an Angelheim Luka on a Limhwa Limho Mono body on a LUTS centaur body (😥)

💬 Allegra is an Unoa Elder Sister Belia

[hydranomago]

► ‘Trap of Fling’ (FP) + ‘Blast Wolf’ (MTR) -- Theme Songs

 [Master Post] for more HypMic Stage Videos

[ateliermurinae]

A while ago I got myself a Decadent Lusis faceplate in Fairy. But my Dollzone body is now waaay too yellow for it and I don't know what to do.

[abjds]

BJD 365, 2017 - Day 14 by Studio Miscast Via Flickr: Finished a beautiful oversized shawl for SD16 sized ladies and couldn't resist taking a beautiful black and white photo of Miss Icelina. Icelina is a Unoa Zero Latea - Wig: Leekeworld - Eyes: Leekeworld - Faceup: Culur - Shawl: Studio Miscast Tumblr | Facebook | Etsy | Instagram | Website All dolls made by and copyright to Alchemic Labo/Gentaro Araki. Creative photography is copyright to Britt Miscast. All rights reserved.

[thesillypuppet]

We got a little snow in Portland.

[valleydoll]

I’ve wanted one of the Unoa 1/6 resin doll kits ever since I first discovered them. Unfortunately they came out in 2005 and were only made for about a year so they are hard to come by. But finally, I got one!

This kit for 1/6 scale Azurite was unopened (crazy after 17 years), and has a faceup done by Gentaro Araki himself, the artist who created the doll (the box is even signed):

I’m very intimidated to try putting this together, as these dolls have some features not common on bjd (the artist actually said this kit is aimed at garage kit fans more the typical dolly fans). But I’ll give it a go and hopefully will very soon have a new dolly to join the family.