As a new product scheduled for release in October 2026, the character series "HOMIES," illustrated by Komatsu Midori, will be appearing as soft vinyl figures!
Komatsu's works are appealing for their unique worldview and characters that make you smile. This time, we spoke with Komatsu herself about the background behind the creation of her works and the thoughts she put into her characters.
This book offers a glimpse into the creative process behind Komatsu's work, allowing readers to feel closer to his creations and get a glimpse into his wonderful personality.
Please watch until the very end!
profile
Midori Komatsu
An illustrator based in Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for her pop-art and surreal illustrations, she works extensively in magazines, advertisements, fashion brands, and large-scale festivals.
Instagram: @midori.komatsu
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Q1. How did you feel when you heard about the possibility of making a soft vinyl figure of this product?
I've known about Ken Elephant's soft vinyl figures for a while now and thought they were really cute, so I was really happy when they contacted me.
Since I myself have been familiar with soft vinyl toys since childhood, I felt a sense of nostalgia and affection for them.
I was even happier knowing that we could create something like that together with Ken Elephant and deliver it to everyone.
Q2. What were your impressions when you first saw the finished soft vinyl figure?
Even though I had seen a 3D model of it, I was still surprised and moved when I saw the actual object right in front of me.
I remember my whole family getting really excited and saying, "It's so cute!"
3D modeled Warm Worm
When the characters are further colored, it really feels like they are actually there.
Everyone looked more vibrant. The finished product was so cute, I was truly delighted.
HOMIES characters brought to life as soft vinyl figures.
Q3. Is there anything you particularly like about it?
I've always loved butts, and whenever I draw a character, I want to make their butt as plump and shapely as possible (laughs).
This time too, the modeling stage emphasized the buttocks, but after seeing the samples, I asked for "a little more volume," and Happy Dog, Mogurakun, and Kaerukun's buttocks were made even more voluminous.
Kaerukun's butt is full and voluminous!
I received compliments about the buttocks even at the 3D data stage.
I put a lot of effort into this part, so I hope you'll pay attention to the buttocks of each of the three figures.
Of course, I love her cute facial expressions, and I also like the indescribable aura she has, which makes it hard to tell what she's thinking.
Q4. What was the inspiration behind the creation of the 'HOMIES' series, which has now been made into soft vinyl figures?
I've loved living creatures since I was little, and I often used to catch frogs in the rice paddies near my house and play with them.
I've always loved animals, but since having children, I've had more opportunities to interact with them, and it's made me feel like a child again.
Up until then, I often drew people or buttocks as motifs, but spending time with my child has made me remember my own childhood and the feelings I had back then more vividly.
Small creatures like insects and frogs are sometimes avoided because they are considered "disgusting."
But I believe that they are all living beings, and that we are all equal.
So, by adding dogs—a creature many people are familiar with—to earthworms, frogs, and moles, we wanted to express the idea that "even though we look different, we're all the same kind of people," and that's how HOMIES was born.
Everyone together, HOMIES!
HOMIES is also based on the premise that "the characters are from a fictional anime that aired in the 90s." We haven't decided on the detailed storyline of the anime yet (laughs), but we envision a world where various creatures live together in harmony.
Q5. When you're thinking about a character's personality and background, what do you keep in mind?
Rather than deciding on the character's personality and background in detail from the beginning, I often start by drawing them and then, based on their expression and body shape, I think, "If they have a face like this and a body like this, they probably have a personality like this."
Furthermore, we also prioritize preserving the inherent cuteness of the form of the creature that served as the motif.
We've created these characters to be more approachable and relatable, while still retaining the unique charm of each creature.
The natural form and expression convey the character's approachability.
Q6. Which HOMIES character do you think you are most similar to in terms of personality?
It's hard to narrow it down to just one character; I feel like I have a little bit of myself in all of them.
Just as people have many different sides, I also have many lazy sides (laughs).
Depending on the scene, similarities between each character will emerge.
Basically, I'm a passionate type, so I think I have the same mindset as Happy Dog's "Every day is a happy birthday!" – the idea of enjoying each day without taking it for granted. Of course, there are days when that's not the case (laughs).
Like Warm Worm, I'm very curious, and since I'm also a foodie, like Mogurakun, if I think "I want to eat this!", I'll go and eat it no matter what.
Mogurakun the glutton🍪
Also, I'm easily influenced by the weather, and I'm in a good mood when it's sunny, which is similar to Kaerukun.
Q7. What kinds of things usually inspire your drawings?
These days, I spend most of my time with my children, so I often draw inspiration from the things that excite me during those days.
I particularly enjoy those moments when I look at children and think, "I was like that when I was little," and it allows me to revert to my childlike self. Sometimes, that feeling is what drives my creative process.
I usually keep colorful things around my house, and I'm very sensitive to color combinations.
For example, the chopsticks I use at home are all different colors, and I freely combine two pairs each day.
So, if I think, "These two colors look cute together," I'll take a picture or make a note of it.
After washing the dishes, I sometimes find the color combination of the plates haphazardly placed in the dish rack cute, and I take pictures of them.
I often get ideas from colors and combinations that come about by chance in the very ordinary moments of everyday life.
Q8. Are there any particular points you focus on when drawing illustrations?
I might be particularly meticulous about facial expressions and lines.
I like the look of hand-drawn lines, and I think that's connected to my own style, so I try not to be too rigid with the shapes and make sure to draw as roughly as possible.
It might look a little laid-back, but when I happen to come across a line that I think, "This line is kind of nice," I'm very happy.
Even lines that appear to be drawn naturally may actually have been redrawn multiple times to achieve that subtle, effortless look.
Q9. Are there any essential items you need when creating something?
The essential tools for my creative process are an iPad, a computer, a notebook, and a pencil.
I also often listen to podcasts while I'm working.
I often play shows like "Mayurika no Unagerorin!!", "Okubo Kayoko to Lovebura LOVE", and "Jane Su Seikatsu wa Odoru", and they're great companions when I need to concentrate on my work.
Q10. Are there any things you'd like to try or works you'd like to create in the future?
In the future, I want to create picture books properly. Creating a picture book that I can be truly satisfied with has always been one of my dreams.
Furthermore, I want to actually create things that I feel would be nice to have in my daily life, or things that would make my everyday life a little richer if there were designs like this.
I would be happy to create even more original items that can add a little bit of joy to everyday life.
Q11. Please give a message to the fans who are looking forward to this soft vinyl figure.
I myself am very happy that the HOMIES soft vinyl figures are being released.
I was able to bring this to fruition thanks to all of you who always watch my work and support me. Thank you so much.
This time, we put a lot of effort into both the soft vinyl figure itself and the packaging. We hope you enjoy everything from opening the box to the figure itself and the packaging.
I'm really looking forward to imagining the HOMIES living vibrant lives in everyone's homes and various other places!
Please feel free to move your hands around and play, and take a good look at each of their bottoms!
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We were able to hear many valuable stories, from the story behind the creation of HOMIES, to Mr. Komatsu's feelings towards living creatures and characters, and how he cherishes the excitement of everyday life.
I hope that through this interview, you'll feel a closer connection to Midori Komatsu's work and this new soft vinyl series.
Thank you, Komatsu Midori, for sharing such a wonderful story!
KENELE STORE is currently accepting pre-orders for HOMIES soft vinyl figures.Herefrom.
⋱ Purchase the 4-piece set and receive an A3 poster featuring an illustration of "HOMIES"! ⋰
