BE@RBRICK
Complete Guide to the Designer Toy
Contents
Overview
BE@RBRICK is an iconic Japanese designer toy series created and produced by Medicom Toy. Launched in 2001 as a gift at the World Character Convention in Tokyo, it quickly evolved into one of the most influential platforms in the global art toy and streetwear scene. The figure is a minimalist, blocky bear silhouette with a rounded head, cylindrical body, articulated limbs, and a signature "V" mouth. Unlike character-driven toys like Labubu, BE@RBRICK serves as a blank canvas for endless reinterpretations through collaborations with artists, brands, musicians, films, and even tech companies. Its modular "brick-like" design allows for graphic patterns, logos, sculptures, and limited-edition materials. By 2026, BE@RBRICK has released over 50 numbered series, countless collaborations, and remains a staple in contemporary art galleries, fashion boutiques, and collector communities. It bridges toy collecting, street culture, and high-end art—often displayed as sculpture rather than played with.
Creator & Brand
Creator: Medicom Toy
Medicom Toy, founded in 1996 in Tokyo, specializes in premium collectibles that fuse pop culture, art, and design. Beyond BE@RBRICK, the company produces lines like RAH (Real Action Heroes) figures, but BE@RBRICK is its flagship and most globally recognized product. Medicom's philosophy emphasizes limited production, high-quality materials (vinyl, chrome, fabric overlays), and strategic partnerships to elevate toys into collectible art.
- •Founded in 1996 in Tokyo
- •Pioneered "Art Toy" concept
- •Emphasis on limited production & quality
Brand: Medicom Toy
Inspired by Medicom's earlier Kubrick figures (block-style articulated toys), BE@RBRICK was designed as a neutral, geometric bear form that could host any aesthetic. Sizes are standardized for consistency across releases, making it easy to build cohesive displays.
- •Evolution of Kubrick figures
- •Neutral geometric bear form
- •Standardized sizing system
Major Series & Editions
Blind Box Series
Format
- Series 51 (2026 release)
- Basic patterns (flag, jellybean, horror)
- Artist collaborations
- Chase/secret figures (rarer variants)
Themes
- Iron Maiden horror
- Egonlab pattern
- Junk World SF
- Tamagotchi 30th Anniversary
- Chupa Chups artist spots
Large-Scale Editions
Collaborations in 2025-2026 include PlayStation (Blue Logo), BAPE x Transformers, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, The Powerpuff Girls, and Wicked.
Market Impact
BE@RBRICK helped legitimize designer toys as art investments and streetwear staples. Displayed in galleries, luxury boutiques, and sneaker drops; collaborations with Chanel, Nike, KAWS, and Swarovski blur lines between toy and fine art. Strongest in Japan, Hong Kong, China, US, and Europe.
Global Reach
Why It's Successful
- ✓Timeless, versatile blank canvas design
- ✓High-profile collaborations (fashion, art, IP)
- ✓Legacy status since 2001
- ✓Investment value of rare pieces
- ✓Standardized sizing for display
Collecting Guide
Retail Pricing
Single Blind Box
$8–$20 USD (¥1,000–¥2,000)
Full Set (12)
$400–$1,500+ USD (1000% size)
Secondary Market
Resale on StockX, eBay, Grailed. Basics near retail; rare collabs 2–10× (e.g., KAWS Dissected 1000% ~$8,000+; Horizon Wood 1000% ~$22,000 average). Condition (sealed box, mint) and authenticity crucial.
Collecting Strategy
Where to Buy
Official Channels
- Medicom Toy direct stores (Tokyo Solamachi, Shibuya, etc.)
- Medicom Toy online (bearbrick.com, mct.tokyo)
- Authorized retailers (AmiAmi, HLJ, Toy Tokyo, 3DRetro)
Secondary Platforms
- StockX, eBay (authentication preferred)
- Mercari Japan, Yahoo! Auctions (domestic rarities)
- Reddit r/Bearbrick, Instagram groups
Related Designer Toys
KAWS Companion
Artistic, emotional bear-like figures often compared to BE@RBRICK
Funko Pop!
Mass-market licensed variants (less premium but similar breadth)
Labubu
Character-driven blind box focus (contrast to BE@RBRICK minimalism)
Kubrick
The block-style predecessor to BE@RBRICK by Medicom Toy
Dunny
Another iconic platform toy series by Kidrobot
Qee
A popular platform toy series from Hong Kong
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