By: Liza Blinn ‘27
In 2004, Toru “Sonny” Soeya created the first "Sonny Angel." Inspired by the Kewpie Mayo baby, Soeya's new creation was innovative, authentic, and most notably, adorable. These babies' round eyes, blushing cheeks, and circular builds, triggered a craze to coddle, care, nurture, and soon collect these 3 inch babies.
Referred to as “emotional support” dolls, these decorative babies kept Japanese women afloat during the recession of 2004. Japanese women did not need to look out for these babies as real children; instead, these adorable collectibles were more so used as support dolls as they resembled babies, could hold themselves upright, and most of all, make you smile.
The decorative designs on top of their heads were what made people attracted to them in the first place. People became fascinated with the juvenile, arbitrary designs and the unknown story behind each individual baby. Whether it was an apple or a Christmas ornament atop the head, Soeya has created an innocent, petite, collectable, which not surprisingly has strung along a fanbase of millions.
Anyone on social media is aware of the Sonny Angel craze. They're placed on laptops, iPhones, or even collectable shelves. Although many purchase these babies for their looks, their allure is largely due to the anticipation of which doll you will open up.
The use of “blind boxes” has enamored audiences in a whole new way. On top of receiving an adorable collectible baby, you could also receiving a “limited edition” one. These are the most exclusive babies to collect with the odds being against you one hundred to one.
The adrenaline and excitement people feel opening and discovering the baby
they get is what has people coming back for more. Eventually, this craze has led to a peak in consumerism. Although many think it's popular amongst younger generations, they are purchased and accessible to virtually everyone. Simply because to all, these babies remind us of childhood, allowing us to unlock a part of ourselves we didn't know existed.
These little pockets of joy have helped us to reminisce about our past and bring back those once forgotten nostalgic memories. We all mourn the loss of our younger selves without knowing it, being able to explore that magical place with Sonny Angel babies is why people always end up coming back for more.
All Photos Courtesy of mancunion.com and fortune.com
Source: vox.com
Edited: Kavya Chacko '26, Catherine Grace Polatidis '26, and Ms. Brilliant
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