Osamu Miyawaki, the founder of the renowned figure manufacturing company Kaiyodo, passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 96. He died of natural causes. The company confirmed the news in a press release, noting that, in accordance with his and his family’s wishes, the funeral and memorial service will be private, with no flowers, condolences, or telegrams accepted.
Miyawaki founded Kaiyodo in 1964, building it into one of the most prolific manufacturers of collectible figures. The company is known for producing high-quality, affordable figures based on anime, gaming, and film characters. From My Hero Academia’s Izuku Midoriya to Marvel’s Deadpool, Kaiyodo’s diverse catalog has made it a favorite among fans worldwide.
Born in 1928 in Kochi Prefecture, Miyawaki’s early life was marked by hard work and numerous career changes. He joined the South Manchuria Railway Company at just 15 and witnessed the final days of World War II in China. After returning to Japan, Miyawaki worked in over 30 different occupations before starting his own model shop in Moriguchi City, Osaka, where he founded Kaiyodo.
In its early days, Kaiyodo became famous for producing garage kits—unassembled resin models that enthusiasts could customize. These kits helped popularize the model-making hobby in Japan and contributed to the company’s growing reputation. Kaiyodo later expanded to manufacturing fully assembled figures, collaborating with major franchises across the globe.
Miyawaki’s legacy in the collectibles world is immeasurable. His vision and dedication transformed Kaiyodo into a leading figure in the industry, shaping the way fans interact with their favorite characters. Though his passing is a great loss, his influence on the world of anime collectibles remains profound.
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