asian ball-joint dolls

Asian Ball-Joint Dolls, also known as BJD, are expressive, high-quality dolls constructed of polyurethane resin. A system based off European stringing and ball-jointing techniques allows them to be posed in a variety of life-like ways - however, as their name suggests, they are produced primarily in Japan and Korea. A Chinese company who created BJD has since gone out of business due to copyright infringement.

Perhaps the most well-known name in Asian BJD, and certainly one of the most popular, is Volks of Japan, the company that started it all. Originally, Volks produced resin figures and model kits, then developed a line of 1/6 dolls known as Dollfie. A larger, one-of-a-kind polyurethane version of the Dollfie was created, and after an executive inquired as to the potential for quantity production, this doll became the prototype for the Super Dollfie. Today, Volks offers in addition to the Super Dollfie the Mini-Super Dollfie (MSD), the Super Dollfie 13 (SD13), Super Dollfie Cute (SDC), and Youtenshi, and there are plans for more Super Dollfie types to be released in the future.

Inspired by the success of the Super Dollfie, a number of other companies began producing their own version of the BJD. Most are comparable in size to SD or MSD styles, and in some cases, heads, body parts, and accessories can be swapped between brands with little to no noticable difference - depending on how picky you are. Though Super Dollfie and SD refer specifically to the Volks creations, the terms are sometimes used to indicate any Asian BJD with a similar style.

Despite their name, Super Dollfies aren't just dolls, and they certainly aren't toys. The extensive customization options offered by the BJD allows its fans to create a doll that's just for them - the doll of their dreams. Heads and bodies can be purchased with or without makeup, and be given "face-ups" that result in dolls of the same type appearing radically different. Features such as pointed ears or closed eyes can be added. Eyes and wigs can be changed at a whim, and clothes are often hand-made by the owner of the doll. BJD, quite simply, are about creativity and individuality. Many BJD fans view them not as dolls, but as friends with their own distinct personality. Though some outside the community may feel that this is a sign of mental instability, so long as it's not taken too far, there's really no reason to suggest that. How many children have 'imaginary' friends that are smiled to, nodded at, and otherwise overlooked by their parents? Growing older doesn't mean imagination should be abandoned, and through BJD, the innocence and wonder of childhood can be held on to just a little longer.

Some of the information in this section was inspired by the SD FAQ at DenOfAngels.com.

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