1982 Kids: A Taiwanese Designer Toy Brand Rooted in Childhood
Meeting 1982 Kids in Taiwan
This summer, I had the privilege of meeting Da D, founder of 1982 Kids, during my travels in Taiwan. The name reflects the year he was born, and the brand carries his belief that childhood joy is something worth holding onto—even as we grow older.
Goodzila: Taiwan’s Food as Kaiju Monsters
Among the many projects under 1982 Kids, one that stood out most to me is Goodzila. It’s a series that takes Taiwan’s most iconic foods and transforms them into kaiju-style monsters. Think pig’s blood rice cake, hot pot, or stinky tofu—each figure turns a familiar dish into a larger-than-life collectible full of humor and local flavor. We’re fortunate to already carry some of Goodzila’s works at Sunny Studio, and seeing them in person only deepened my appreciation for how they capture the heart of Taiwan in such a unique way.
IIIII Dont Know: Gods with a Playful Makeover
But Goodzila is only one part of the story. Another standout IP is “IIIII Don’t Know” (不知道同學), a character who reimagines Taiwan’s traditional temple gods in colorful, playful forms. With bright reds, pinks, and candy-like details, familiar figures like the Earth God and the God of Wealth are translated into designs that connect with younger collectors while still honoring their cultural roots. It’s a refreshing way of carrying tradition forward through art toys.
Bridging Childhood and Today
What struck me most about 1982 Kids is their commitment to making childhood memories tangible again. By combining retro elements with fresh creative energy, they’ve built a space where everyone can rediscover their own version of growing up. Each piece feels like a bridge between the past and the present, designed to resonate across generations.
As someone who was also born in the ’80s, I feel a deep connection to Da D’s work. His work brought back flashes of my own growing-up years in a way few things ever do. At Sunny Studio, we’re excited to share more of 1982 Kids with collectors in the U.S.—because sometimes, a toy isn’t just a toy. It’s a doorway back to where it all began.
