INSTINCTOY – Hiroto Ohkubo

About Artist

Hiroto Ohkubo, based in Nagahama, Shiga, is known for transforming imagination into physical form through original characters and toy designs. He created exclusive pieces for THEiCON as event limited. While the works may appear playful and vibrant at first glance, they carry elements of dissonance and otherness—inviting the audience to rediscover their inner child through wonder and curiosity. Learning painting at age 10, Hiroto devoted twelve years to mastering drawing and color theory. Though he chose not to pursue further academic study at Tokyo University of the Arts, he founded INSTINCTOY in 2005 after three years of self-taught research into the toy industry. His inspirations include the unsettling beauty of everyday life, childhood memories, and dreams. He has served as a bridge between designer toys and contemporary art through collaborations with Takashi Murakami and other renowned artists. The tension between art and commerce remains a central theme in his ongoing creative practice.