In a world where collectibles reflect more than just taste, often doubling as personal expressions and cultural markers, Michael Chai has quietly built a deep and discerning Bearbrick collection.
His journey into collecting didn’t stem from childhood nostalgia, but from a business decision. “I went all the way to Japan to look for ideas on how to attract more attention to my café,” he explains.
While exploring the streets of Tokyo, he stumbled upon Bearbricks, the iconic art toys created by Japanese company Medicom Toy. Drawn to their bold aesthetics and cultural relevance, he saw not just toys, but conversation pieces that would become centrepieces in his growing collection.
First launched in 2001 and often stylised as BE@RBRICK, these bear-shaped figures range from 100% (7 cm) to 1000% (70 cm) in size and serve as blank canvases for collaborations with artists, designers, and global brands. From Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat to Chanel and Nike, Bearbricks blur the line between toy and high art.
What began as a single purchase quickly snowballed: one became two, two became four, and soon it evolved into a sprawling lineup of 1000% Bearbricks – the only size he collects.
A closer look at the collection
Chai gravitates toward collaborations, particularly those with cultural significance or a level of rarity that makes the hunt worthwhile. Among his most valued pieces is a Chanel Bearbrick that was not meant for public sale. Designed in 2006 by the late Karl Lagerfeld, the Bearbrick is modeled after Coco Chanel – complete with her signature pearls and tailored jacket.
Only 1,000 units were produced, most of which were displayed exclusively in Chanel boutiques. A limited number were released in 2007 for the Love Is Big, Love Is Bearbrick charity auction benefitting the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation. Acquired more recently, the piece’s exclusivity and fashion legacy undoubtedly makes it a highlight in Chai’s collection.
Another standout is his Bearbricks from the coveted KAWS collaboration, a series renowned for its limited runs and high demand among collectors worldwide. The fusion of KAWS’ distinctive visual language with Bearbrick’s iconic form has made these pieces some of the most sought-after in the designer toy world, often commanding steep resale prices and selling out within minutes.
These particular Bearbricks hold personal significance not just because of their rarity, but also due to the challenges he faced in acquiring them. “They were very hard to get, and the delivery had a lot of problems,” he recalls. The effort it took – and the relief and satisfaction of finally unboxing them – has made them one of the more memorable additions to his collection.
Other notable pieces in Chai’s collection include his very first Bearbrick – a 1000% Mickey Mouse edition bought in Tokyo – as well as the Mastermind collaboration, one of his earliest artist crossovers. He also highlights a special Bearbrick he brought back from New York, the furthest he’s ever travelled for a piece, made more memorable by the fact that he purchased it directly from a TV actor.
Preserving, pursuing, and the joy of the chase
When asked why he chooses to focus solely on Bearbricks in a world brimming with collectible figurines, Chai explains, “Bearbricks have been around for over 20 years, and I don’t see it losing popularity.”
He sees Bearbricks as having a staying power that transcends trends – their evolution through collaborations with fashion houses, artists, and pop culture icons has kept them relevant and collectible across generations. While certain designer toys or figurines may come and go, Bearbricks continue to hold their place as enduring symbols of contemporary culture and design.
The level of care Chai puts into preserving his Bearbrick collection reflects a deep respect for the craft behind each piece. “I try to keep the temperature controlled. If it’s too hot, the lacquer or the paint deteriorates,” he explains. Just as importantly, he also stores every Bearbrick in its original packaging. “Keeping the Bearbricks itself is already hard enough, but I went a step further and kept all the boxes with me.”
In the collector’s world, Bearbricks that come with their full, intact packaging are significantly more valuable. They signal careful ownership and preserve the item’s condition, key factors in resale worth and long-term appreciation.
Keeping up with new releases isn’t always easy. Chai regularly checks Medicom Toy’s official site, but high-demand editions often sell out quickly. While he doesn’t trade or queue for drops, he has gone to great lengths, including trips to Tokyo and the United States, to secure pieces he wants.
Today, he’s still on the hunt for a few elusive Bearbricks, including the final two in a highly sought-after KAWS series. But for Chai, collecting has never been just about acquisition. “Of course, when you get a hold of the piece that you want, it’s always a happy moment. But I think I cherish the journey to get it even more.”
Beyond the collection
While many approach collecting with a purely financial mindset, Chai prefers a more personal approach. “I think a collection should be measured by your own value to that thing,” he says. “People say certain things are very valuable and as an investor you should keep it, but I think you shouldn’t start a collection with that kind of mindset. You should start with what you really love and like.”
“To me, it’s more art than a toy,” Chai says. “It presents what’s the current mainstream brand. Whatever collabs they’re doing, most of the time it’s the culture of the moment.” For Chai, Bearbricks aren’t just collectibles – they’re a living archive of pop culture and design.
Chai envisions a future where his collection could be exhibited as a unified body of work. “I would want to sell them one shot, like an exhibition in a way. I want to find someone like me who likes them and will keep them together.”
His words reveal a collector less concerned with the market value of each item and more with the holistic narrative his collection tells. “One is beautiful enough. But the challenge is how to keep every piece together.”
These days, Chai may be slowing down, opting to pursue older, harder-to-find pieces rather than newer releases. But his dedication to Bearbricks as both art and cultural history remains steadfast. In a time where collecting can feel commercial or transactional, Michael Chai reminds us of a more introspective angle: collecting not just for worth, but for wonder.
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