Shelf Life with Yumiko Kayahara

How did a childhood hobby turn into a high-stakes investment market? In this video, we sit down with a TCG shop owner and a returning collector to discuss why certain Pokémon cards are fetching five-digit prices. We break down the "Investor vs. Collector" ratio, the "Moonbreon" phenomenon, and why adult collectors are spending thousands to heal their inner child. See omnystudio.com/listener...

What makes a card truly rare? We’re breaking down the hierarchy of TCG value, from "Double Rares" to the legendary "Pure Gold Serial" cards limited to just 99 copies worldwide. Learn how factors like character demand, low circulation, and hand-signed autographs from voice actors can skyrocket a card's price to $5,000. If you’re looking to "bling out" your deck or start a collection, th...

Curious about D&D but don't know a "natural 20" from a "dungeon master"? Join us as we break down the basics of tabletop role-playing games. We cover everything from character creation (yes, you can even be a whale shark!) to the core mechanics of storytelling and dice rolling. Whether you're a total beginner or just curious about the hype, this is your starter guide to the world’s most...

In this episode, Artist Julian, known globally as Juce Gace, addresses the insane resale market for his "A Wood Awakening" collection. We discuss the craftsmanship of different materials like resin and porcelain, his experience with "stalker" collectors in Beijing, and why he identifies as a "mischief maker" rather than a rebel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to build an international art brand? Meet Mumbot, the visionary artist behind Mumbot World! From her early days in 2008 to her latest digital and vinyl toy collaborations, she’s building a universe rooted in nature and imagination. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing is sacred in the world of Poyun Wang (Boho). Join us for a quick look inside the mind of the artist reimagining gods, icons, and pop culture through playful satire. Shelf Life with Yumiko Kayahara See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The YoYo is back, and it's no longer just a primary school toy! Meet the dedicated players who have transformed the simple YoYo into a competitive sport, creative art form, and lifelong passion in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Yumiko on Shelf Life as she sits down with Simone, the artist, co-founder, and co-owner of the global phenomenon, Tokidoki! Celebrating 20 years in business, Simone shares the incredible story of how his doodles grew into an empire.12 Discover the diverse inspirations behind the iconic Tokidoki style, which Simone calls the 'diary of my life'. Learn about the influences, from Japanese kawaii...

In this episode of Shelf Life, we’re diving deep into the world of Tamiya. From the satisfying "click" of a perfect fit to the nostalgia of our very first kits, we discuss why Tamiya remains the gold standard in the hobby world. Whether you’re into RC cars, static scale models, or Mini 4WD, there’s something special about this brand that keeps us coming back to the workbench. See...

"When anime meets art, your wallet learns fear!" 💸 We’ve all been there - you see that one "must-have" figure and your bank account starts sweating. In this episode, Yumiko is joined by C.K from Sheng Tai Toys to talk about the incredible world of anime collectibles and more. Shelf Life with Yumiko Kayahara See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yumiko sits down with Singapore’s #1 Harry Potter fan to explore how one story became a lifelong obsession. From magical moments to rare collectibles, this episode dives deep into the fandom, the memories, and the magic that never left. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a small toy shop to a beloved haven for collectors and fans across generations. Yumiko dives into the memories, milestones, and magic that built Action City into the pop culture powerhouse it is today. ✨ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yumiko chats with Singapore’s very own Iron Man Collector, Terence Tee — the man who might just have more suits than Tony Stark himself. 🦾 Possibly the world’s largest collector of Iron Man figures, Terence shares how it all began, the story behind his very first piece, and the creative concept behind his jaw-dropping display room. Get ready for a deep dive into passion, precisi...

With kids spending more hours on screens and attention spans getting shorter, what role do toys still play in childhood? In this episode, we chat with Peter, Business Director at Querios Pte Ltd, about the importance of keeping play tangible, finding balance in a digital world, and why parents shouldn’t let devices replace toys entirely. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yumiko speaks with Mighty Jaxx’s Chief Investment Officer and Art Director, Samantha Sim, about how the brand collaborates with Singaporean artists to bring their creative visions to life—transforming designs into physical products that fans around the world recognise and love. They also share how Mighty Jaxx is opening up new revenue streams for local talent, and their vision of build...

On this episode of #ShelfLife , Yumiko sits down with Star Wars superfans Shyam the Collector and Ray to uncover the truth about the 501st Garrison — from the meticulous work behind each screen-accurate costume to the passion that fuels this global fan community. 🌌✨ What does it take to join the ranks of these real-life stormtroopers? Follow us on Instagram! Awedio: @awediosg Yumiko: @yumi...

Is your fave childhood crew secretly a crash course in psychology? 🧠 On this episode of #ShelfLife, Yumiko sits down with actor Daniel Ang to break down the surprising mental health themes hidden in Winnie the Pooh — from Pooh’s food fixations to Piglet’s panic spirals and Eeyore’s eternal gloom. 🐷😟 Are these lovable characters more real than we thought? See omnystudio.c...

They’re cute, collectible… and ridiculously tiny. 😍🧸 In this episode of #ShelfLife, Yumiko gets the lowdown on the Bitty Pop phenomenon — with Ann Goh, the powerhouse behind @simplytoysg, one of Singapore’s OG toy retailers. Why are these pocket-sized Funko figurines flying off shelves? From fan frenzy to display hacks, we dive into the world of tiny toys with big person...

What’s cute, collectible, and causing major queue chaos? POP MART. 🎁🧸 In this episode of #ShelfLife , Yumiko unwraps the booming world of designer blind box toys—where every pull is a surprise and the hunt is half the fun. From rare chases to cult characters, find out why fans across the globe (and grown-ups too!) are hooked on these tiny drops of dopamine. See omnystudio.com/listene...

Coins and banknotes aren’t just for spending—they’re tiny pieces of history! 🪙✨ In this episode of #ShelfLife , Yumiko explores the world of special issue memorabilia coins and banknotes with Mr Yip Pak Ling, Mint Director at the Singapore Mint. From commemorative designs to exclusive limited editions, discover why these collectibles hold deep sentimental and financial value&md...

Mini magic is taking over! ✨ In this episode of #ShelfLife , Yumiko dives into the world of MGA’s Miniverse – Make It Mini Potions 🔮⚗️ From potion-making to pint-sized wizardry, discover how these insanely detailed collectibles are casting spells on toy lovers of all ages. Yes, even grown-ups are hooked. 😍🧙‍♀️ Follow us on Instagram! Awedio: @awediosg Yumiko: @yumiko.kayahara S...

Beyblade & Gundam are BACK — and cooler than ever! 🌀🤖 In this episode of #ShelfLife, Yumiko teams up with toy insider CK and Beyblade champ Len to reveal how your fave childhood toys just got a major glow-up. From epic battles to snap-fit nostalgia, find out why everyone’s playing again — even the parents! 👀🔥 Follow us on Instagram! Awedio:  @awediosg  Yumiko: @...

Lego minifigures have the largest population on Earth! 🌍🧱  In Episode 2 of #ShelfLife, we dive deep into the world of LEGO minifigures and AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) 🤓✨ — exploring why these tiny plastic people 🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️ hold such massive appeal. Whether you’re a casual builder 🛠️ or a die-hard collector 🧠💛, this one’s for you! 🎧🎉 Follow us on Instagram!&nbs...

Is Barbie just a toy, or is she a cultural icon that mirrors society’s biggest changes? And what does it take to have one of the most legendary collections in the world? Find out all about it “In a Barbie World” as Yumiko sits down with reluctant influencer guy Jian Yang. Host: @yumiko.kayahara   Guest: @jianyang1979 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.