50–65cm Dolls Volks Ryoya Konoe <3

Here is an oldie for all the Volks fans! I can't believe Ryoya was released in 2009. It's already been 14 years since his release?! It doesn't feel so long ago~ In 2009 I had just graduated college! I landed my first job, but it was most definitely an entry level position with no benefits. When Ryoya was released, I didn't have the money to even think about entering a lotto for a brand new Volks fullset doll. Since he was the first SDGr boy, he was so sought after... I resigned myself to admiring him only. Of course nowadays, the newer Volks dolls have become the coveted dolls - and older boys such as Ryoya are much easier to find. I was perusing Y!J and saw his fullset listed at a whopping $430. I put in a bid, 100000% expecting to be outbid- but I wasn't and I won this precious boy for a solid $430 for his entire fullset. Maybe in some ways it's sad for some collectors to see these dolls seem so "unwanted", but for me I've never been happier buying all my favorite oldies. Mr. Ryoya is going to need a makeover, but for now I am enjoying his fullset as if I won the lotto 14 years ago!

His original box & papers:



He had a rough trip! His eye popped out~ owO


That's better!


Time to dress up in his fullset. Love the jacket and his earring and jewelry. When he was released, I remember thinking he was such a fashionable boy!


The boots have seen better days... but it's expected given their age. I'll let him wear these until I get some replacements.


Finally, all put together~ I haven't thought of a name for him. Any suggestions?




Thanks for looking! ​

 

@enzeru_chan : I totally agree! Finding all these dream dolls on Y!J or Mandarake is transporting me to the early days of the BJD hobby. The nostalgia is real lol. Yes, I always really liked this fullset, and it's very well done in person!

 

@Novalyna : It's so true! The fashion from those years are still great looks in my book! It is a dream come true to find some of these older dolls now at an affordable price! It's expected after so many years of releases, new companies and newer features for dolls. I'm so glad my tastes never really changed too much!

@AlisonVonderland : I agree! He's such a handsome lad. I am sure you will find your Ryoya too! I'm surprised with his initial popularity Volks never gave him a 2nd re-release... but I guess at that time they weren't as keen about re-releasing LE's.

@Cats56 : Thanks so much! hahaha I kept expecting the auction to start blowing up... I was a mess in those final minutes thinking..am I really going to win this whole doll for $430?! That's nuts!!!

@namika : I agree too!!! I was surprised I was able to get them on his feet without them falling apart. I might try to look into some methods of restoring old faux leather...his boots were such a unique piece of his fullset, I'd hate to toss them!

 

@RinSetsua : hehehe I agree! Ryoya has aged very well for an old boy! If only I could do the same

@Sasamiiii : Thank you so much! I am happy I took a risk on the bid. Sometimes I'll talk myself out of bidding if I feel I'll lose anyway. And yes, the outfit is still such a great look The previous owner took great care of it thankfully!

 

@cobaltconduct : I know!!! I wish there was a way to preserve things like doll shoes... The pleather stuff is so widely used by companies, so it feels like all clothing/shoes have an expiration date at some point. I absolutely adore his shoes... so I will try to keep them displayed gently until I find a better pair.

@Saba : hehehe you felt the same way as me! My nostalgia went into overdrive when I found him. I also admired his Asian features.

@castironteapot : Thank you so much! I never realized how much I really loved all the dolls in the Tokyo Boys series... I've amassed quite a few dolls from that line. My next hope is to find a Jun Tachibana! She's always evaded me, but hoping to find her soon~

 

@skipturnstep : Exactly! Me too There is something about them that warms my heart~

@industrious.jenn : You are definitely correct. A lot of the older Volks boys were more baby-faced or young looking, but Ryoya was definitely one of the first boys I remember being much more mature/manly than a lot of their past sculpts. I think that's what made him so popular when he first released~ They kept that trend going after his release quite a bit. Although now, the boy releases aren't as popular as the girls. That's ok for me though ^_~ haha

@envy.dollstagram : Congrats on your beautiful girls! I remember when Charlotte and Lieselotte were first released. They were SO popular, and Lieselotte for a long time was so hard to find/afford. I'm so happy they released them enough times that people could finally get them. They are such beautiful girls! We both got very lucky!