Outdoor Goods Brand: Pop Fire

Grand Fleet Co., Ltd.

Outdoor Goods Brand: Pop Fire
The iconic Outdoor Sticker series

The iconic Outdoor Sticker series

The world of outdoor adventures depicted by Hiroaki Ushioda, a Japanese illustrator specializing in outdoor-themed art

Pop Fire is an outdoor goods brand themed around making outdoor activities more enjoyable, featuring illustrations by Hiroaki Ushioda, an illustrator focusing on the outdoors. The brand began selling its products in 2021 and is now available in over 300 outdoor specialty and lifestyle stores across Japan. His illustrations have a charming quality and a gentle touch, which resonates with many different people who love the outdoors. All of the products are made in Japan and are carefully crafted one by one. Additionally, it's possible to customize items or create products with original illustrations. In Japan, the brand has collaborated with various other brands and outdoor music festivals.

A unique outdoor brand with color that pops

A unique outdoor brand with color that pops

Hiroaki Ushioda, the designer behind Pop Fire, was born in 1977 in Ibaraki Prefecture and currently works in Tokyo. He worked for 11 years at a clothing manufacturer, where he was responsible for product design and illustration; in 2017, he became a freelance illustrator. Known for his distinctive hand-drawn lines, vibrant colors, and playful style, Ushioda creates works primarily centered around outdoor-themed art and his own art brand, Pop Fire.

The name of the brand is a coined term that combines the "pop" colors Ushioda is known for with "fire," symbolizing the warmth and coziness of his illustrations. Additionally, "pop" is linked to the soothing sound of wood crackling when burning in a campfire or wood stove.
Made-in-Japan outdoor goods featuring standout designs with a vibrant and diverse worldview

Made-in-Japan outdoor goods featuring standout designs with a vibrant and diverse worldview

The outdoor world depicted by Hiroaki Ushioda has been turned into stickers. These stickers feature a diverse range of designs, including outdoor families, animal characters, as well as outdoor gear and vehicles. You can enjoy them by sticking them on smartphones, laptops, SUV windows, or even outdoor gear.

In addition to these stickers, Pop Fire offers a variety of practical items that add color to outdoor life, such as keychains and badges.
Corporate collaborations and customer feedback

Corporate collaborations and customer feedback

Pop Fires products have gained a diverse fan base through collaborations with a wide range of brands, including outdoor gear, fashion, and lifestyle goods. To date, approximately 75,000 items have been sold annually.* Notable collaborations include the development of design items with Cayhane (a folk fashion brand), the creation of original stickers with the down-filled product brand Nanga, and the release of exclusive stickers in partnership with the outdoor specialty store Orange, among many others.

Through these initiatives, Pop Fire's products have garnered support for their unique designs, and the brand is now sold at over 300 outdoor specialty and lifestyle stores across Japan. Customers have shared positive feedback such as, "The designs are so delightful that I want to collect all of them," and "The size is perfect for my smartphone." Companies involved in collaborations have expressed joy, with comments like, "The products are always popular, and there's high anticipation for new series," and "Limited edition items often sell out quickly."

*Sales figures for 2023, including collaboration items such as stickers and keychains.