ikimono

ikimono is a small-batch indie yo-yo project founded by Josef Chung, publicly announced on National Yo-Yo Day (June 6, 2022) after over a year of private prototyping. The brand released a single model, the Tomo, in August 2024 — an undersized 7075 aluminum monometal with machined acrylic accent rings, priced at $99. The launch and a limited engraved collaboration edition with Unknown (the brand founded by six-time National Yo-Yo Champion Bryan Figueroa) both sold out quickly and are sought after by collectors. As of its own Instagram bio the brand is on hiatus, and its website has since gone offline.

Headquarters location is unconfirmed: the brand’s website backend was configured for Japan/Tokyo, but at least one retailer listed the Tomo as “Designed in the United States.”