The Sonny Angel “Flower Gift” collection, released in 2023, continues to trade at approximately 1,500–2,000 JPY per figure. The global popularity of Sonny Angel, a Japanese-born brand, exploded primarily in the United States from 2022 onwards through social media platforms like TikTok. During new releases, some stores experienced long queues of customers waiting for opening hours.

However, this popularity has led to an increase in counterfeit products in the secondary market. This article examines how SNKRDUNK’s professional authenticators distinguish between REAL and FAKE Sonny Angel figures using the “Flower Gift” collection as an example.

About the Sonny Angel “Flower Gift” Collection

In Japan, the popularity of Sonny Angel was reignited when members of the five-member girl group LE SSERAFIM posted matching Sonny Angel smartphone accessories on social media.

Released in 2023 with a “Flower Gift” theme, these figures have attracted numerous collectors and fans. Due to their popularity, they remain sold out on official websites and retail stores, leading to secondary market trading at around 2,000 JPY per piece on flea market applications.

Characteristics of Fake Figures

The counterfeit figures examined show overall crude detailing compared to authentic pieces, including missing engravings and different color tones. Several differences are visible to the naked eye.

Authentication Points for Identifying Real vs. Fake

Package “Wing” Section Authentication

The angel silhouette depicted on the package reveals a key difference: authentic packages feature holographic processing that reflects light, while fake packages lack this holographic treatment and show ink dots from printing processes.

Eye Section Authentication

Authentic figures feature solid black ink application in the pupil area, whereas fake figures display lighter coloring throughout the entire eye area, including the pupils. Additionally, authentic figures maintain a gap between the outer corner of the eye and the white of the eye, while fakes show minimal to no gap.

Mouth Area Authentication

When viewed from the side, authentic figures appear to have the chin pulled in, while fake figures appear to have the chin raised. This positioning affects how the flower petals contact the figure: authentic versions show petals touching the mouth area, while fakes show petals touching the chin.

Back Flower Section Authentication

The rear flower section displays notable color differences between authentic and fake figures. Authentic pieces feature deeper pink and yellow coloring, while fakes use lighter pink and orange tones. Additionally, fake figures show color bleeding at the boundaries between different colors.

Back Wing Section Authentication

Authentic figures maintain spacing between the right and left wings, whereas fake figures show the wings connected without any gap.

Foot Bottom Section Authentication

The sole of authentic figures displays manufacturer and country of origin engravings, which are absent on fake figures. Furthermore, authentic figures feature a gap between both feet, while fake figures show the feet completely connected.

Professional Authentication Services

The authentication points presented represent only a portion of the identification methods used. While some differences can be detected with the “naked eye,” tools such as “high-resolution digital microscopes” can reveal minute differences that are otherwise difficult to detect.

As counterfeit manufacturing techniques continue to improve daily, identifying fake products becomes increasingly difficult for non-experts. SNKRDUNK employs professional authenticators who conduct extremely high-precision authentication services for secondary market purchases.

Important Note: These authentication points are based on specific fake examples and may not apply to all counterfeit products. The manufacturing quality of counterfeits varies, and new methods of counterfeiting continue to emerge.

Conclusion

This guide has outlined the key differences between authentic and fake Sonny Angel “Flower Gift” figures. While visual inspection can reveal some differences, professional authentication services provide the most reliable method for ensuring authenticity in secondary market transactions.

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What is SNKRDUNK Lab?

At SNKRDUNK Lab, we’re dedicated to combating the social and economic issues caused by counterfeit goods. We’re doing this by improving our authentication technology and raising public awareness about fakes.

By strengthening our partnerships with local and global experts and research institutions, we’re combining technology, data, and human expertise to set the new standard for authentication.

Our Main Activities

Investigating and Researching Counterfeit Goods
SNKRDUNK currently maintains an authentication accuracy rate of 99.97%. We will continue to conduct research and investigations, utilizing Japan’s largest database of counterfeit products to stay ahead of the curve.

Improving Our Authentication Technology
By introducing and researching various tools, including X-ray, infrared, and microscopes, we are enhancing our technology to ensure we can authenticate every single item.

Communicating for Public Awareness
We will regularly publish market reports based on our partnerships with external organizations and experts, as well as on insights and research findings gathered from the field.

Read more about SNKRDUNK Lab here.

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