TORI EYES began in 2019 as a simple dad joke. The wide-eyed chicken was born from the Japanese phrase 「とりあえずビール」 "let's start with a beer." Tori means bird, and aezu sounds like "eyes" so naturally, a star was born.
The gag grew. Soon there was a whole cast of characters inspired by Okinawan food, drinks, festivals, izakaya life, dad jokes and clever bilingual wordplay. Every friend represents something uniquely Okinawan — made to make you smile.
"Let's start with a beer." — where it all began.
From Sketch to Smile
The beginning of TORI EYES was very simple. In 2019, relaxing at home with family, a "dad joke contest" broke out as usual. Amid the jokes and laughter, this little doodle was born.
That was the very first form of Tori Eyes. Okinawan culture, food, wordplay, and the connections between people — all these precious things are packed into humor-filled characters.
TORI EYES isn't just a brand. It's a little story that started with a family's laughter — a beer-loving chicken who brightens good times, connecting people through food, drink and laughter.
TORI EYES Crew Cards
Click on the photos to open in a lightbox.
Cards 1 - 3
Cards 4 - 7
Shop the Merch
Collaborations
Let's make something together!
For izakayas - From branded coasters to limited-edition glassware, the crew is ready to pop up at eateries across the island. A perfect match for menus full of awamori, gōyā and good company.
For festivals - Whether it's a summer matsuri, a market stall or a co-designed merch drop with fellow artists, the punny crew is ready to bring smiles. Bring us into your next project!
TORI EYES & Friends would love to team up with local shops, izakaya, festivals and creators across Okinawa. Here are a few ways the crew can join the fun — get in touch to dream up your own.