Eiji has uploaded a more technical blog post outlining the features of this yoyo here. So for that reason, Ill tell you a short story of what actually happened to end up here.
When I first moved to Japan, I specifically moved to Osaka for drifting. But more so - it was the first place where I made a friend that immediately welcomed me with open arms. As someone who grew up in Canada all my life, I felt like I had bit off more than I could chew. Moving to another country is one thing - but going to a place where you don't even speak the language, where the culture is completely 180 from the western world - now that was a different story.
But in 2016 I unknowingly met someone from the city I would eventually call home. Eiji, the owner of the brand MOWL was attending EYYC and while we only briefly spoke that was the first moment he showed me his project - the MOWL M. Unknowingly 9 years later his brand would take Japan by storm and even to this day has one of the most hard core fan bases I have ever seen.
So when I finally arrived in Osaka, with everything I own in one backpack he was the only person I even knew of who lived there. I called him up not knowing if he would even remember who I was. At the time I was living in a hostel, sharing a room with 14 other people. And the part I never really mention to people is that I was genuinely miserable. I felt like I made a mistake giving up my life in Canada. In Japan even trying to rent a place is extremely difficult since I am a foreigner that doesn't speak the language - even getting a phone number was misery.
We met up for a few drinks and I talked a bit about my struggles of coming to Japan. I really just wanted to vent. But to my surprise, Eiji for no reason other than kindness started looking for places. Any leads, he would text me that there might be a home available that welcomed foreigners. And in the span of a month, he helped me secure a place to live. He also was able to get all my Japanese documents in order for utilities and by some miracle was able to put a roof over my head. I moved all my things from the hostel I was bumming at into a fully furnished place. For the first time in Japan I had a home. Because of some one from 2016 I met once in Europe.
That apartment is where I would end up staying for the 2 years I lived there. I would see Eiji on a weekly basis, and during that time I would meet many connections through him. I met local bar and restaurant owners, people who were genuinely doing cool stuff. Artists. He would invite me to events. And he was always happy to join for dinners to catch up. I slowly started to feel like Osaka was genuinely my new home. Eiji probably doesn't know it - but he gave me a life in Japan, for no motive other than kindness to a stranger. And for this reason - when he asked me to help him design a Plastic version of the yoyo that started it all for MOWL, I was more than happy to return the favour. It was the least I could do.
When I looked at MOWL products the main thing that really stands out is the incredible artwork. His products are often a canvas for graphics. With the aluminum M yoyo, it was obvious one of the main features was the flat area around the rim. This area gave Eiji a huge space to engrave. Immediately I knew I wanted this area for the Plastic M to be larger. After all - being made of plastic it needed a thicker rim anyway.
Initially released in Japan, the first version is inspired by the minimalist Luftverk Graphics but with roman numerals on the edge as a homage to the design language of MOWL products. Only 66 units were made in this minimalist style.
But Eiji and his team cooked up a second version - something that we agreed would be full on MOWL aesthetics. I wanted to give him this freedom to really showcase his graphics and style. And when I saw the end result I was floored.
Some details that really amazed me was his ability to not only use the flat surface of the yoyo, but to accentuate the curves. The lines from the edge going to the hub create a vortex effect adding to the natural shape of the yoyo, something that graphics usually distract from. The iconic MOWL logo in the center creates nostalgic memories of the aluminum model.
I was hesitant on doing so many colors - but Eiji insisted on doing the full catalog creating an incredible display. His creative direction and vision was extremely strong for this project - inspiring me to visualize what is actually possible with product development and design.
The play characteristics is definitely less of a competition plastic but more so a balanced all around player. When I first received the prototype I was shocked how much it felt like a Fulvia and a 000 middle ground, something more fun but still powerful enough to get through some longer tricks. The hub as well is thicker creating some welcomed centerweight for a nostalgic toy-like feel. This combined with the colors and graphics really make this yoyo feel "fun" and less serious than what is commonly available in the market these days. And of course - this uses the same Injection Machining technology as the Plastic 000 and Fulvia.
We worked on this project for over a year now - so it is exciting to finally get to this point of the journey. But more importantly - this project represents a friendship between two brands in a cut throat industry that have stood the test of time. Not only does this yoyo add to the growing MOWL M lineage, but it will forever be something I look back on, for all the good memories I shared with Eiji in Osaka, Japan together.
MOWL Plastic M will be available on Friday Nov 28th, 2025 12:00am (Midnight) on the Luftverk Website as a part of our Black Friday Sales.
MOWL Plastic M
Diameter: 58.6 mm
Width: 47.2 mm
Weight: 66.7 ± 0.5 grams
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When I released the titanium version of the Revora, I had one goal in mind. Challenge myself to design a solid state product in an era where that is no longer the normal. In a way - it was a challenge to myself to see if Luftverk's evolving design language could stack up against todays multi-material engineering marvels.
Hard to believe it has been 10 years of Luftverk. What started out as a titanium only passion project in my parents basement has grown significantly through product releases of various materials. Last few years have been a challenge creatively to draw up more interesting designs that are worthy of a titanium flagship release.
Jeffrey Pang
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