When you’re taking Japanese lessons, it’s fun to learn about certain aspects of Japanese culture. Japanese pop culture has made a significant impact in the United States and worldwide.
From electronic game consoles to action figures, Japan has had a long-standing influence on the worldwide toy market. You probably remember a lot of the items on this list, but never really knew their true origin.
Go ahead and embrace your inner child, it’s time to get nostalgic.
Do you remember your favorite childhood toy? While many popular toys today are based on digital devices or screen-based entertainment, there was a time when classic, analog toys were all the rage.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for those simpler times, take a trip down memory lane with this list of 10 Japanese toys from your childhood. Whether you loved playing with Gundam models or cruising around on your Chopper Bike, these classics are sure to bring back some fond memories!
What Toys Are From Japan?
Do you know what toys are from Japan? Some of the most popular (and beloved!) Japanese toys are:
- Nintendo
- BeyBlades
- Power Rangers
- Tamagotchi
- Hello Kitty
- Pokémon
…and many others!
Ready to learn more about the toy shopping experience in Japan? Check out this video of a Japanese toy store (and be sure to sign up for Japanese lessons ASAP!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQztCespzSk
What Are Japanese Toys Called?
Did you know that in Japan, almost all toys are called “character goods”? This includes items like plushes, keychains, and even some school supplies. The reason for this is that Japanese laws protect children from being exposed to too much advertising.
So, instead of calling their products by their names, toy companies use mascots or other characters to represent their brand.
These characters often become just as popular as the toys themselves, appearing in TV shows, movies, and video games.
In recent years, some Japanese character goods have even begun to gain a following overseas. So next time you see a fuzzy Pikachu or a smiling Hello Kitty, you’ll know they’re not just cute–they’re also big business.
What is the Most Popular Toy in Japan?
Many people around the world are fascinated by Japanese culture. Japan is known for its unique customs and trendy fashion, but what about its toys? What is the most popular toy in Japanese? To answer this question, we first need to take a look at the most popular Japanese toys of all time.
1. Nintendo®
Before today’s popular gaming consoles with real-life graphics and motion sensors, there was an Italian plumber named Mario who set out to save his beloved Princess from the forces of evil. The Nintendo® Entertainment System, which was created by the Nintendo Company in Kyoto, Japan, was released in North America in 1985. The game console was released along with the Super Mario Bros game, which became the best-selling video game of all time.
Since it’s creation, the Nintendo® brand has sold more than 4.3 billion video games, and the company has launched several popular game consoles like the Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and Nintendo Wii.
You may remember some of Mario’s friends like Donkey Kong and Zelda, in fact, they were probably an important part of your childhood.
2. BeyBlades
Beyblades are relatively more recent than a lot of the toys on this list, but the spinning, top-like contraptions bring us back to a simpler time. In the digital age full of iPads and electronic devices, Beyblades’ simple design took the toy market by storm.
The tops were made of plastic and metal, and with a limitless amount of color variations, they were very popular to collect. You could also square off with friends and compete to see who’s BeyBlades could stay spinning the longest.
According to the New York Times, the original wave of Beyblades were released in the early 2000s and were based on the Japanese fighting tops called bei-goma. The toys were reintroduced in Japan in 2008, with some more modern, high-tech upgrades. Since then, the toys have taken off in the United States.
In addition to the tops, there are also electronic Beyblade games and a Beyblade series on DVD.
3. Power Rangers
With several TV series, movies, spinoffs, and action figures, the Power Rangers are one of the most popular franchises in history. If you were a fan of the show, you probably had multiple action figures, complete with weapons, vehicles, and other super-hero type gadgets.
“The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” TV show started in the United States in 1993, and was based on the Japanese show “Super Sentai.” Action figures were created as a result of the show’s popularity, and new toys continued to be developed as other shows were created. The Power Rangers action figures were manufactured by Bandai, a toy company which was founded in Japan.
Although the show has been around for 20+ years, the toys are still popular. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Power Rangers toys generated $80 million in revenue in 2012.
4. Tamagotchi
Another Bandai product, the egg-shaped digital toys called Tamagotchi hatched in 1996, selling more than 40 million units worldwide. Aki Maita created the original virtual pet in Japan, and she did her market research in shopping districts in Tokyo.
The digital toys were widely popular and many brands released their own similar products. You may have had a love-hate relationship with your own Tamagotchi, but one thing is for sure, the electronic virtual pet probably gave you one of your first early lessons in responsibility.
Good news for you Tamagotchi fans, if you own an iPhone you can download the Tamagotchi classic app, which is also available for the new iWatch. Maybe you’ll have better luck taking care of your digital pet this time around!
5. Hello Kitty
One of the world’s most famous cats (or maybe not a cat, but we don’t need to get into the specifics), Hello Kitty was introduced in Japan in 1974. Created by the Sanrio toy company, Hello Kitty’s image has been used on toys, stationary, stickers, accessories, apparel, and even a toaster that imprints her face onto your bread.
The Sanrio company has been around in Japan since the 1960s, but the franchise has expanded to the United States and worldwide. Besides Hello Kitty, you may remember some of Sanrio’s other characters like Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, and Pochacco. These Japanese squishy toys are some of the most popular!
6. Pokémon
Maybe you remember the cards, maybe you remember the games, but when it comes to Pokemon, you definitely remember the madness!
Pokémon was created in 1996 when Satoshi Tajiri collaborated with Nintendo to create the video game. Nintendo released a Game Boy game, and a few months later the first Pokemon trading cards appeared in Japan. Three years later, the cards made their way to store shelves in the United States.
Since the release in 1996, Pokémon has been turned into an animated show, a movie, action figures, plush toys, and more. You may not be able to catch them all, but you probably caught Pokémon fever as a child.
7. Japanese Robot Toys 1980s
In the 1980s, a new type of toy began to appear on store shelves around the world: the Japanese robot toy. These toys, which were often inspired by popular anime and manga characters, captivated the imaginations of children everywhere.
FromTransformers to Voltron, there were seemingly endless possibilities for what these robots could do. In addition to their cool designs and features, many of these toys also came with exciting backstories that further enhanced their appeal.
As a result, Japanese robot toys quickly became some of the most popular products of the 1980s. Thanks to their enduring popularity, they continue to be produced even today.
8. Japanese Gumball Toys
Japanese Gumball Toys, also called gummi toys, are a type of candy that originated in Japan. The candy is made from sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin, and is often brightly colored and flavored.
Gummi toys are popular among children and adults alike, and can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Most gummi toys are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, making them perfect for party favors or gifts. They’re like a combination of toys and candy!
While they may look delicate, gummi toys are actually quite tough and can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique candy to try, be sure to check out Japanese Gumball Toys!
9. Japanese Capsule Toys
Japanese capsule toys are a unique and popular collecting hobby. These small toys are typically dispensed from machines, similar to vending machines, and they come in a wide variety of themes and designs.
Many people enjoy collecting capsule toys because of the element of chance involved in finding the perfect toy.
Each time a customer puts a coin into the machine, they have the opportunity to discover a new and exciting toy. In addition, capsule toys are often very affordable, making them a great way to start or expand a collection. For many people, the appeal of capsule toys lies in their cute designs and their potential to be both valuable and rare.
With so many different types of capsule toys available, there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a fun way to pass the time or you are hoping to find that elusive rare toy, Japanese capsule toys offer an enjoyable and affordable option.
10. Japanese Toy Cars
Japanese toy cars are miniature versions of real-life vehicles. They are designed to look like their full-size counterparts and often feature intricate details that make them realistic and collectible. These toy cars come in a wide range of styles, from racing cars to everyday vehicles.
Many are licensed replicas of popular brands, such as Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. Others are generic models that resemble real-life cars but are not exact copies. Japanese toy cars are available in a variety of sizes, from small die-cast models to larger plastic ones.
They can be bought ready-made or assembled from kits.
Most toy cars are powered by batteries and have working lights and sounds. Some even come with remote controls. They make great gifts for children and collectors alike. They are also popular items for use in Scalextric and slot car racing sets.
Where to Find Other Cute Japanese Toys
Japan is home to some of the cutest toys in the world. From Hello Kitty to Pikachu, there are hundreds of adorably designed characters that have captured the hearts of children and adults alike. And it’s not just the big name brands that are responsible for this – even small, independent toy makers in Japan have a knack for creating incredibly cute products.
One great example is KAWAII Online Shop, an online retailer that specializes in kawaii (meaning “cute” in Japanese) toys and accessories. Some of their most popular items include kawaii keychains, phone charms, and stationery. Everything they sell is super affordable and sure to put a smile on your face.
Another fantastic option for finding cute Japanese toys is through Amazon Japan. This website has a wide range of products available, including many hard-to-find items that you won’t find anywhere else. Best of all, you can have your purchases delivered right to your door – no need to worry about shipping costs or customs fees.
So if you’re looking for some seriously adorable Japanese toys, be sure to check out KAWAII Online Shop and Amazon Japan. You’re sure to find something that will make you smile – and feel a bit nostalgic for your own childhood, too!
Japanese Toys for Every Taste!
These are just some of many toys created in Japan that became worldwide sensations. You might want to learn the words for them in your Japanese lessons!
If you’re looking for a way to inject some fun into your adult life, or just want to reminisce about the good old days, try out these Japanese toys from your childhood. With a little effort, you can probably find most of them online and have them shipped right to your door.
And who knows? You might just rediscover that sense of joy and wonder you felt when you were a kid. How many of these classic Japanese toys did you play with as a child?
Let us know in the comments below!
How many of these toys do you remember? Which ones were your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
®
Maile Proctor