The Japanese creator of building-block sets for children that have become popular in Asia and Europe believes toys should promote children's healthy growth and help them communicate with their parents.

Kanto Miyaji, 35, president of Xiao-All Japan Co. and a father himself, said in an interview that he created the blocks with the philosophy that "great toys are those that can increase the stimulation of children and that they can play with together with their parents and grandparents."

The blocks, called Columbus' blocks in Japan but Shall-Blocks in English, come with puzzles and games, targeting children from 18 months through 9 years old.