toys

Art May 13, 2018

Twenty-five years in the company of Maywa Denki

by Mio Yamada

Maywa Denki, Japan's "parallel-world electric company" celebrates quarter of a century of wacky art performances, peculiar gadgets and lots of humor.

National May 10, 2018

Toy exhibition featuring plastic Gundam models opens in Shizuoka with an eye on drawing younger fans

A major toy exhibition featuring new plastic models of anime robot Gundam and other characters opened Thursday in the city of Shizuoka, with vendors in attendance looking to attract new generations of fans. Some 80 companies are taking part in the annual Shizuoka Hobby Show. ...

National Apr 20, 2018

120 children needed treatment after accidentally swallowing magnetic balls: consumer center

Japan's consumer center said Thursday about 120 children were treated at medical institutions over the past seven years after swallowing tiny magnetic balls, and urged parents to keep such products away from children. The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan said it knows of 124 ...

Business / Corporate Apr 12, 2018

Toys R Us in talks to sell majority stake in Asia unit, including Japan business

by Alex K.T. Martin

Beleaguered retail chain Toys R Us Inc. is negotiating to sell its 85 percent stake in its Asian business, including the Japan operations. A spokeswoman at Toys R Us Japan headquarters in Kawasaki confirmed Thursday that Toys R Us Asia Ltd., its parent, is in ...

Business / Corporate Feb 27, 2018

New Zoids toy line will launch for the first time in 12 years

by Kazuaki Nagata

Tomy Co. said Tuesday it is gearing up to release its first new lineup of "mecha"-themed animal toys known as Zoids in 12 years. The firm said it plans to market the plastic models through the classic Japanese media-mix formula of anime, manga and video ...

Business / Tech Jun 1, 2017

At the Tokyo Toy Show, a blend of old and new targets fans of all ages

by Kazuaki Nagata

Holding a Bluetooth-enabled plastic toy gun with a smartphone attached, players fight virtual enemies appearing on the phone’s screen as it displays real surroundings. The augmented reality gun battle was on display at the annual International Tokyo Toy Show, which kicked off Thursday as makers ...

National May 20, 2017

Lego replica of Diet unveiled to mark Upper House's 70th anniversary

A miniature replica of the Diet made from Lego blocks has been put on public display to mark the 70th anniversary of the House of Councilors. The replica, 1/70 the size of the real building — is around 3 meters wide and 0.8 meter high, ...

Digital | ON: TECH Mar 18, 2017

Spring improvements: Learn to program, exercise for charity and then pour the perfect beer

by Chiho Komoriya

Ways to build a better understanding of coding Learning programming will become part of the Japanese elementary school curriculum from 2020, and this new toy from Sony Global Education and educational toy manufacturer Artec could give kids a head start. Called KOOV, this set of colorful ...

Business / Tech Oct 7, 2016

Robotic penguin hatches from Umarete Woomo interactive egg toy

by Kazuaki Nagata

An interactive toy that promoters hope will take the world by storm revealed its secret on Thursday after months of speculation. The egg-shaped product, named Umarete Woomo in Japan and Hatchimals in English, is developed by Canada-based Spin Master and hits the market Friday. It ...

Lifestyle Sep 29, 2016

'Hospital' for stuffed toys is bursting at the seams

by May Masangkay

When Seiko Kita took her 3-year-old to an Osaka hospital for treatment of injuries, including damage to her ears and other body parts, she never expected the service would be such a godsend. But Nuigurumi Byoin — a self-styled hospital for stuffed toys — came ...

Business / Tech Jun 9, 2016

Technology is the name of the game at International Tokyo Toy Show

by Kazuaki Nagata

As technology creeps into every aspect of life, the toy industry is putting up no defense. The invasion was on full display as the International Tokyo Toy Show kicked off Thursday. The nation's foremost toy trade show drew 160 exhibitors and about 35,000 toys at ...