How Japanese toys changed the world (video).

In the grand tapestry of global pop culture, Japanese toys and models hold a thread that’s as vibrant and intricate as a well-stitched Godzilla suit. Imagine, if you will, a world without the thunderous roar of Godzilla, the transforming finesse of Transformers, or the pixelated adventures courtesy of Nintendo. It’s a bleak world indeed, and thankfully one we don’t have to endure.

Let’s embark on a journey, guided by the illuminating video hosted by John Daub, through the colorful and often surprising history of Japanese toys, beginning with the revelation that the first Godzilla toy was actually a 1960s imitation. That’s right, the King of Monsters started as a King of Copycats in toy form. But let’s not hold it against him – after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and Godzilla has been flattering cities by flattening them since the 1950s.

Moving from gargantuan lizards to tiny tin toys, the early days of Japanese toy manufacturing were humble yet inventive. Crafted from materials like tin and wood, these playthings were more than just objects of amusement; they were symbols of post-war resilience and creativity. Who knew tin could hold so much tenacity?

Then came the 1960s, a decade marked by the rise of soft vinyl and plastic, materials that turned out to be the fairy godmothers of the toy world. Suddenly, toys could be more detailed, more realistic, and more… rubbery. It was the era of Godzilla figures that looked like they could actually breathe atomic breath (albeit on a much smaller and less destructive scale).

The 1970s saw Japan’s toy industry shift gears from giant monsters to giant robots. These diecast metal robots, complete with action features that would make any kid’s jaw drop, took the world by storm. And let’s not forget their most famous offspring – Transformers. Born from the Japanese toy line Microman, Transformers are a classic ‘rags to riches’ tale, going from humble Japanese origins to global superstardom.

Ah, the 1980s, when video games leaped from arcades to living rooms, and Japan was leading the charge. Nintendo, a company that began with playing cards (who would have thought?), changed the game with the Nintendo Entertainment System. Debuting in Japan in 1983 and arriving in the US a year later, the NES didn’t just entertain; it became a cultural phenomenon. It turned couch potatoes into princess-saving, mushroom-stomping, world-traveling heroes – all from the comfort of their living rooms.

And here’s a tidbit to make you rethink everything you knew about dolls: the iconic Barbie was initially manufactured in Japan. Yes, the quintessential American doll had her first ‘spa and makeover’ in Japan, a twist in the toy tale that’s as surprising as finding out Santa prefers sushi over cookies.

As we look to the future, as highlighted by Daub in his video, Japanese toys and models aren’t just playthings; they’re cultural artifacts. They tell stories of innovation, imagination, and the unyielding human spirit. They remind us that sometimes, the most profound influences come in the most playful packages.

So here’s to the Japanese toy industry – may it continue to bless our shelves with action figures, our living rooms with game consoles, and our hearts with the joy of play. And who knows what the future holds? Perhaps one day, we’ll all be collecting vintage holographic Godzilla figures, reminiscing about the good old days of plastic and pixels.