Fantastic!- so much to see, I love the helmets, tricycles and the talkers and the hammers... oh I could go on..
Incredible finds man, my mind is reeling looking through all these pics. Both the Kyoto retro store and the Nara toy museum are true gems. I could pass most of a day in each, easily (much to the chagrin of anyone who was accompanying me, I am sure). I wish I had seen them when I was in either locales; albeit it is hard enough to identify stuff from the street in Japan - even when you know the area/address. These are definitely going on the list of notables if I ever return. Sadly the only toy museum I found there, and it took me a full day trip, was interesting but was much more 'historical' than say the stuff that interests most of the folks on here. The I am really into Godzilla is truly excellent too, love that one on many levels. It's fantastic this thread has become a library of Japanese toy culture unto itself. Thank you so much Moog for compiling this all for everyone to enjoy! I cannot stress enough how hard it would be come across some of these on your own, and you've done all the work for us, and saved it for further enjoyment.
Yeah, i visited Nara and i never saw this place, which isn't surprising. I saw a Japanese guy on his blog write that he couldn't find the place on his Sat Nav. Its obviously a bit out of the way! My pleasure mate, i have fun finding this stuff. I've got it all backed-up, too. More 'Aton Toy Museum' (Nara):
Ah, it's torture. I just need to be there! I barely speak a word of Japanese, but just feel like all the same I could talk to that guy for a good afternoon over the wonders of his shop, and all the stories he probably has. Oh my gosh, that wall of bagged heroes!!!!
Yeah, the hidden treasures in these shops is probably considerable - the photos only scratch the surface!
Damn... I am only going to be in Nara for one day in April and am meeting friends... and that museum is almost an our by car from where I'll be. Damnit.
That's a shame . . . but you still get to visit Japan you jammy-bastard - i'm sure you'll get over it
More gorgeous cabinet pics. Nice to see modern toys mixed right in there with the vintage. And that T-28 shelf, lovely. I always told myself, if ever I became a baller or had a disposable income I would shell out for one of those deluxe T-28s (and ideally the jumbo too). The play hours I can see in that are just endless. I envy anyone who has been able to enjoy the delights of it in person.
Totally. A very skilled display going on there, jaw dropping toys deserve to be displayed expertly. What a feast for the eyes!