Re: 1983 Japanese Toy Show video
Wow, what a video!!
Thanks so much for sharing that Phil. It is a shame it is of such low quality and colour in some places, but even still, marvelous. I would have loved to have narration too. To think what it would have been like to be able to visit that show now and see (and experience) it in person. I wanted every shot to last so much longer, but considering it is already 24mins and how much there is to cover, astounding job. When I think of all the tape this person must have had to make, and then the editing of it at the time - the person was clearly incredibly enthusiastic about the show as well.
So much stuff to cover, so I will just give a few shoot outs and comments:
- tonnes of stuff there for any mecha or Transformers fans. It was a glorious time for those toys. And I think it was the main highlight of the year's show, as the trend began to explode. Interesting to see what I take to be an Optimus Prime with the Diaclone logo on the truck. And of course Micromen.
- did anyone else notice what seemed like a few riffs from a primitive version of the Tetris theme playing when the video cames first came up (I think I spied Donkey Kong)?
- lots of mini cars and ChoroQ toys shown off; and the ones that were electrified looked they charged up by an old USB-style connector! Ah, the future was there all along.
- I was really excited when I saw the Takatoku Toys sign pop up. That is when you know you have gone too far as a toy nerd.
- there might have been some sofubi and even action figures covered, but it seems like whenever there was a glimpse it was just a momentary tease before heading back to the robo-centric stuff.
- finally, the Ultra stuff!!! This was just there for a second, but it was exactly what I was waiting for; the timing was just right for the post-vintage Bandai boom. I think the display might have even had some heritage Popy figures in it for the discerning eye.
- LOVE that there was a ROTJ display. I am guessing from the timing and the scope covered, this was a preview or teaser of the line before the film even came out.
- I don't know what the Kawada display was, or what they were selling, but I want it. Those ships/playsets/robots were awesome.
- as mentioned, the Machine Robo belt seemed to have been a highlight of the show, and I can see why.So many more... Anyways, fantastic toys to be seen, excellent coverage, and such a pleasure to watch. A real delight for any toy fan. The next best thing to revisiting a Japanese toy show oneself. More reasons for me to get off my butt and finalise that time machine.
