東京おもちゃショー開幕　トレンドは技術詰まった育成玩具　ハイテク駆使してユニーク進化、多様化、細分化

Japan's largest toy trade fair, the Tokyo Toy Show 2025, opened on the 28th at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto Ward, Tokyo). This year's exhibit featured toys incorporating innovative ideas and high-tech technology. "Kid's toys," aimed at adults and driving the domestic toy market, which exceeds ¥1 trillion, have become more diverse and fragmented. Numerous character toys designed with the Christmas shopping season in mind were also on display. Packed with innovative ideas, popular products have also evolved. Bandai's Tamagotchi series, a popular nurturing game for all ages, introduced a new product, "Tamagotchi Paradise." Turning the zoom dial on the device changes the magnification of the displayed image, allowing users to "play care" while observing everything from the cellular level to the cosmic level. Sharp, exhibiting for the first time, exhibited "Poketomo," a companion robot developed using its proprietary AI technology. The meerkat-themed character robot communicates expressively through gestures and movements. It also connects with characters in smartphone apps, sharing conversations and other information with the robot. Toys aimed at "kidults" (a combination of "kids" and "adult"), adults who have retained their childlike spirit, are becoming more diverse. Figures in "closed packages"—where you don't know what's inside—are appealing because of their thrilling appeal, and many adults buy entire boxes in an effort to collect them all. Epoch's "Sylvanian Families Baby Collection" is especially popular among adult women, selling over 1 million units annually. Takara Tomy Arts' "PERIHAPI" series boasts meticulous detailing, allowing you to easily remove the figure by simply opening the perforations in the box. ■A meticulous reproduction of the life-size Gundam statue The Bandai Spirits robot figure "EXPO2025 Chogokin RX-78F00/E Gundam" is a meticulous reproduction of the life-size Gundam statue on display at the "GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION" at the ongoing Osaka-Kansai Expo. Both the level of reproduction and the price are now geared toward adults. Kawada's building block toy, "nanoblock Godzilla (2023) Deluxe Edition," recreates Godzilla's iconic roar from the movie "Godzilla 1.0" in a volume that measures 25cm tall and 40cm long, making it extremely satisfying to build. There are also plenty of character toys for Christmas. Takara Tomy's "Pokémon Smartphone Rotom SHAKE" uses its camera to take photos of your surroundings, and by shaking the device and blending the images, you can transform into a forest or ocean and explore Pokémon. Kamen Rider belts, a classic Christmas gift for boys, are also available. Bandai's "Transformation Belt DX Z Driver," worn by the protagonist in the latest film, "Kamen Rider Z," lights up the entire belt in a spectacular way. ■Market Size Exceeds 1 Trillion Yen for the Second Consecutive Year According to the Japan Toy Association, the domestic toy market in 2024 (based on suggested retail prices) is expected to reach 1.992 trillion yen, up 7.9% from the previous year. This is the second consecutive year following fiscal 2011 that sales have exceeded 1 trillion yen, and marks the highest figure since the survey began in 2001. The 62nd Tokyo Toy Show will feature approximately 35,000 items on display at booths from 210 companies, including 92 from overseas. The show will be open to the public for two days, August 30th and 31st. Tickets are sold online only and cost 2,000 yen for high school students and above, and free for junior high school students and younger. Last year, approximately 80,000 people visited over the four days. #kamenrider #tamagotchi #Licca-chan doll #beyblade #hatchimals #Baseball Pinball #robotic cat