We all know that Japanese artists and designers create some of the strangest stuff on the planet, and that their creative efforts make the world a much more colorful place to live. Their whimsical and eyecatching designs seem to shine brightest when they're brought to life in toy form, and then we not only get to look at their wacky designs- we get to play with them!
Here are ten weird and wonderful toys created in the Land of the Rising Sun-
1. Pachi Pachi Clappy-
One handed clapping is now ridiculously easy thanks to the Pachi Pachi Clappy toy, the toy that does all the clapping for you!
Pachi Pachi Clappy has two "big soft squishy hands" on top and a funny lil' face in front, so you can carry your own private cheering section around with you wherever you go!
2. Jaws-Kun Puppet for Toothpaste Guidance-
Teaching kids how to properly brush their teeth is hard since we don’t have flip top heads, and that set of plastic choppers sitting on your dentist’s desk is downright creepy, so a puppet with a full set of teeth makes sense.
But did the final product have to be so creep-tastically adorable? I don't know if I want to brush its teeth or burn it with fire!
Heres more info from the company's website, courtesy of Google translate-
I am very active in leadership with the impact in the big mouth of width 24cm. I can learn Shine difficulty of back teeth with vertical guidance and Shine "cheek".
3. Fat Cute Soldiers-
Remember those little green soldiers who patrolled the toybox when you were a kid? Well, I think these Fat Cute Soldiers ate those little green troopers and still had room for dessert! Part social commentary, part throwback toy, the Fat Cute Soldiers are 8 kinds of awesome!
Kobitos are strange little dwarf creatures created by Japanese artist Toshitaka Nabata, and together they make up the Kobito Dukan, or dwarf encyclopedia.
They're kinda like the Pikmin, but their kimokawaii (ugly cute) looks and their strange personalities make them way more interesting, and more toy friendly!
Everything from vinyl and plush toys to cell phone cases and clothing have been made bearing their unique likenesses, so you can surround yourself with Kobitos and be happy forever!
5. Utamin Theramin Toy-
The Utamin Music Toy may look simple on the outside, but inside it's got all kinds of electronic guts and an infrared sensor that makes it operate like a simplified theremin.
Watch this video and see how Utamin can kill the quiet in your quiet life!
6. Doraemon Ultimate Combining SF Robot-
Doraemon isn't the most action packed anime star who ever scrambled across the small screen, but a Robo Doraemon would probably be a cat of action, an explosive force for goodness!
And when he combines with his robo-friends their round headed little bodies join to form Voltron Chogokin Ultimate Combining SF Robot Fujiko!
7. Fruits Zombie-
The zombie craze has finally reached the produce section thanks to the Fruits Zombie collection, creepy and tasty vinyl toys available in 6 different flavors, all ready to stand around and stare at you!
8. Tuttuki Bako Finger Game-
You can't have a list about Japanese toys without including something digital you can interact with, so here's the Tuttuki Bako Finger Game.
A small box with a screen begs you to stick your finger in its hole and see what happens, and although that would normally be a terrible idea the Tuttuki Bako makes poking around fun again!
9. Chat Tororin Bathing Toy-
Do you find yourself wishing you had someone to talk to while you bathe? Now your bath time can be blather time with the Chat Tororin Bathing Toy, a talking buddy for your tub. From the website:
Consist of 17 types of chatter and 3 types of humming that you will surely enjoy. Bathing will never be boring while having this chatter with you.
Well said!
10. Statue Of Liberty Is Too Free figures-
Let's end this list with a Japanese toy line that may cause controversy in the U.S., a toy line featuring our beloved Statue Of Liberty feeling all kinds of free, just like a real life lady!
She lounges around looking at her tablet, bends over backwards in some sort of Yoga position and generally defies the stereotype that she's a big stiff. Freedom ain't free, so shut up and take my money, Japan!
I hope you've enjoyed this trip down the apanese toy aisle, and if you've suddenly realized you must own one of these strange toys guess what- you totally can!
The internet is a wondrous place full of stores from around the world willing and able to sell you strange toys! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find out which one of my credit cards isn't maxed out...
Ok, now for my pun: I guess it's all about the (army) base.