For years I've been collecting miniature Japanese collectables called Omake.
These capsule toys were issued by sweet companies like Glico, Lotte and Morinaga.
Tracking down the exact toys you want is a time-consuming business and I have to be honest and admit I haven't found any more Project SWORD miniatures for at least 2 years, despite knowing there are more out there [I lost some Noppin auctions].
Anyways here are a few pictures of lots I saw this year which caught my eye.
This lot has a tiny LP-style raygun toting blue astronaut. There's also a small silver jetplane, which reminds me of the silver missile jets in the JR21 Submarine Aircraft Carrier [see labels at bottom]. There's also a pinky silver jetplane, which recalls a Mighty Jack rocketship [see labels].
What do you think?
Here's a lot containing a neat UFO. It looks like the central red ball spins. Overall it recalls the T in a Circle UFO toy as well [see labels].
Last is this lot. The blue capsule is pretty neat and it looks like there's a tiny astronaut in there too. the small yellow spinner next to it is cool too. It may be a spinner as well.
Do you like these Japanese miniatures? Are they like any miniatures you have in your country?
I am a sucker for all these kinds of trinkets, charms, rings, pins and whatnot. However, the variety is (though many originate from HK) wholly different from these Japanese items.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about the Submarine Aircraft Carrier missile lookalike, most likely about the Maiti Jakku one too. Charming altogether!
Yes, they are quaint and super appealing aren't they Arto. I still have a few trinkets like this from Christmas crackers over the last decade. Moonbase Junior loves the box of compendium of games parts they have found the way into. Very tactile things.
DeleteSomething in the first photo immediately caught my eye.In the lower right hand corner is a Science Patrol communicator badge from the TV show Ultraman.The Science Patrol were a team of researchers who work to keep the world safe from monsters.unbeknownst to other members,one of them is actually Ultraman in disguise.the red and silver flying guy above the Science patrol badge is Ultraman(Ultraseven I think,there was many different Ultramen).That badge would have been popular with the kids from my neighborhood.We were always making our own Ultraman and Science Patrol costumes and weapons out of sticks,cardboard and aluminum foil.
ReplyDeleteFascinating Brian. A glimpse of another teenage sub-culture, one that I never came across. Ultraman completely passed me by but then again I'm nearly 59, it may have been on UK TV when I wasn't watching kids programmes in the mid-Seventies. I admire how the makers of Stranger Things have captured another teen sub-culture I was never part of, Dungeons and Dragons and the ensuing role playing games craze.
DeleteNice to see these Japanese Omake. They're new to me, Woodsy. Arto has a good point - small, simple, HK plastic captivated many of us as kids and often still does :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, lovely little things Tone. Charms is a good name for them. I wonder if all charms around the world have a more superstitious origin, the old small votive talismans that fended off malign spirits and bring good luck?
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