Vintage Toy Hunting in Tokyo, Japan - May 2023 - Toy Polloi

[@Raggedyman72]

If you can't get to Japan, Mandarake and Surugaya have online stores that will ship overseas.

[@Jason_Fisher]

I spotted a few things in your video I’d love to grab if I were there. I live in Australia so a trip to Japan is probably not that crazy from here. Thanks for the opportunity to ‘window shop’ with you.

[@brianbuchmeier]

I’m in the midst of planning my next trip to Japan. I’ll be traveling to different areas but still going to save a few days for toy hunting in Tokyo😁

[@RageONTv]

Loved this video. I will never be able to go to these places so it’s nice that you can take us with you! Saw a lot of cool ghostbusters items !

[@Galvatim]

Looks like you had a great trip! I recognize that Transformers Buzzsaw cassette, it was included with the reissue Soundblaster (black recolor of Soundwave with a double cassette chest). The robot sticker shows Fortress Maximus' weak spot when placed in Soundblaster.

[@toypolloi]

Thanks! It looked so new I thought it must be a re-issue. Still nice to have.

[@garym6315]

This used to be how i would feel when i first started attending comic cons back in 1998, then over time the stall decolved in to 90% Funko Pop and the rest being geeky T-shirts, candy, jewellery and modern toys you can buy anywhere online. I miss the days of seeing vintage and rare toys being sold.

[@tylervanpeursem7627]

Ikr! Barely find anything anymore because funkos take up half the store smh

[@LewisChristisonVids]

If I ever get to Japan I'd go after the sofubi monstsers, various keshi, and gashapons. I'd also be hunting for any nice Misato Katsuragis.

[@chrisbarnes4222]

Nice haul the orange car is goldymarg from gaogaigar

[@toypolloi]

Thanks.

[@Androo.B]

I haven't seen a black Gatchaman keshi, will have to keep a look out for them. Some very nice items there.

[@evanlindsey1100]

That little kit figure is Goldymarg, an add-on robot for Gaogaigar. Goldmarg has two other forms, a truck and a hand and a massive hammer. Gaogaigar was the last of the Yusha (Brave) series, which was a sequel of sorts to Transfomers. It also saw the rerelease of Henshin Cyborg, as the main character, Cyborg Gai, had a Henshin Cyborg figure nade of him.

[@TOKYOTOYBANZAI]

Hopefully I can join you on a hunt next time you are back! Always fun meeting up :) Next time I'll take you to one of my favorite hidden gems ;)

[@toypolloi]

We will be back. Maybe sooner this time!

[@benjaminkitaura498]

If you’re in Japan you should check out Hiroshima area too. It would be awesome to show you around the local stuff here.

[@ostrak1725]

I did not realize your toy hunts involved international travel! You are a legend!

[@toypolloi]

Only sometimes. Tokyo is my favourite place to toy hunt.

[@PizarrosPieces]

Only just watched. Great memories and I miss Japan. Putting all my videos together makes me happy 😅 great stuff mate and good pick ups

[@toypolloi]

Thanks 👍 It feels a long time ago already. We will be heading back as soon as we can.

[@eltenda]

I'm glad you made it back to Japan ! Thanks for the video!

[@alxsimovic]

Not sure if you are still in Tokyo but try Hobby off Kamiedo, Higashi-Kurume, Machida and Machida central they are not shopped a lot as they are a bit out of the way. There is also two Super Bazaars on the way to Chiba that are very good as well ! also now there a flea markets in Kawagoe and at the funabashi racetrack where you can sometimes find good toys. Don't forget to have a look at Treasure factory stores as they will also have second hand toys. I found a 1977 Tie fighter on card at one of these stores for 5500yen!

[@jasonburrows1875]

Luv the vid .loads of cool stuff to see in Japan

[@TheSimTetuChannel]

I probably bumped into you without even realizing it! Looks like we hit the sames stores in May! 🤣

[@toypolloi]

😎 Next time.

[@TheSimTetuChannel]

@@toypolloi It's like watching a part of the footage of my trip that I didn't take! I almost bought that Raiders' golden idol!

[@alexgarnett5373]

Great video! Tokyo is such a great place you never know what you’ll find. The guitar district Ochanimizu is amazing too. ❤

[@Tim-57]

Hey Dave Was great to see you and MrsTP travelling to Japan again😊 Pretty cool finds. Take care

[@antman2919]

Thanks for sharing Dave, what an excellent trip.

[@lthunter8329]

Damn! 3:59 Airgam Boys... That was unexpected!

[@fanglord13]

Absolute greatest spot for vintage toys in Tokyo is Koenji. So many amazing little stores covering a range of interests, though opening times are variable amongst them so would need two separate visits to cover all of them. 2000toys, Splash Toys, Kiarry's, Happy Go Lucky, Wolfman, Drodd Toys, Star Case, and Knot-A-Toy..... All amazing in their own right. Can go slightly further afield to T3-Toys (closed when visited sadly) and a few closer to Asagaya station.

[@ragamuffin66]

Orange robot is Goldymarg from GaoGaiGar

[@toypolloi]

Thanks!

[@dazatronsdioramallama6370]

Awesome finds! Glad you had a great trip. I can always count on you to highlight some Microman goodness! Those Gatchaman rubbers are great, never seen those 😄

[@treasuresfortrigger915]

Great to see you got to all your favourite spots in Tokyo Dave, always worth paying a bit extra especially for the stuff that was exclusively released in Japan. 👍

[@Sabacc]

So nice to see this as I was in Tokyo in February and went to many of the same places.

[@ReynoldsReviews]

Wow Dave a plethora of goodies, Hobby Off looks like an unbelievable place to go shopping, maybe one day lol. Thanks for taking us along 🙏🏻

[@TOKYOTOYBANZAI]

The Ultraseven was made around 1990-1991 by Plex /Yutaka (both subsidiaries of Bandai). They produced loads of figures in that same format, inlcuding Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Dragon Ball, and even Michael Keaton's BATMAN. I collect them loose and boxed. Love em!

[@toypolloi]

Cool. I am sure you told me all this. I just forgot!

[@Psychlist1972]

I was just in Akihabara for the second time in March. Last time was in 2019. It really did change a bunch. Still love it, though. I had no idea about Nakano. I'll have to check that out next time. :)

[@catspyjamass]

What changed?

[@Psychlist1972]

@@catspyjamass More expensive, and many of the small shops are gone. The whole blind-bag thing seems to have gone away (my kids loved those, basically a themed shopping back full of random stuff). Just different products and types of products. It's still a great visit that I wouldn't hesitate to go to again, but the pandemic did a number on it, I think. From what I understand from others, the changes have been continuous anyway, and the place 10 years ago was far more different than now, even. I've only been twice.

[@MartinFutter70]

Lots of lovely stuff to look at and of course buy! Love your little VINcent he's nice, get me one of those when you go back please...

[@kaaawasakiproductions]

I love toy shopping in Japan!!

[@davecardoza4762]

Oh yes my good friend Dave! When it comes to Japanese toys, I think of Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, Astro Boy, robots from the 70s and 80s. Also I would love to get the Ultraman & third party transforming robots. Dragon Ball is also on my favorites list. Great video and toy hunting Dave. That's a nice haul you have there. Thank you. 👍🏻🙏🏼

[@sithcarebear1]

Nice Haul Dave!! I hope you enjoyed your trip to Japan. My daughter finishes her degree in Japanese there next Spring and I can’t wait to visit her. I’ve always wanted to go. Thank you for showing me some of the amazing shops I can find. Cheers!

[@toypolloi]

Very cool!

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

I was wondering when you would take a trip out to tokyo again. Glad you enjoyed your time here.

[@michaelb2228]

Cyborg takes me back to my childhood here in the UK in the early 70's. I also had the Muton and another whose name I cannot remember. Happy Times indeed.

[@jeffholt9437]

Android!!!!!! God, yes, I wish iI still had mine too. It does make you wonder - when did they "go missing" and where did they go? I'd love to get them again (plus the green Dr Who looking monster suit for Muton) but would struggle to justify the outlay - oh well......😊

[@MrRetroUK]

Hey! as someone that lives in Tokyo... please stop giving away my secret spots! lol

[@toypolloi]

Sorry!

[@banzaibobA7V]

What a fantastic haul! I can't wait for 2025 as we'll be heading back to Japan as well (by way of South Korea). We had thought to go maybe next year, but have to do some work on the house first. Although our main plan is to visit Shikoku this time, we'll be in Tokyo for a few days before we leave. I'll definitely be stopping off at Akiba and Nakano Broadway for some toy hunting.

[@jime6688]

Japan looks like a great place. Hope to go someday.

[@hereiam6149]

yea they dont care about star wars or anything western

[@toypolloi]

What makes you say that? The love Star wars and western toys. They are just harder to get there.

[@jime6688]

@@toypolloi it looks like there is plenty of love for Star Wars there.

[@thehobbyist1162]

I can't wait to go back in May this year.

[@frankenjstein9371]

Microman, Micronauts, Pulsar. That's all I would want.

[@ponchostoybox]

Lovely things! Good trip

[@CarbonScoring]

what a fantastic video! Did you see any vintage Space Battleship Yamato / StarBlazers items? I scanned the video twice looking for some in the display cases…

[@toypolloi]

I did, but not shown in the video. Cheers

[@BrynSmith76]

I would love to go to Tokyo. It looks so great there. One day... One day 😊

[@dennissmith5807]

I love Mandarake. Went to the one in Fukuoka about 15 years ago.

[@MichaelHeffner-ky6pc]

Dave I was wrong it's Ken The Eagle, Joe The Condor, Jun The Swan, Ryu The Owl, and Jenpei The Swallow. Had to shake a few cobwebs out of my brain. Lol

[@davidmiller5724]

They have grate stuff

[@ivantsang2156]

I always love the Japanese mechs toys such as gundams !❤🎉😊

[@MadMax76er]

I had that battle of the planets ship at 1:13! Adored it

[@toypolloi]

I have the Popy version. I couldn't afford the one in the video :(

[@MikeSidious]

The Episode l Naboo Fighter & Mini Figure set was also released here in Australia in 1999 through Big W stores.

[@toypolloi]

Oh cool. I didn't know that.

[@mx472000]

Amazing Zoids sets!

[@Triad3Force]

I'd love to visit Japan, and my trip would definitely be toycentric :D

[@AlanVByrnes]

And your in Japan awesomeness 😃😃😃 hopefully I’ll come real soon really need to get to them 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@JinzoCrash]

The little red robot at 24:40 is from an anime called "GaoGaiGar". Another warning... if you ever get the Henshin Cyborg of "ShishiOh" from GaoGaiGar... BEWARE. His rubber hair and weapons are STICKY, so much that the color comes off. And it's not uncommon his outer clear plastic skin has CRACKS in it already!

[@JinzoCrash]

Oh duh, case in point lol. A LOT of the reissued Henshins from around that 2000s period suffered from this, sadly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKakZWluga2JZpY

[@jfw60]

Mandarake I have to go there one day.

[@nickjohnjames30]

Great video Dave!

[@AlanVByrnes]

Was thinking about you and missed you and all your toys 👏👏👏 so I decided to Sub and come back can’t wait to see what stuff you got pal 😎😎😎

[@jeffholt9437]

Lack of suitcase space Dave? Save up all your old clothes for the trip and then throw them all away before you come back (apart from the clothes you're wearing - naked plane travel is a no no) - sorted!!!!!! Also, please tell us what you took and traded for your next trip video please (someone else asked the same)?

[@themonkeyhand]

The Cindy doll is decorated with Rilakkuma.

[@xcusemesg]

Hi Dave. Saw your youtube and am amazed with your insights. Any recommended shops or contacts which/who buy/sell vintage Astro boy toys in tokyo?

[@toypolloi]

Hey, all of the places I mentioned in this video really. You'll find lots at Nakano Broadway.

[@UnicronHound]

Hey Toy Polloi, That G1 buzzsaw is POSSIBLY from G1 Soundblaster's reissue just because of it's condition. When they released Soundblaster he came with Buzzsaw and that's when he started having the Fort Max picture on him, displaying Fort Max's weak points.

[@toypolloi]

I think you are right. It looks very new.

[@MichaelHeffner-ky6pc]

Ken, Joe, Princess, Ryu, Jenpei,....fellow Gatchaman freak here,....lol.

[@kaaawasakiproductions]

I found a lot of great toys and good deals in Osaka!!

[@cyberfrank-bx2nv]

very nice trip!

[@TOKYOTOYBANZAI]

Glad you liked all the trade bits! I'm loving all the Ghostbusters and M.A.S.K. you brought for me :) Oh! That orange "transformer-ish" robot is from a late 90's anime called Gao Gai Gar - which is actually connected to the first wave of Neo Henshin Cyborgs as well!

[@garymoore1975]

Tokyo is my favorite city to visit. Are you familiar with the SW store Star Case? This is the best dedicated SW store that I’ve found in Japan. I was lucky enough to visit in April and was able to pickup a Takara MOC that was produced in Japan.

[@toypolloi]

Hi, yes I've been to Starcase. The prices always seem really high so I very rarely buy anything from there.

[@garymoore1975]

@@toypolloi yes, the prices are certainly high. I’ll be checking out some of your recommendations on my next trip! Great video and awesome pickups 👍🏽

[@hereiam6149]

25:52 its a space suit, watch seven

[@Wisconsin_Local_139_Crane_Guy]

The first few min you spoke in the background. Whatever you did, it was great. On point with the video. Mabe it continues on, but I didn’t want to forget to tell you that.

[@shockwave7513]

As a Transformers collector I've often wondered, and maybe you can answer this for me, but how common is it to find those figures that are Japan exclusive, like from Headmasters, Masterforce, Victory, or the Japanese Beast Wars lines. Are they rare there too, or are they as common to find as we find Soundwave's and Starscream's?

[@toypolloi]

You do see them. But as mentioned all TF's seem so expensive.

[@hereiam6149]

theres some interesting kamen rider stuff in four inch scale from recent years, have you considered collecting any of them?

[@tylervanpeursem7627]

Oh what id do to actually visit these places

[@white8crow]

I "figured" you went to Japan. Har, har! ;)

[@popdetective1000]

Do you ever find any of the Little Jammer items?.

[@looselycollected7505]

I've always wanted to go to Japan to shop for collectibles. Especially Godzilla stuff. I have to ask, how do you get all of your treasures home?

[@toypolloi]

I put it all in my suitcase. I go with lots of bits to trade and try to fit in as much as I can on the way back.

[@adamlyle2069]

that model is from gagger its called goldimage

[@stefaanderop6171]

nirvana.🤩

[@MikeTheGamer77]

Goldymarg. Its from an anime by the name of Gao Gai Gar.

[@ryanmurphy-j8l]

have you ever come across Beast King GOLION /Voltron or know were i should look

[@hereiam6149]

wow star wars

[@portland-182]

What kind of stuff that you can get in the UK that is hard to get in Japan are you trading?

[@toypolloi]

Western toys. MOTU, Star Wars, Fisher Price Adventure People, RGB, M.A.S.K. , that sort of thing. Plus anything I am asked for.

[@portland-182]

@@toypolloi Thanks!

[@heroandflor]

What stores would you recommend for girly vintage toys? (like licca dolls)

[@toypolloi]

Madarake in Nakano have a store dedicated to dolls. You will also find loads in most Hobby Offs.

[@mehmeh6280]

How do you manage the language barrier when visiting Japan?

[@toypolloi]

I smile a lot. I don't speak any Japanese of use. Never had and issue. Just be polite.

[@monksmom1]

Hi, will you going to Softcon vol 4 on October 1st??

[@toypolloi]

I don't know what that is?

[@michaelleary9233]

Is Hobby Off part of the Book Off chain, we have some of them in California.

[@toypolloi]

It's is yes. Book off, hobby off, mode off, and hard off.

[@michaelleary9233]

@@toypolloi OK, I get the first three, but naming a game store Hard Off is very puzzling.

[@toypolloi]

Hardware. It does sound odd to a western ear 🤔

[@michaelleary9233]

@@toypolloi OH, I see. Yeah, my wife collects the Licca dolls, so we've run across some odd store names over the years with those as well.

[@JoseMedina-hs9st]

Toys R Us doesn't exist. No more here in America. I can't believe Japan still has one.

[@simonrhodes3105]

Latest care package is winging it's way to you as I write. hopefully it contains some stuff you👍 like

[@toypolloi]

I think it arrived today. I will check later. Thank you 🙏

[@bandicootcollector]

Hit me up! I can take you around the best spots in Osaka!

[@OfficialWes]

Lol, I would go broke first day in Japan.🎉

[@toypolloi]

You do have to pace yourself.

[@StillABigKid]

Is it still the case that most businesses, especially independent ones, only take cash?

[@toypolloi]

I only ever pay cash in the toy shops. But I am sure they do take cards.

[@Brian_is_Not_Sus]

Did you run into Pizarro's Pieces? Lol

[@toypolloi]

No. We missed each other, but only just. Next time.

[@mparkes1821]

Do you have to declare the toys through customs and pay tax on them or have you avoided it so far, I watch way too much of the Australian Border Patrol and it seems you can’t get away with anything over there lol

[@toypolloi]

I've never really thought about it. Not paid anything before. Many are gifts or trades so hard to prove a value I guess.

[@JinzoCrash]

I'm always up for seeing Microman / Micronauts figures... but I warn you... I know you love taking things apart, but you have an AWFUL lot of complexity in popping apart Spy Magicians. The plastic underneath that chrome is pretty brittle, too (I should know, as I've found some nice, translucent colors at times after having dechromed them with "LA Totally Awesome" cleaner from Dollar Tree.)

[@toypolloi]

They are tricky, and I have covered them before in videos.