Vintage Japanese Toys 1940s-1980s (Modern Toys From Japan) by William C. Gallagher

Table of Contents

Collector Bookstore Notes

Japanese tin litho toys, space toys and early colorful character toys from the 1950s - 1970s are highly sought by collectors. This is a fairly exhaustive reference to the Masudaya Toy Company, Japans oldest leading toy exporter.

Publishers Description

Known as the "Modern Toy" company from their trademark, the Masudaya Toy Company, Japan's oldest, was started in 1724 and is still in existence. The popular toys they have produced -- including aircraft, boats, cars, trucks, military vehicles, people, household appliances, space exploration, and much more -- depict real life events and have stimulated imaginations for centuries.

This outstanding book is the first on Japan's leading toy maker and worldwide exporter. It features over 1200 photos of colorful and charismatic toys, most dating from the 1950s to the 1970s, the "Golden Age" of Japan's leading export. Toys produced into the early 1980s, including those for foreign markets, are included as well. Descriptions for over 1800 toys include their years of production, type of action, size, and current value.

This essential reference guide will appeal to specialized and general toy collectors alike.