AltJapan

Get On Your Robot

Grendizer Go... in Austria, of all places, according to the description on flickr.

Compare and contrast to this one discovered in New Hampshire and this one found in Pittsuburgh. Also observe this and this Gundam ride and discuss "which would win in a fight." Pencils up, people.

Get Your Robot On

It's like Christmas in December over at CNNgo.com -- check out my guide to Tokyo's top vintage toy stores right here! Below, some unused behind-the-scenes shots of the insanity.

 

 

 

Rubber and Zinc

It's diecast kaiju Sunday, people.

 

 

 

           

Meet the Beetles, Barons, and Blazers

I've said it before and I'll say it again. They don't make 'em like they used to. And I'm not even talking about toys -- I'm talking about the BOXES! Here's a selection of the finest vintage toy package art, unearthed during a recent excavation & housecleaning of the Alt Vault.

A vintage illustration of the co-star of the demented 1975 TV series Rockbat, painted by the legendary Tohl Narita, designer of "Ultraman" and many, many other kaiju creations. 

 

Next up: a pair of vintage 1976 illustrations of vehicles from "Time Bokan," a wacky Tatsunoko animated series that spawned a decade of sequels (one of which, Yatterman, was made into a live-action flick last year.) 

 

 

Here's the ever-popular Mach Baron. The instructions suggest consuming large quantities of Hoppy and a quick viewing of the theme song before assembly. Just kidding. That's what *I* suggest.

 

And last but not least, here's a vintage Bandai kit of the Godbird from Raideen. Classic hallmark of Seventies toy packaging: the character absolutely MUST be portrayed in triumphant flight over some bombed-out military facility or vehicle. Those men had FAMILIES, damn it...!

How to Defeat Giant Robot Monsters

It's elementary, as this still from an episode of Mazinger Z explains.

There isn't really any need for alarm, though. As I reported a few years back, there's at least twelve giant robot bases in and around central Japan. In case of robot monster invasion, contact the one nearest you.

How to Run a Japanese Toy Store

 

From a Gakken sales pamphlet circa 1983:

1. Use toys to create dioramas and replicate battle scenes.

2. Arrange large numbers of the toys to attract attention.

3. Use spotlights above the toys to appeal to customers.

4. Remove samples from packaging and allow customers to play with them.

5. Display all of the variations of transforming toys in showcases.

6. Hold Mospeda transforming contests! Time children to see how quickly they can transform the Ride Armor motorbike. Have children compete for the best transformation in the shortest time without looking at the manual!

Evangelion Omaké

A few months back, I wrote about "omaké," those cheap-ass yet charming "Crackerjack"-style prize toys that were a staple of the Japanese toy scene in the Seventies and Eighties. Now Movic is bringing them back with a modern twist. Check out these photos of their series of all-new but totally vintage style Evangelion omaké! 

Variations -- some forty in all -- include everything from the Eva units themselves to Angels to individual weapons and accessories (like the drink vending machine at NERV HQ -- don't deny you've always wanted one). And don't forget random vehicles, buildings, and UN aircraft to destroy. It's all going on sale next month at convenience stores across Japan for just 315 a pop. In fine Japanese tradition, each box also contains a totally half-assed snack that is practically begging to be tossed out rather than consumed. Down the hatch!

Alfin Says Hi

Notes from the Editor, "Dual Magazine," Summer 1983

This Month's Theme

1) "Dougram: The Documentary" Testimony

What is the truth behind the theatrical version of Dougram? Does it succeed or fail as a culmination of the television series? Those of you who have seen the film, send us your thoughts!

2) The World of Votoms

It's only been a single season, but tell us: what's the deal with this show's popularity? Even though we know you're drunk on "Dougram" now, try to focus and let us know.

3) We Can't Wait!!

Votoms kits are going on sale in July! Which scale are you going to use to build your dioramas, 1:24 or 1:35? Tell us about your fresh new plans.

Dougram Diorama Caravan: On the Scene!

Team Caravan's latest new weapon is a VTR Monitor System. It allows you to enjoy dioramas in a totally different way than with still cameras. When viewed in real-time on the monitor, dioramas feel a little like live-action tokusatsu shows. Bring your own diorama, and we'll put it on screen for you! If you bring a tape, we're happy to record it as well (VHS format only.) 

The Caravan Car, which powers the Diorama Caravan, is finally complete! When you see it, you know the diorama caravan is in YOUR town! It carries three diorama packs (desert, forest, and rocky terrain), a still camera, lights, and our new weapon: the VTR Monitor System! The Caravan Car is making the rounds of Japan to kick off diorama-photographing events near you!

Letters to the Editor

"Why? Why is the Dougram movie being shown as a double-feature with "Xabungle Graffiti"!? Xabungle is WAY more popular than Dougram. If they're shown together, idiot fans may start saying that Dougram is just an imitation of Xabungle. I am against the movie! Sorry, Xabungle fans!" - Y.T., Suginami Ward

"I wholeheartedly support the Dougram movie! Because this means MORE MODEL KITS!" - H.N., Saitama Prefecture

Legodzilla

I don't know how I missed this 2008 exhibition featuring Shibuya rendered in gloriously blocky Lego bricks -- right down to the cops hassling some dude next to Hachiko -- but it is positively crying out to be stomped by this insane Lego Mechagodzilla I stumbled across the other day:

Shift Perfectly!!

A prototype of the beautifully conceived, fully transforming, and totally expensive (nearly $500) resin-cast portrayal of the "Maneuver-Blade" from the anime Viper's Creed. Designed by series director Shinji Aramaki, the delicate, origami-like design is probably something only the legends at Studio Halfeye could have pulled off in three dimensions. They're transforming toy masters, famed in otaku circles for "cracking the code" of robot designs thought to be impossible to pull off in real life, like Getta Robo.