The Best Toy Brands: 5 of Our Favorite Japanese Toy Brands

Ideal for collectors of all ages, Japanese toys are truly special. Whether you’re interested in puzzles, action figures, or  scale model kits, the best toy brands from Japan will not disappoint. This list of our top five favorite Japanese toy brands will help you to understand the history behind some of today’s leading toy manufacturers, as well as what they’re up to today.

1. Aoshima

Aoshima has a long and fascinating story. In 1923, an airplane pilot named Jiro Aoshima founded the company under the name "Aoshima Airplane Research Institute.” As you might assume by the name, the company’s goal was to research airplane technology. In 1929, the company started manufacturing wooden model kits using the experience and knowledge from its research. 

Aoshima is one of the best toy brands from Japan because the company didn’t start as a toy brand at all. Since 1929, Aoshima has continued to progress, producing new, innovative model designs year after year. Today, Aoshima remains one of the most respected brands among scale model enthusiasts all across the globe.

The company’s long history isn’t the only reason why Aoshima is one of our favorite Japanese toy brands. Today, Aoshima is still pushing the envelope, producing some of the most accurate, detailed models available. Aoshima is most famous for producing plastic model kits of many types of vehicles, including cars, ships, aircrafts, and sci-fi mecha.

Another reason why Aoshima is one of the best toy brands is that it’s the parent company to many other outstanding toy companies. In addition to its scale model vehicles, Aoshima produces products under the following brand names:

• Skynet: finished toys
• Miracle House: diecast models
• DISM: diecast cars
• FunnyKnights: female statue figures

2. Bandai 

Bandai is one of the toy industry’s biggest powerhouses, and for good reason. The company is among the best toy brands of all time, having been responsible for the Tamagotchi, countless video games, and a huge range of collectible action figures and scale model kits. One of Bandai’s most famous imports to the United States was the Power Rangers TV series and movie franchise.

Bandai’s contributions to the toy and entertainment industries span decades. Other popular Bandai properties include  Gundam, Ultraman, Super Robot, Digimon, Dragon Ball Z, and so many others. Virtually any list of favorite Japanese toy brands is naturally going to include Bandai, as the company’s reach is so far that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a toy collector, a model kit builder, or an anime fan.

3. Hasegawa

Hasegawa is similar to Aoshima, in that the company got its start manufacturing wooden models that were utilized as teaching aids in Japanese schools. The reason why we think it’s one of the best toy brands is because today, the company produces scale model kits that are incredibly detailed. In fact, many of the kits are so accurate that they’re used in museum displays.  

One of the coolest aspects of Hasegawa models is that the company also offers detail kits that allow builders to further customize their models. For example, you may want to buy parts that are made of fine, etched metal in order to really add an extra level of accuracy and detail. Hasegawa recognizes that many hobbyists love having more options available beyond the stock build.

Another reason why Hasegawa had to be included on our favorite Japanese toy brands list is because the company often puts out limited run editions and limited releases that are super collectible. It’s common for builders to have very specific interests, and these variations allow them to expand their collections without branching out too far from their favorite vehicles.

4. Good Smile Company

If you collect action figures and figurines, you’ve probably heard of  Good Smile Company. Known as one of the best best toy brands among collectors of anime, manga, and video game enthusiasts, Good Smile Company is most famous for producing PVC character figurines, with the Nendoroid and figma lines being the most acclaimed.

    Nendoroid figurines depict anime, manga, or video game characters with larger heads than normal, giving them a cuter appearance. Many of them include exchangeable pieces for additional customization, as well as the ability to be posed in a variety of positions for creating unique displays.

The  figma series of figurines is mainly based on anime characters, with a focus on excellent detailing. Each character comes with exchangeable faces, hands, and other components. Some figma action figures are based on Nintendo games, such as The Legend of Zelda and Super Metroid.

5. Beverly

We couldn’t create a list of our favorite Japanese toy brands without including a jigsaw puzzle company. After all, Japan is famous for producing some of the world’s best puzzles.  Beverly manufacturers some awesome 3D puzzles and standard jigsaw puzzles, as well as a variety of board and card games, so it’s a no-brainer when it comes to choosing the best toy brands.

Puzzle enthusiasts are sure to love the wide variety of design options, including cute animals, famous paintings, nature scenery, and beloved household characters, many with stunning attention to detail. These puzzles are an absolute blast to put together, and they look so amazing when they’re done that it’s common to frame them and display them afterwards.

Order Your Favorite Japanese Toys at Plaza Japan

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about five companies that we think are some of the best toy brands out today. We encourage you to browse our site to see the many unique products that are out there.

We’re proud to offer a massive selection of  Japanese toys, puzzles, figurines, scale models, and other various collectibles. If you have any questions about any of them, please email us at  info@plazajapan.com, or send us a message through our website. Order the best Japanese toys online at Plaza Japan today!

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