Report and Pictures by Primal-Convoy

Star Wars "Boys' Day" traditional Samurai helmet with accessories, featuring Darth Vader's helmet (itself based upon samurai helmet designs) by Yoshitoku. This item is limited edition only for a limited period only as it's for Japan's "Boys' Day", celebrated in Japan during May. Price: about 18,000 Yen for the helmet or 30,000 Yen for the full set. The detail is truly amazing, from the "retrostyling" of Vader's mask and Imperial symbol into his gold "family crest" on top of the helmet to the traditional Japanese style painting of where Anakin Skywalker "died" in Episode 3.



Artstorm had some great models on display, including a Predator riding an Alien horse. Their upcoming "Fewture" (sic) robot figure designs were on display but not available to photograph.

They will also be on-hand at and are promoting the next big Japan nerd-fest, "Superfestival 2007". More details are here: http://www.artstorm.co.jp/sufes.html



Takara had a large area devoted mainly to its "KISS Players Sparkbots", including the three KISS Players radio actresses acting on-stage on off-stage to sign the specially purchased Sparkbots after the show (much to the bewilderment of many international guests, Toy Show staff and regular Japanese who were wondering what all the fuss was all about).

Takara also had Hasbro's movie edition Optimus Prime, arm blaster and voice-changer mask (although whether these will be repainted is unknown). They also displayed numerous Tfs posing with the Sparkbots, Masterpiece Megs, upcoming Beast Wars repaints and already released KISS Players figures.



Toysclub also had limited edition TF T-shirts, featuring 1 of 4 G1 bots on the back and a relevant number on the front. USA size "L" is maximum, retails at about 3,000 Yen (plus P and P for overseas orders) They also were selling TF caps and pin-badges featuring G1 'cons or 'bots.



"Gookii", a new, gorilla-themed set of toys were on being showcased for the first time in Japan at the festival. They were made by Hong-Kong designer, Ben Lam of "0x2Play" and you can see Ben holding one of his creations in the pics.



Other highlights included some foxy Motorbike race queens plus their racing rider counterparts, classic car toys, Japanese costume actors and assorted western actors who had bit-parts in Narnia, Star-Wars, etc (the large gentleman seen in the pic holding up the two startled but very happy race queens played the main minotaur in Narnia), a few cosplay girls and, gasp, KFC who were doing the catering (which was a welcome alternative to the usual overpriced noodles and lukewarm Japanese curry rice that's usually served!).

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