TNI reporter David Ray gives us the grand tour of the 2004 Tokyo Character Show in Japan. Take it away David:
Welcome to the 2004 Tokyo Character Show at the Makuhari Messe in sunny Chiba (not to be confused with Sonny Chiba), just outside of metropolitan Tokyo. You say to yourself, “Wow, there are so many toy shows in Japan every year.” Yet they all maintain some distinction from each other. I would describe this one as a show dedicated to anime characters and related goods. We’ll start off with a bit of info to give you an idea of the sights, sounds, and smells of a Japanese convention.
First of all, one certainly has to respect the enthusiasm and dedication of Japanese fans. Everyone is so excited, and thousands are chanting in unison with some voice actress singing sub-par pop songs on the main stage. Some of them need to get out more though. Once when I was fumbling along, looking through my camera lens and not where I was walking, as I often do, I bumped in the shoulder of a young lady. She clutched all of her belongings and recoiled in horror, obviously from the unexpected human contact. Get a life.
Like I’ve seen (or should I say smelled) in American conventions are the occasional unwashed fans, with BO that will singe your nose hairs. Given the scorching hot weather, inadequate air-conditioning, and the fact they don’t sell deodorant in Japan, you get the idea. Then there’s a mild aroma of Japanese curry, yakisoba, and Kentucky Fried Chicken wafting through the air. Even the Japanese can’t get enough of those 11 secret herbs and spices!
And the noise. The constant, never-ending noise. Imagine all those booths and stages, all right next to each other, trying to make themselves heard over the din. All the speakers and TV’s and megaphones is enough to drive one crazy.
Of particular interest to collectors are the cute costumed females scattered around the show floor. Some of them were quite fetching, and it was pretty funny to see the crowd of at least 25 drooling guys around each one of them snapping pictures like maniacs. But if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em, I always say, so see the photos for highlights. (I especially liked the girls from Tecmo’s “Dead or Alive” booth; I wonder why.)
At any rate it all adds up to a fun and interesting place to be. Despite a large amount of anime related stuff, our goal was to get the scoop on toys, so please see the photo galleries for extensive coverage. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
Takara
Takara came in serious. They had a spacious area chock-full of Transformers, Microman figures, Thunderbirds, and various trading figures. They even had a little store set up with various TF’s and other Takara offerings at a show-stopping…um…full price? Way to show some fan appreciation guys.
Some of you might be getting a sense of déjà vu from the pics, but don’t worry. Since K-Fes was at the same venue last weekend, I guess they decided it was easiest to just reuse the TF displays rather than move things back and forth. Figures were arranged on some nicely built landscaped scenes, but I have a feeling these were reused from something else as well since they don’t really match the world of Transformers. There were several other glass cases with figures displayed, and a table with loose figures that fans could play with. It was pretty cool to get a chance to transform the new RM Starscream months before he goes on sale! I was tempted to swipe it, but that would have just been wrong. Also in the TF section were lifesized Optimus Prime and Super Convoy (the Super Convoy is actually a suit, someone was walking around in it for K-Fes).
We also got a good look at new Microman figures, such as Batgirl and Catwoman. The Spiderman figure was MIA. There was an odd assortment of Henshin Cyborg figures, but a total lack of info, so I don’t know if some of these are reissues or there only for display purposes. Takara was rounded out with various trading figures, new KT figures, and Thunderbirds toys to cash in on the upcoming movie.
Bandai
The display from Japan’s largest toy company, Bandai--dare I say it--sucked. They had a rather large space that was surprisingly empty. Considering how much anime they produce, I was a bit surprised by their lack of substance. There was a Digimon display, another display (which was basically a big ad) for the Bandai Museum, some video game stations, and a lame shop which had some character goods and those Macross Valkyrie reissues they can’t seem to get rid of, all at very expensive “clearance” prices. Besides at the store, I didn’t even see any Bandai reps there. Shame on you, Bandai.
Konami
Konami had a nice display area with various figures. The Amdriver line is shaping up with some cool figures with big battle suits, etc.
Tomy
Amazingly, Zoids are still alive and well in Japan. They had an array of new figures as well as a new playable video game. Tomy also had a few Pokemon odds and ends, as well as a show-exclusive Pikachu figure. Since Tomy holds the licenses for most Star Wars and Disney toys, I was surprised to see nothing from either of those lines however.