Character Action Figures
The most popular action figures in Japan are based on anime (Japanese animation) shows and/or movies. Shows like Dragonball Z and Gundam Wing have spawned a slew of collectible figures. From mechanical robots or cyborgs to mystical creatures and mere mortals, the range of Japanese action figures is quite broad. The most popular figures are often those depicting characters from well-known television shows (e.g., Sailor Moon, Pokemon, Digimon), video games (e.g., Final Fantasy), and movies (e.g., The Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story, Godzilla). The history of "modern" Japanese action figures extends well back to the 1960's when the immensely recognizable (in Japan, that is) super hero Ultraman appeared on television screens on a show of the same name (source: Martinez 34). Glancing over collector's sites on the web, one can clearly trace the lineage of action figures in Japan throughout the various decades since. There appears to also be a large market for importing these action figures into the United States, as many fans of the various anime shows are also avid collectors of their respective figures.
Video Games
(picture source: Nintendo Gamecube Online)
Japan is without a doubt the world leader in video game production. Anyone familiar with the world of video games knows that almost every technology, every piece of equipment, and every game is built and released in Japan first. Japan is home to video game mega-companies Nintendo, Sega, and Sony. In fact, Nintendo's even been around since 1889, at which point it turned a profit selling playing cards. The various characters sprouting up through the medium of video games have not only shaped and defined the Japanese popular culture, but also the popular culture of the United States. In particular, Mario, created in 1981 by Nintendo game designer Shigeru Miyamato has become a recognizable character across the Japanese and American mediums of television, film, and print (in addition to video games) (source: Schilling 111-113).
With the recent release of the Playstation 2 and upcoming release of the Nintendo Gamecube (pictured above), the Japanese video game industry is continuing to define the cutting edge in gaming.
Click here to watch a Japanese video game commercial (mpeg format).
Hello Kitty
Even if they don't understand what's so special about Hello Kitty that merits her appearance on every sort of merchandisable item in existence, most Americans are at least familiar with the cute little cartoon. Like Pokemon, Digimon, the Power Rangers, and countless other marketable icons, Hello Kitty maintains its roots in Japan. As one of the most popular members of the Sanrio family of cartoon characters, Hello Kitty appears to be an even bigger hit in Japan than she is stateside. Her mug (as well as those of many other Sanrio characters) comes on practically every gizmo imaginable (and just as many that you'd probably never imagine existed). This site lists some of the unbelievable Hello Kitty products available, including a Kitty-adorned car, motorcycle, and snowboard with board bag.
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