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Author: tintoyrobots.com

01 May

Sparky Robot

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Noguchi (subsidiary of Nomura)
 
YEAR
1966
 
POWER
Battery (in remote control)
 
FUNCTIONS
Walking, sparks
 
RELATED ROBOTS 
Sparking Robot (independent legs)

Photo courtesy of toytent.com

Affectionately known as Sparky robot and standing at 5.5 inches tall, this wind-up strides forward, with sparks in its chest. Along with a fundamentally  identical version with independent legs, this enduring design has been reproduced countless times over the years in Japan and abroad. It was evidently* manufactured by Nomura, a pioneering force in Japan’s tin toy industry since the late 1940s, whose legacy extends beyond this Mighty Robot, encompassing a colorful array of tin toy vehicles and beloved characters such as Astro Boy and Tetsujin 28.

 

*Note: there is some debate online surrounding this toy’s exact origins – attributed to both Noguchi and Yoneya – so if anyone has more accurate information, please contact me at mike (at) tintoyrobots, so I can update it. Thank you!

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01 May

Tremendous Mike

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Aoshin
 
YEAR
1956
 
POWER
Clockwork
 
FUCNTONS
Walking, sparks, revolving antenna
 
RELATED ROBOTS
Aoshin Chime Trooper

Photo courtesy of toytent.com

Available in silver and orange variations, Tremendous Mike was produced by Aoshin (ASC) in Japan during the late fifties, and features a skirted design – a departure from the more common legged robots of its time. Made from tin and powered by a clockwork mechanism, Tremendous Mike features forward movement with a direction-changing mechanism, sparking chest, and rotating antenna atop its head.

 

Despite its vintage appeal, the Tremendous Mike remains a rarity in the collector’s market, with near-mint specimens fetching staggering prices at auctions. Its scarcity only adds to its mystique, making it a coveted find for enthusiasts of classic tin toys. As a part of the Aoshin legacy, alongside its relative, the Aoshin Chime Trooper (which used the same tin stamping), Tremendous Mike embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined the golden age of toys.

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28 April

Sonicon Bus

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Masudaya
 
YEAR
1960
 
POWER
Battery
 
FUCNTIONS
Forward & reverse, remote controlled by whistle
 
RELATED ROBOTS 
Sonicon Rocket

Photo courtesy of toytent.com

This version of the Sonicon Bus loosely enters the realm of sci-fi tin toys on account of the satellite dish on its roof. It was a standout among tin toys, because it came with a plastic whistle that serves as its remote control: by blowing the whistle, the bus can be commanded to reverse while turning, and whistling again redirects it forward again, while the satellite dish on its roof swivels to match its direction. A better known toy in this series was Masudaya’s popular Sonicon Rocket, which shared the same sonic whistle feature.

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26 April

Rosko Astronaut

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Nomura 

 

YEAR
1962
 
POWER
Battery
 
FUNCTIONS
Walking, beeping sounds, lights
 
RELATED ROBOTS 
Nomura Robby the Robot

The Nomura/Rosko robot spaceman toy emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, capitalizing on both American space exploration enthusiasm and Japanese fascination with robots. Manufactured by Nomura, renowned for its robot-themed metal toys, Rosko mirrored the design of Nomura’s popular “Robby” robot from the movie “Forbidden Planet.” Its body shape and tin stamping were directly adapted from Robby’s design, creating a seamless transition from one iconic toy to another.

 

Powered by two D -cell batteries housed in its legs, Rosko featured a mechanical walking action, swaying arms, and a lighted transmitter. Emitting morse code sounds and flashing lights, it simulated interstellar communication, enhancing its allure. Collectors could choose between a blue-suited astronaut with dark hair or a red-clad astronaut with blond hair. While originally a product of the mid-20th century, Rosko’s enduring charm led to its reproduction by the Osaka Tin Toy Institute in the 1990s, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.

Comparison of Rosko Astronaut and Nomura Robby

Credit: Bill Dickinson / Flickr

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26 April

Tetsujin 28

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Billiken
 
YEAR
1992
 
POWER
Clockwork
 
FUNCTIONS
Walking, swinging arms

 

RELATED ROBOTS 
Billiken Astro Boy, Billiken Robby the Robot

Tin toy interpretations of Tetsujin 28, known internationally as Gigantor, represented a significant milestone in the realm of tin robots, particularly those inspired by manga and television characters. This wind-up rendition, Released by Billiken in 1992, follows a tradition of tin robots adapted from popular culture figures that dates back to the early 1960s.  Over the years, battery-powered and remote control variations have also been produced.  Notably, this Billiken version shares many characteristics with its Nomura predecessor from 1963, albeit with some modifications to the color scheme.

 

Iron Man No. 28, originally a manga series created by Mitsuteru Yokoyama in 1956, follows the adventures of a young boy named Shotaro Kaneda, who controls a giant robot named Tetsujin 28. Built by his late father, this giant robot becomes a central element of the series’ narrative. Billiken’s Tetsujin 28 pays homage to this iconic character, embodying the essence of the legendary manga and television figure while offering enthusiasts a tangible connection to Yokoyama’s imaginative world.

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26 April

Robby the Robot

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Billiken
 
YEAR
1993
 
POWER
Clockwork
 
FUNCTIONS
Walking, spinning antenna in head

 

RELATED ROBOTS
Billiken Astro Boy
Billiken Tetsujin 28

Billiken’s 1993 release of Robby the Robot continued a long tradition of tin toy interpretations of this iconic robot. Robby, originating from the landmark 1956 film Forbidden Planet, has become synonymous with science fiction, appearing in various media over the years. The first Robby tin robot was produced by Nomura in 1957, with subsequent versions by Yonezawa, Yoshiya, and Osaka Tin Toy. Billiken Japan’s 1993 wind-up iteration stands at 240mm tall and weighs 270g, and is a relatively faithful representation of the original cinema version.

 

Featuring a clockwork wind-up mechanism, Billiken’s Robby The Robot toy captures the essence of classic tin toy craftsmanship. The olive drab and metallic gray color options pay homage to the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the original Forbidden Planet robot. Packaged with beautiful box art, Billiken’s 1993 rendition preserves the enduring legacy of Robby The Robot, offering a nostalgic reminder of the golden era of mechanical toys.

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26 April

Astro Boy

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Billiken

 

YEAR
1993
 
POWER
Clockwork
 
FUNCTIONS
Walking, moving arms
 
RELATED ROBOTS
Billiken Robby the Robot
Billiken Tetsujin 28

In the realm of fictional robots, few figures evoke as much nostalgia and admiration as Tetsuwan Atom, also known as Astro Boy. This 1993 Billiken tin toy rendition stands approximately 9 inches tall, meticulously capturing the essence of Osamu Tezuka’s iconic creation.

 

Billiken’s foray into tin robot production during the 1990s saw a plethora of beloved characters from popular films, TV shows, and manga brought to life, with Astro Boy shining as one of the highlights. As arguably Japan’s most famous robot, Astro Boy’s legacy spans over six decades, resonating with generations of enthusiasts worldwide.

 

Astro Boy’s origin story adds layers of depth to his enduring appeal. Conceived by a grieving scientist as a replacement for his deceased son, Astro Boy possesses an array of superpowers, from eyes that illuminate like searchlights to limbs armed with rockets. This particular iteration, originating from Billiken’s first Astro Boy releases, serves as a testament to the character’s enduring popularity and the craftsmanship of Japanese tin toy manufacturers.

 

Throughout the years, Astro Boy has seen numerous iterations in tin, each paying homage to Tezuka’s visionary creation. Billiken’s 1993 rendition stands as a timeless testament to his enduring legacy.

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26 April

Star Strider

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Horikawa / Metal House
 
YEAR
1970
 
POWER
Battery
 
FUNCTIONS
Moving arms, Rotate-o-Matic

 

RELATED ROBOTS 
Super Asronaut

Horikawa’s Star Strider holds a cherished place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Originating from the renowned Japanese toy manufacturer, Horikawa, this iconic design saw its inception in the 1970s, utilizing manufacturing molds dating back to the early 1960s. 

 

As the tumultuous 1980s brought challenges to the Japanese tin toy industry, Horikawa faced difficult times alongside its contemporaries. Despite changing tastes and increased competition, the Star Strider endured, representing the pinnacle of Horikawa’s craftsmanship. Even as Horikawa closed its doors in the late 1980s, its legacy lived on through Metal House, which continued production of the Star Strider and other beloved designs. The transition period saw both Horikawa and Metal House names adorning the boxes of Star Strider robots, marking a poignant moment in the toy’s evolution.

 

Today, the Star Strider remains a nostalgic symbol of retro charm. With its distinctive rotating action and availability in striking red, blue, and metallic green, this timeless toy continues to captivate both children and design enthusiasts alike. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its enduring presence in the modern era, the Star Strider stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic tin toy design.

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25 April

Smoking Space Man

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Yonezawa
 
YEAR
1961
 
POWER
Battery (in legs)
 
FUNCTIONS
Walking, smoke, revolving lights
 

Yonezawa’s Smoking Space Man Robot stands tall as one of the most iconic tin toy robots from Japan’s golden age of tin toy robots. Standing at an impressive twelve inches, this mechanical marvel boasts features that set it apart from its contemporaries. Along with its light-up eyes and an illuminated color wheel rotating under its dome, what truly distinguishes it is its ability to puff smoke from its mouth, using a small heated wire igniting a bit of cotton soaked in oil, creating clouds of smoke as the robot pauses in its stride, defying the constraints of modern safety regulations with its nostalgic charm.

 

Smoking Space Man was offered in both blue and metallic gray variants, with a rare mint green version adding to its allure. The metallic gray iteration, featuring subtle design tweaks such as a metal on/off switch, debuted a year earlier under the Linemar brand. These early smokers from Yonezawa are revered for their exceptional craftsmanship, constructed from heavy gauge tin. More recently, it was reproduced by Tin Tom Toy, paying homage to its retro charm and ensuring that new generations could obtain it without breaking the bank.

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25 April

Mr. Atomic

tintoyrobots.com   |   robots
PRODUCER
Yonezawa / Cragstan
 
YEAR
1962
 
POWER
Battery
 
FUNCTIONS
Flashing lights, “Mystery Bump & Go Action”
 
RELATED ROBOTS 
Cragstan Astronaut, Yonezawa Smoking Robot

When Yonezawa’s Mr. Atomic made its humble appearance in Sears’ 1962 Big Wish Book holiday catalog in a small black & white photo with a $6.79 retail price, no one could have predicted the legendary status it would ultimately achieve. Marketed in the west under the Cragstan brand, its unconventional bullet-shaped design and sophisticated motorized and electronic features reflected the atomic age’s optimism and fascination with the possibilities of science and technology. 

 

Over time, Mr. Atomic has become a coveted item among toy enthusiasts. Its battery-powered movements, including signature “Mystery Bump-n-Go” action, added to its allure It has been featured in movies, television shows, and vintage advertisements, solidifying its status as an icon of mid-century futurism. While originals still highly sought after and command high prices, Mr. Atomic was also expertly reproduced by both Mike’s Toy House and Osaka Tin Toy Institute during the early 1990s in both the original silver and blue editions for a new generation of collectors and fans.

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