We just talked about Sega Toys’ efforts in the market for lifestyle toys for adults, but Bandai has been in this market for years as well, and at significantly higher price point in the Little Jammer series.
New in the works is the “Time Trip Series,” of which the first release will be the Showa Ginza Diorama. This table top (30 x 40cm) display recreates the posh shopping district Ginza’s iconic 4-chome crossing, circa the year Showa 30 (1955).
In addition to authentic details, down to the Toshiba signboard, this monument to nostalgia includes LED light displays, an assortment of retro melodies, a running streetcar, and other moving elements. The whole thing is mounted on top of a set of speakers, with a control panel for animating the display. There is also the modern addition of an outlet for connecting your iPod, so owners can contribute their own soundtrack of classic Misora Hibari.
The target market for the retro Diorama is nostalgic baby boomers who are most able to afford the device at over $2,000. Depending on success, Bandai plans to release other pieces recreating classic Tokyo scenes in its “Time Travel Series” .
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