If you’re of a certain age, born anywhere between the early 80s and 90s, there’s a range of toys that just explode in your brain with raw nostalgia. We’re sure this is true for every generation, but those late 80s/early 90s toys just have something special about them. Whether is was their awkward use of new technology or absurd coloring schemes, we can’t deny just how cool they seemed when we were little kids!
What we were surprised to see, though, was just how many of those toys and games were also available in Japan! So come with us on a trip down memory lane and find if your favorite childhood distractions made the list, and discover just how many of these things kids in Japan were also completely enamoured with.

7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Tokyo cafe offers all-you-can-eat pancakes for less than ten bucks!
All-you-can-eat yakiniku in Shinjuku for less than 10 bucks!
Awesome time lapse video shows Vietnamese artist carving amazingly detailed wooden Goku statue
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Tokyo cafe offers all-you-can-eat pancakes for less than ten bucks!
All-you-can-eat yakiniku in Shinjuku for less than 10 bucks!
Awesome time lapse video shows Vietnamese artist carving amazingly detailed wooden Goku statue
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Gacha capsule toy machine sells Casio watch rings in Japan, and we try to get all of them
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
Tokyo has a BLUE sushi restaurant with all-you-can-eat BLUE sushi for just 400 yen (US$3.50)
Which convenience store sells the best Japanese Christmas cakes?
7-Eleven Japan’s aged brown rice onigiri reveals a different side to convenience store food
Where to buy a Curry Bread Grand Prix 2023 award-winning karepan in Japan