BANDAI, A BRIEF HISTORY FROM GUNDAM, TAMAGOTCHI TO TEKKEN!

Summary

This video traces the fascinating history of Bandai, a company founded by Naoharu Yamashina, a World War II veteran. Starting with humble beginnings in the textile industry, Bandai shifted to toy manufacturing and achieved success with iconic products like Gundam plastic models, Tamagotchi, and video games. Through bold decisions and innovation, such as the creation of Gunpla and the collaboration with Namco for video games, Bandai navigated through challenges and adapted to changing times. The video highlights their rise from failures to worldwide success, making Bandai a leading force in both the toy and gaming industries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bandai was founded by WWII veteran Nauharu Yamasina, who had no prior experience in the toy industry.
• 😀 Despite early struggles, Bandai's first major success came with metal cars and their eventual expansion into the U.S. market.
• 😀 Bandai's 1960s breakthrough was with the release of *Astroboy* toys, marking their entry into the plastic model and anime markets.
• 😀 The creation of *Gunpla* (Gundam plastic models) in the 1970s transformed Bandai into a dominant force in model kits, offering fans an interactive building experience.
• 😀 Gunpla models were initially inexpensive, making them highly popular, and the challenge of assembling them made them addictive for fans.
• 😀 In the 1990s, Bandai introduced *Tamagotchi*, a virtual pet that became a major global phenomenon, particularly in the 90s.
• 😀 Bandai's *Pippin* console, released in 1996 in collaboration with Apple, failed due to its high price and lack of appeal.
• 😀 Despite setbacks in video gaming, Bandai's success continued with partnerships with major franchises like *Power Rangers* and *Sailor Moon* in the 1990s.
• 😀 Bandai merged with Namco in 2005, combining forces to create iconic video games like *Naruto Shippuden* and *Dragon Ball Z*.
• 😀 Bandai's evolution showcases the importance of adapting to changing markets and staying innovative, from toys to video games and anime collaborations.

Q & A

Who founded Bandai and what was his background?

Bandai was founded by Naoharu Yamashina, a World War II veteran who lost his right eye in the war. Despite his challenging circumstances, he ventured into the toy industry after the war.

What was the initial business Bandai started before entering the toy industry?

Before entering the toy industry, Bandai started a textile distribution business in Kanazawa. However, the business struggled due to slow growth in the textile market.

How did Naoharu Yamashina decide to enter the toy industry?

Naoharu decided to enter the toy industry after receiving advice from a neighbor who spoke about the bright potential in the toy business. Driven by curiosity, Naoharu moved to Tokyo with his wife to explore the possibility.

What was Bandai's first product, and why did it fail?

Bandai's first product was a beach ball with a bell inside. It failed due to poor quality, which led to its inability to attract customers.

What significant development did Bandai achieve in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, Bandai expanded its operations, opened a warehouse in Tokyo, and started its own manufacturing plant. This allowed them to control product quality, and they introduced their first guaranteed products.

How did Bandai shift toward the plastic model industry?

In the late 1960s, Bandai shifted toward the plastic model industry by establishing a special department for plastic models. They also acquired a plastic toy factory in Shizuoka in 1969 and launched the Poppy brand for character toys.

What iconic Bandai products were introduced in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, Bandai released several popular character toys under the Poppy brand, including Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Godzilla figures, which became staples of their product lineup.

What is Gunpla, and how did it contribute to Bandai's success?

Gunpla, short for Gundam plastic models, was a series of plastic models based on the Gundam anime franchise. It became a global success due to the unique challenge it posed to collectors who had to assemble the models themselves, increasing its appeal and longevity.

What role did the collaboration with mobile suit Gundam play in Bandai's growth?

The collaboration with Mobile Suit Gundam in the 1970s played a crucial role in Bandai's growth. It led to the creation of Gunpla models, which became a huge success and laid the foundation for Bandai's dominance in the plastic model and toy industry.

How did Bandai approach the video game market, and what challenges did they face?

Bandai initially entered the video game market in the 1990s, attempting to collaborate with Apple on a failed console project. In 1997, they tried merging with Sega, but the deal collapsed due to internal disagreements. However, they eventually succeeded by merging with Namco in 2005, leading to popular video game franchises like Naruto and Tekken.