Bandai is another name for fun, creativity, and joy. Bandai has captured the hearts of everyone worldwide with a passion for toys, either for adults or children. Bandai created toys to ignite vision with them, and now this fantastic toy industry has grown into a global toy powerhouse. Bandai is the story of passion, vision, creativity, innovation, and resilience from the beginning to becoming a household name. This blog will provide detailed information on Bandai’s history from the year it was created. We have provided detailed information about Bandai’s journey, Bandai’s list of top products and products that are especially loved by the Canadian audience, the beginning of Bandai in Canada and Bandai’s plans and vision.
Origin of Bandai:
Foundation
Bandai’s story started in 1950. Naoharu Yamashina created Bandai in Asakusa Kikuyabashi, Tokyo, as Bandai-Ya.The company’s name comes from a Chinese word meaning “eternal things.” Initially, it sold celluloid and metallic items and rubber swimming rings. The company started humble, and its focus was on creating wooden toys. Initially, The team was small but focused on creating a quality product. Yamashina’s mission was to make toys that would bring children joy.
Initial struggle and success
After the first toy was launched, Bandai gained some recognition. The company’s mission was to create a quality product, so right after the first launch in 1953, it made a quality inspection department to ensure product quality. In 1955, the company changed its name to Bandai.
Key Milestone in Bandai’s Journey:
1960s-1970: expansion Era
1960’s period
The 1960s to 1970s were a time of Bandai expansion and diversification, during which Bandai expanded its product line and entered other locations. Bandai acquired a factory in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, to meet consumer demand in 1961. This move expanded Bandai’s mass production and created plastic products. Another massive achievement for Bandai in the 1960s was that Bandai created its first-ever TV-inspired character based on the popular series Astroboy. This enhanced Bandai’s presence in the toy industry. In 1967, Bandai opened its Osaka office to expand its presence in the US market.
1970’s periods
In 1972, Bandai launched its CHOGOKIN MAZINGER Z product. The Japanese word CHOGOKIN means super alloy, which indicates that the product is made from high-quality material. MAZINGER Z was an anime series, so Bandai gave anime lovers a high-quality product. In 1977, the company launched its capsule toy through vending machines, which became popular then. At this time, Bandai recognized its product potential in the US market and introduced a US sales base in 1979, formally known as BANDAI AMERICA INCORPORATED.
1980s-1990s:Global reach
Bandai developed a brand and merged with other companies from 1980 to 1990, when global expansion started.
1980’s period
In 1980, the company launched the Gunpla model kit. It was not another product in the Bandai product line. This model kit was highly creative and not a simple plastic model kit. By combining the Gundam Franchise and Model Kit, Bandai solidified its position in the toy market and increased its sales. In 1984, when a company launched its colour Iropla Series, it was a technological advancement in Bandais products. In Japan, the word iro means colour. This shows that this series was focused on the visuals of the product. With the Iropla Series, Bandai’s multi-colour moulding technology solidifies its position, allowing it to meet consumer demand and bring products with advanced technology. In 1986, Bandai was adapted into a logo, dreams and creation. With its product, Bandai brings people’s dreams into reality with innovation. ,
1990’s period
In 1990, Bandai launched a series of Gunpla that enhanced its model kit expertise in the industry. In 1998, Bandai merged with Banpresto Co., Ltd, which means the two companies will share resources and diversify their product lines. Bandai’s motive for this collaboration was to enter the arcade gaming industry. Bandai knew that the gaming industry was growing, so they stepped in. This shows how forward Bandai was.
2000s-Present: Innovation
2000s period
2005 was a turning point for the company as it merged with Namco. Namco was a famous game developer and publisher. This collaboration was the best fit for both companies, combining the strengths of both companies. This collaboration allows both companies to create innovative products and enjoy cross-promotional opportunities. 2006, the Bandai Namco game was developed, which was a huge achievement. This milestone shows how Bandai sets its game in the gaming industry from the toy industry. This evolution was amazing with Namco. In 2010, Bandai launched its high-quality poseable S.H. Figuarts. Series, which was collector demand. 2014, the company changed its name to Bandai Namco Holding; in 2019, it was changed to Bandai Spirits Co., Ltd.
Bandai top products
This is the list of top Bandai products. We will discuss why these products are on the top list.
Gundam model kit
Power Rangers
Tamagotchi
Dragon Ball Z Action Figures
Gundam model kit
In the 1980s, Bandai created this Gundam model kit, but it was not just another product in a product line. It was a very interactive and straightforward product model kit that allowed customization and creativity.
Power Rangers
The Power Rangers were introduced in 1993. Based on the Japanese Super Sentai series, they were trendy among fans then. Bandai created action figures and toys, attracting series fans and children because of their connection. The product was famous for its fantastic design.
Tamagotchi
This groundbreaking product, launched in 1996, was a virtual pet that required its user to care for, feed, and clean it. It was Bandai’s first highly interactive product, and because of its concepts and interactivity, it attracted a wider audience, including children and toy collectors.
Dragon Ball Z Action Figures
Dragon Ball Z action Figures were based on two popular series. They were notable for series fans because they could own an actual product of their favourite series characters. This model was famous among toy collectors for its quality details and articulation. Toy collectors need such fantastic art pieces.
Digimon
This product was launched in 1997. It was similar to Tamagotchi, but Bandai added gameplay features to make it unique this time. Users can battle with their monsters, and this Bandai product was later expanded into anime, video games, and trading cards.
All of Bandai’s top products clearly showed that they are on the top list for a reason. This shows Bandai’s innovation, creativity, and ability to adapt to consumer demands.
The beginning of Bandai in Canada
Early year development
Bandai’s introduction in Canada was not documented, but its international expansion started in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1978, Bandai officially began in America. Bandai introduced Gundam model kits, Power Rangers action figures, Dragon Ball Z, Digimon, and Tamagotchi to Canadian consumers. These products have a huge fan following in Canada. Bandai offers actionable, high-quality figures for its Canadian consumers.
Recent year development
In recent times, Bandai has grown so much in Canada that it expanded its product line due to consumer demand. E-commerce has enabled Bandai to reach its fans across the globe, which is why it started its product line in Canada. Bandai has also participated in events in Canada to enhance its presence and connect with its Canadian consumers.
Top Bandai Products Love by Canadian
Here is the list of the top 10 products loved by Canadian consumers. We will also discuss why they love these products.
Gundam Model Kits (Gunpla)
Power Ranger Action figures
Tamagotchi
Dragon Ball Z Action Figures
S.H.Figuarts Figures
Digimon
Bandai Namco Video Games
Ultraman Action Figures
Banpresto Prize Figures
Vending Machine Toys
Gundam Model Kits (Gunpla)
This plastic model kit has a strong fan base in Canada. Toy collectors and children love it. It is highly customizable, which allows you to play with creativity. This is one of the reasons it’s famous in Canada.
Power Ranger Action figures
This action figure is famous among Canadian fans of the Power Rangers series. Fans still love it after so many years because Bandai introduces continuous updates that make the series relevant and interesting to its audience. This piece’s vibrant design is one of many reasons it’s famous among Canadian children and toy collectors.
Tamagotchi
This toy is famous among Canadian Toy lovers because of its interactivity, a unique concept for traditional toy lovers. It is a virtual pet that requires its user to care for it, like feeding it and playing with it.
Dragon Ball Z Action Figures
This toy is famous because of its interactivity. This toy allows its users to have battles among its creatures. This toy is also inspired by series, so for a series lover, it’s nostalgic gameplay with interactivity.
S.H.Figuarts Figures
These are famous among Canadian toy collectors. These are highly articulated action figures with delicate details.
Bandai Namco Video Games
The reason that this video game was famous among fans is that in this game, they can enjoy all their favourite characters at once. What else would fans ask if they could get one interactive thing with all their favourite characters from their favourite series?
Ultraman Action Figures
This piece is well-known for being based on an iconic Japanese superhero series. It has a dedicated fan base in Canada for fans of classic shows.
Banpresto Prize Figures
These figures are famous in Canada among young audience because it has characters from anime series. This piece is highly affordable, which is one of the reasons that it is renowned in Canada.
Vending Machine Toys
This vending machine capsule toy was unique when it was introduced because of its unique concept. It’s famous among toy lovers because it surprises its consumers with every purchase.
Bandai future
Bandai is actively shaping its future with its innovative and quality products. Bandai’s product line focuses on providing quality products to its consumers rather than just adding many products. Bandai is growing globally, and one thing that aids its global expansion is e-commerce and technology. The technology and e-commerce allow Bandai to reach a wider audience and provide them with locally customizable products. After so many reasons, Bandai is still on top of its game because it is ahead of the future. They incorporate future elements in their product and stay relevant. With its Metaverse concept, Bandai will give users real-world experience and interactivity with their future products.
Conclusion:
Bandai’s journey was not smoother; it was filled with struggles. But Bandai fights back and gives its customers quality products with technology. Initially, they started with products that were not their own, but Once the pace was set, Bandai amazed its consumers with every new original product. They incorporate advanced technology and elements and fulfill demands with their products. Today, Bandai is a bright example of dedication, innovation and creativity. Bandai’s history shows that it will continue to bring smiles and spark user creativity with its product line in the future.
FAQs
In which year Bandai was started?
The Bandai was founded in the year 1950.
How did Bandai grow from a local company to a Global company?
Bandai is a globally recognized company that prioritizes quality over quantity. One reason for this is the level of innovation and creativity it applies to its product line.
What makes Bandai unique?
Bandai’s uniqueness is in its innovation and striking designs. From Gundam model kits to popular action figures. , Bandai has always impressed its users.
When was Bandai started in Canada?
There is no documented detail of when Bandai started in Canada, but the journey began when Bandai officially began in America. From there, it started to move into the North American region.
What’s Bandai’s impact on the toy industry?
Bandai has always been a trendsetter with its new product.