Okura Toy Collection
大倉トーイ・コレクション
An exhibition of over 500 vintage toys from Okura Toy showcases seven decades of Japanese toy craftsmanship, including toy jewelry, educational items, and plastic beads.
The "Showa Kawaii Toys: Okura Toy Collection Exhibition" showcases over 500 vintage toys from Okura Toy, a Japanese manufacturer that operated from 1953 to 2020. Held at Shibuya PARCO's 8th floor gallery "Hobo Nichiyobi," the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at this beloved toy brand that captured the hearts of generations of Japanese children.
History of Okura Toy
Okura Toy was established in Higashi-Osaka and operated for 67 years. The company specialised in producing children's toys characterized by vibrant colors and playful designs that were sold in candy shops, toy stores, and family restaurants throughout Japan.
Okura Toy is notable for being among the first Japanese manufacturers to produce plastic beads. The company's product range evolved over the decades but maintained a consistent aesthetic that made their toys instantly recognizable.
Exhibition Contents
The exhibition presents a comprehensive collection of Okura Toy products spanning several decades:
Toy Jewelry: Ring sets, bracelets, and necklaces designed to mimic adult accessories
Educational Items: Study sets, play money, and learning tools
Craft Materials: Plastic beads in various colors and sizes, one of the company's signature products
Miniature Sets: Play kitchen collections, homemaking toys, and dollhouse accessories
Vehicles: Toy cars, racing sets, and wheeled toys
Stationery Items: Stickers, decorative papers, and writing tools
Each section includes information about when these products were manufactured and their significance in Japanese toy history.
Cultural Context
The toys featured in this exhibition represent an important aspect of Japanese material culture from the Showa period. During this era, Japan underwent rapid industrialization and economic growth, which influenced toy production and children's consumer culture.
Okura Toy products reflected broader societal changes, including:
The transition from handcrafted wooden or metal toys to mass-produced plastic items
The increasing influence of Western consumer culture on Japanese children's products
The development of character merchandising and branded toy collections
Publication Connection
The exhibition was organized in conjunction with the publication of "Showa Kawaii Toys: Okura Toy Collection" by Graphic-sha Publishing. This comprehensive volume documents over 1,000 Okura Toy products through photography and includes reproductions of original toy catalogs from various periods in the company's history.
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