A special feature on nostalgic toys and the trends we craved as kids—loads of the things we wanted back then are here!
Do you ever find yourself suddenly remembering those nostalgic toys you were obsessed with as a kid? The gadgets you used to compete with your friends over, or that one item you begged to have no matter what.
Trends in toys may change from era to era, but that thrilling excitement that stays deep in your heart never fades, does it? Some of them are still popular even today.
In this article, we’ll look back at the things we wanted as children and the toys that were all the rage back then, and introduce plenty of items that will make you blurt out, “I remember that!” Let’s open the door to those nostalgic memories!
- A roundup of nostalgic toys for people born in the ’90s [Trends]
- A roundup of nostalgic toys for people born in the 2000s [Trends]
- Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids
- [Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Toy Ideas You Can Create Yourself
- [List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love
- It's fun to spin! A collection of DIY toy ideas
- DIY ideas for a den-den daiko (Japanese pellet drum). Let’s make and play with this nostalgic toy!
- [Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special
- [For Kids] Today's Recommended Recreation Idea Collection
- Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- [DIY] A Collection of Handmade Moving Toy Craft Ideas
- [For Elementary School Kids] Handmade Toy Craft Ideas
A flood of things we wanted as kids! Feature on nostalgic toys and popular toys (31–40)
Mama Range
Mama Range, a toy for girls released in 1969 (Showa 44).
It was a pretty dangerous toy in retrospect, with a real electric stove that produced heat built into the toy kitchen.
In the video, Seikin takes on the challenge of cooking a real steak on the Mama Range, and the meat sizzles on the frying pan as it cooks.
It made me think that many kids back then probably got burned.
New releases are here too! Love & Berry
https://www.tiktok.com/@yokopii/video/7474866054859099400In arcades and in corners of big malls, the game Oshare Majo Love and Berry stood out, drawing crowds of girls.
Of course, it wasn’t just girls—boys and adults lined up too, cheering and groaning over the cards that came out and how the game unfolded.
In fact, Love and Berry was developed as the girls’ counterpart to Mushi King: The King of Beetles, which was enjoying explosive popularity at the time.
There was even a Nintendo DS version that came with a card reader, so you could play Love and Berry on it.
Who knows—maybe there are still some Love and Berry cards sleeping in the back of your big sister’s desk!
Angel Blue
Angel Blue is a fashion brand by Narumiya International that debuted in 1989.
It exploded in popularity in the 2000s, so even if you don’t know the brand, you’ve probably seen its main character, Nakamu‑ra-kun, at least once.
Its popularity hasn’t waned, and in 2025 a new character, Mimily-chan, joined the lineup! The flagship store, NARUMIYA HAPPY PARK, also opened.
A wide variety of items are available, from accessories to clothing.
Reprint editions are popular too! Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi, released by Bandai in 1996, sparked a massive boom that became a social phenomenon—many people at the time found it hard to get their hands on one! Tamagotchi remains popular today, and unlike in the past, it now has a color screen, zoom, and communication features, continuing to evolve.
When it first launched, the ways to raise your Tamagotchi were limited and the game was something you played on your own, but once communication features were added, you could interact with other people’s Tamagotchi, expanding the ways to play.
There are also many character collaboration editions, making it a product you can’t help wanting more of.
Timeless! Mini 4WD
Mini 4WD has been a popular pastime for over 40 years.
Some say the fourth boom has arrived—no, it’s the fifth!—and everyone seems to have their own favorite car tied to personal memories.
I’ve even seen news about fathers of today’s generation enjoying Mini 4WD together with their kids.
One of the charms of Mini 4WD is that you don’t just run what you bought out of the box; you can combine parts, sometimes make your own, and there’s plenty of room for creativity and ingenuity.
There are even videos that showcase every Mini 4WD machine ever made.
I hope people who were obsessed with it back in the Heisei era will give them a watch.
A flood of things we wanted as kids! Special feature on nostalgic toys and popular toys (41–50)
Athletic Land
A toy athletic land with a nostalgic Showa-era vibe.
It’s a toy where you guide a ball to the goal by skillfully operating a stage filled with various tricks.
The way to play is very simple, but many of you probably remember not quite making it to the end, right? Toys like this are sure to be fun even when you play them as an adult!
Licca-chan doll
When it comes to nostalgic toys, many people probably think of Licca-chan dolls.
Their wide range of outfits for dress-up play was so appealing and really sparked our childhood creativity.
Perhaps the reason they’ve been loved across generations lies in the diversity of their fashion and lifestyles.
Even now as adults, just picking one up gives us a warm, comforting feeling and a sense of fond attachment.
Licca-chan, dressed in her many varied outfits, has continued to capture children’s hearts in every era.
With their playful charm, Licca-chan dolls are sure to make a delightful gift!