Collector Profile: Tokyo Toy Guy’s fantastic Batman collection

If you are a Batman collector, odds are that you’re familiar with the Tokyo Toy Guy’s documentaries. Yuji has travelled the world to document other collectors and museums focusing on Batman memorabilia, so I thought it would be fun to take a tour of the Toy Guy’s own collection…

How did your collection start? What was the first item in your collection?
I started collecting Batman when I first saw Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989. The first item in my collection was, Toybiz’s square jaw Batman.

Approximately how many items are in your collection?
I have approximately 2,000 items.

Do you have a favorite item in your collection?
All are my favorites, but especially Yonezawa’s Batman Race car 1966 friction toy.

How do you store/display your collection?
Not my ideal way, but IKEA Detolf Shelves (I will open Tokyo Toy Cafe in near future to display them all!)

Is there a “holy grail” item that you would love to add to your collection?
– Bandai TIN mini Batman Robot
– Bandai TIN Batman Robot
– Tada TIN Batman Robot
– Mego Kresge package Batman
– Ideal Batman Utility Belt 1966

Do you collect other things?
I collect Star Wars Stormtroopers.

Do you have any advice for new collectors who are just starting a collection?
Keep talking about what you like with people and be nice to whoever informs you where to get items. Often it will come back to you.

Do you have any interesting stories or memories about collecting?
My documentary about Vintage Batman Collector “Tokyo Toy Guy” was screened at Chicago, Motor City and Dubai Comic Cons, and I was able to let the world know how beautiful and interesting it is to collect vintage Batman toys.

Where can you be found on the internet?
– Tokyo Toy Guy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tokyotoyguy

– Batman Extreme (Batman Collection archive): http://batmanextreme.strikingly.com/

– All the Vintage Batman Collection Videos on Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/user4690743/videos

And lastly I’m working on a documentary about ultra rare vintage Batman collectibles from Japan, which is called “Tokyo Toy Guy 2” and will be sending it to all the Comic Cons later this year, so stay tuned!

—

If you are a collector and would like to share your passion with other like-minded collectors, just fill out the collector profile form.