Tomy Brings Tomica Toy Trains and Die-Cast Cars to the States…Why Should Japan Have All the Fun?

For over 40 years, Japanese consumers have been enjoying the Tomica line of die-cast cars and toy trains–and now we’re getting them! Featuring incredible attention to detail as well as officially licensed vehicles from Japan’s top auto manufacturers, Tomica has become Japan’s number one toy train and car line; now, thanks to an exclusive deal with Toys “R” Us, Tomy’s popular brand can be enjoyed by kids (and grownups) all over the U.S. I had a chance to get my hands on some of the cars and trains at a recent press event and let me tell you–you’re in for a treat. The 1:64 scale cars look exactly like their full-size counterparts; and unlike other toy cars this size, many of them feature moving parts as well as highly detailed interiors. The train sets feature battery operated trains and tracks that interact; many of the sets also include die-cast cars as well as figures that can be used with each play set. While I thought giving me a train to take home was a nice gesture at the time, I now know the evil genius behind this; I’ve already been back to Toys “R” Us twice to buy more trains…thanks for the “gateway” gift, Tomy! The trains and cars are just starting to arrive at Toys “R” us locations all over the country, so if they’re not at your local store soon, keep checking–they can also be found at ToysRUs.com.

For More on Tomica cars and trains, check out the press release after the break…

TOMY CORPORATION ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF TOMICA EXCLUSIVELY AT TOYS“R”US

LOS ANGELES – September, 2010 – Global toy industry stalwart TOMY Corporation today announced an exclusive first-year retail partnership with Toys”R”Us to introduce TOMICA, Japan’s number one die-cast car and toy train line in the United States. The brand will launch exclusively at Toys”R”Us stores nationwide, as well as online at Toysrus.com in early October. The new TOMICA line promises to bring back traditional road and rail playtime that parents and children love, with improved items and newly developed products for avid fans and collectors to enjoy.

“TOMICA is one of Japan’s most well-respected toy brands, and has contributed to family fun in Japan for more than 40 years,” said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president and COO at TOMY Corporation. “We are delighted that Toys”R”Us has chosen to help us kick off what we hope will be a similarly successful run here in the U.S. for one of our most cherished franchises.”

“As a global toy retailer, Toys”R”Us has the ability to identify great products from around the world, and TOMICA, which has a rich history of creativity and collectability in Japan, will be an exciting addition to our stores in the United States,” said Richard Barry, vice president, general merchandise manager, Toys”R”Us, U.S. “There is no better place to introduce new product lines than at Toys”R”Us, and we look forward to introducing the TOMICA brand of trains and cars to kids, parents and collectors.”

This initial launch of TOMICA will feature seven die-cast car sets, three train sets, six accessory sets, six destination sets and five deluxe play sets. The TOMICA car and train line features a robust combination of auto and locomotive play that teaches kids the rules of the road and helps them expand their imaginations with massive building potential. The Mega Station offers a great platform for kids to create a massive transportation network, while the Road and Rails set gets kids started on their very own train conductor adventures. If trouble arises in the TOMICA Hypercity, kids can call on the Police Headquarters or Fire Station playsets to save the day! When kids aren’t driving one of the many officially licensed cars around Hypercity, or manning a train, they can visit the TOMICA Pizza Shop, as well as many other fun stops that bring the city to life.

Die-cast collectors of all ages will be in for a 1:64 scale treat when they get their hands on the officially licensed cars from Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and others at Toys”R”Us stores. As an added bonus, the trains in the new TOMICA line are direct decedents of Japan’s classic and updated Plarail train system, TOMY’s iconic toy train and track system which was introduced in Japan in 1959.

TOMICA will be available in early October at Toys”R”Us stores, as well as online at Toysrus.com. The products will be showcased with dynamic displays in each Toys”R”Us store.

For more information regarding TOMICA and TOMY Corporation’s consumer products, please visit www.TOMY-USA.com or www.Tomica-USA.com.

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