In recent years, cross-brand collaborations have become an exciting trend in the toy industry. Following the landmark partnership between LEGO and Hasbro, two of Japan’s biggest toy manufacturers — Bandai Spirits and TOMY — have now announced a historic collaboration. The joint project was officially unveiled during the Tokyo Toy Show, drawing major attention across the industry.
For the first time, these long-time competitors are joining forces under the theme: “Dream Together.” Despite traditionally occupying opposite ends of the exhibition hall — a symbolic nod to their rivalry — both companies came together in a shared announcement to reveal two co-developed products scheduled for release in 2023.
Bandai Spirits: Super Alloy × Zoids
The first collaboration blends Bandai’s iconic Super Alloy series with TOMY’s legendary Zoids (SOSI Machine Beast) franchise. The fusion aims to highlight the metal life concept of Super Alloy figures, combining the mechanical intensity of Zoids with the elegant articulation and craftsmanship that defines Bandai’s collectibles.
Designers from both teams emphasized their passion for the project, with one Bandai designer revealing that Zoids had been a beloved part of his childhood. His goal was to channel that nostalgia into an expressive, poseable, and high-quality product that captures the spirit of both brands. Instead of simply focusing on mechanical power, the emphasis here is on natural, lifelike gestures, showcasing dynamic scenes reminiscent of the Zoids anime.
TOMY: Tomica × Gundam
The second project brings together TOMY’s Tomica series — known for its die-cast miniature vehicles — with the legendary Gundam franchise from Bandai. This collaboration presents a unique twist: compact, stylized Gundam-themed vehicles with the transformable features of Tomica toys.
Designers focused on maintaining the authentic feel of Gundam while integrating Tomica’s hallmark simplicity and safety standards. The result is a product that appeals to both children and adult collectors, offering the detail and charm of Gundam in a format accessible to younger audiences.
Public Showcase and Launch
Both products are set to be previewed at Tamashii Nations Tokyo and Fujia Store in Tokyo from late July, giving fans a first-hand look before their official launch later in the year.
Looking to Launch Your Own Dream Toy Project?
This Bandai x TOMY partnership is a perfect example of how legacy brands can work together to reignite nostalgia and create something new. If you’re a brand looking to bring your own collectible figures, action toys, or miniature lines to life, you’ll need a reliable toy manufacturing partner that understands both tradition and innovation.
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