logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
32m 3s

The Amazing History of Japanese Toys, Pa...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

When most of us think of toys, we fondly recall moments from childhood, or think of toys we gifted to loved ones over the years. Yet toys are a serious, big business -- and, more than once, they played a vital role in Japan's postwar economy. In part one of this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the amazing story of master toymaker Matsuzo Kosuge.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
The Ridiculous Truth About Pirates, Chapter One: The Caribbean
Fellow Ridiculous Historians, Ben, Noel and Max are back on their pirate obsession. In this special two-part series live from the legendary Baha Mar, the guys welcome returning guest Matt Frederick for a fascinating exploration of some of history's most ridiculous pirates. Stay t ... Show More
39m 4s
Apr 17
CLASSIC: Teddy Roosevelt May Just Have Saved Modern (American) Football
In recent years the public has become increasingly aware of the long-term dangers posed by sports injuries -- but at the turn of the 20th century this wasn't the case. Football players didn't wear protective gear, and in 1905 alone more than 15 players died from game-related inju ... Show More
24m 46s
Apr 16
Eurovision, Chapter Two: Pop Music as Problematic Diplomacy
Now, we know this is going to sound weird, but... it turns out one of the world's most popular pop music contests is also one of the world's best examples of 'soft diplomacy'. So what happens when countries that hate each other get together to determine the year's best song? Spoi ... Show More
44m 26s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2022
Selects: A Partial History of Action Figures
Action figures have a long and glorious history. From GI Joes to Star Wars figures, these offshoots of dolls came along at just the right time to capture the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Learn all about the partial history of action figures in this classic episode.See ... Show More
1h 13m
Nov 2019
What Makes a Must-Have Christmas Toy?
<p>Ever since Cabbage Patch Kids came along in 1983, there’s been an annual holiday frenzy around one particular toy – the must-have Christmas toy of the year. But what makes a toy a must-have toy? Josh and Chuck investigate (and kick off the holidays).</p><p> </p> Learn more abo ... Show More
49m 18s
Dec 2023
Best of Business Wars Daily | Holiday Wars | 6
<p>American Girl or Barbie? Transformers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? The Game of Life or Monopoly? We're putting your favorite nostalgic toys head-to-head to determine the GOAT (greatest of all TOYS) with comedian Josh Gondelman and New York Times retail reporter Jordyn Holm ... Show More
44m 34s
Jan 2024
The Story of How Star Wars Toys Revolutionized Movie Merchandising (Part 2)
On this episode of Our American Stories, the "Nostalgia Awakens" is a Star Wars action figure exhibit from enthusiast and museum curator Jarrod Roll. He's here to share the story of how Star Wars toys revolutionized movie merchandising, licensing, and even how children play. Supp ... Show More
17m 58s
Dec 2023
Toys R US vs KB Toys | The Comeback Kid, Plus Hot Wheels! | 5
<p>‘Tis the season for toys! First, we’re getting an update on where toy retailers stand today with Forbes Senior Contributor <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/?sh=4f9055117c41" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joan Verdon</a>. She’s covered Toys R Us sinc ... Show More
40m 41s
Mar 2022
The History of Toys (or Why Do We Love a Little Guy?)
Jen, Ginny, Nat, & Corrie take a tour through the colossal of history toys, asking the age-old question, why do we love a little guy? Outline: 1 since the dawn of time, ppl have wanted other ppl to check out the little guy they made. 2 imitative and instructive 3 the earliest toy ... Show More
2h 14m
Dec 2022
Toy trends: Are people still spending?
Christmas and the holiday season is a crucial time for toy retailers, and hopes will be high for sales to return to pre-pandemic levels. But with the rising cost of living, we find out if families will be cutting back on toy spending this year - and look at the toys topping the p ... Show More
18m 56s
Aug 2023
Selects: How Toy Testing Works
It's every kid's dream - a job playing with toys that pays in toys. It's a real thing and has been around for a long time. Then there's the other side of the testing process, companies who ensure that toys are safe. It takes both of these testing techniques to successfully bring ... Show More
47m 5s
Nov 2022
Introducing "Everything 80's"
It was a classic battle between good and evil and it gave us one of the greatest toys of all time. Today, we journey back to revisit the history of the iconic Transformers.From their early days in Japan to dominating TVs and toy shelves in North America, this is another defining ... Show More
28m 53s