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
Nov 22
CLASSIC: Benjamin Franklin's Advice On "Finding A Mistress"
<p>Founding Father Benjamin Franklin was a man of many interests, but his endeavors were by no means limited to technical innovation, philosophy and politics. In fact, throughout his life he had a reputation as an irredeemable lech -- literally, in later years, a dirty old man -- ... Show More
31m 43s
Nov 20
Wait! Can a tree really own itself?
<p>Do you have a favorite tree? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max head over to the famous college town of Athens, Georgia where -- legend has it -- one guy was so enamored with his childhood oak that he ultimately deeded it to itself. How much of the story is true? Can a tree ... Show More
42m 22s
Nov 18
Doc Holliday Was, In Fact, A Deadly Dentist
<p>Longtime listeners are well-aware that the history of the 'Wild West' is more than a bit... embellished. Yet a grain of truth exists at the heart of almost every legend, and the story of Doc Holliday is no different. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn more about Tombs ... Show More
40m 57s
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)
<p>On this episode of <em>Our American Stories</em>, 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 childre ... 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 44s