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| Robot Robot: Nakano | |||
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"Childhood obsession with robots drove us insanity" reads the slogan on this shop's original T-shirts, and we can certainly appreciate the sentiment. But even if you're not a toy maniac, there's plenty to see here - Robot Robot has a diverse and appealing selection of collectible toys for every taste and budget. Cabinet after cabinet is filled with miniature figures, dolls, and novelty items spanning decades of cartoon and movie tie-ins.
You'll find Fred and Wilma Flintstone; Yogi Bear and Boo Boo; the Pillsbury Doughboy; Homer, Marge and Bart; and even Ren and Stimpy, all in assorted poses and sizes. Choose from Godzillas and Mothrae, Kamen Riders and legions of other Japanese TV and movie characters. Browse through shelves packed with Pez dispensers, mugs and glassware, and racks stacked with the wholesome and cheery products of German toy company Playmobil. While the shop carries plenty of merchandise tied to Star Wars, Planet of the Apes and other movie franchises, they balance it out with more obscure items, like the Max Headroom coffee mug in the front window. There's also the very tempting Sharkotic Robot of Dr. Piranoid, one of a cadre of evil robot sharks. And this is definitely the place to come if you decide to outfit your dining nook with the retro-fashionable Fireking line of pastel-toned tableware. Robot Robot has two branches on the third floor of Nakano Broadway - the smaller one in the front corner of the building specializes in Japanese toys and tiny collectibles (bottle-cap figures, etc.), while most of the imports are in the main branch towards the back of the mall (i.e. the end farther from Nakano station). As always in the world of collectibles, prices can vary wildly and puzzlingly from one item to the next, subject to the mysterious forces of collector supply and demand. If you're looking for a very specific item, the shop's website has up-to-date information on availability and prices, but it's somehow not quite the same as seeing it all lined up in front of you. by Robb Satterwhite |
Robot Robot
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