When talking about vintage toys and board games, the name of a certain company often pops up: “Tsukuda.” While it's a name we hear less frequently these days, its journey is quite fascinating when discussing Japanese toy culture. Originally, Tsukuda operated as part of the Tsukuda Group and was known as a specialized wholesaler dealing primarily in toys. This means they didn't just manufacture products; they supported the toy industry from the distribution side as well. The world of toys cannot exist with manufacturers alone; the systems that deliver products to the market are equally vital. It can be said that Tsukuda was one of the companies that fulfilled that crucial role.

Tracing Tsukuda's history leads back to “Tsukuda-ya Shoten,” founded in 1935. It began as a small shop during the pre-war era in a social environment vastly different from today's, but in 1950, after the war, it was incorporated as “Tsukuda-ya Co., Ltd.,” stepping forward as a full-fledged enterprise. Over time, it expanded its business to match changing eras, venturing into new fields such as releasing game software. Eventually, the company changed its name to “Tsukuda,” establishing a presence as a company dealing in both toys and games. Although the company underwent many transformations over many years, its history finally came to an end with bankruptcy in 2003. Nevertheless, the footprints it left while supporting the Japanese toy industry for so many years are by no means small.

When discussing Tsukuda, the name “Tsukuda Original” is indispensable. Established in Taito-ku, Tokyo in 1974, it was formed when the manufacturing division of Tsukuda Co., Ltd. became independent. With its background as a manufacturer born from a distribution company, it showcased a unique personality in toy-making. The products that Tsukuda Original released into the world include many that almost everyone has played with at least once. For example, they handled numerous long-beloved items such as the classic board game Othello, the Rubik's Cube which sparked a global phenomenon, and Slime, whose unique texture captivated children. These items did not end as mere fads but became staples enjoyed across generations.

The appeal of Tsukuda Original also lay in its ability to propose a wide range of play without being biased toward a specific genre. For instance, the “Air Water Gun” series of air-compressed water pistols became popular summer items that heightened the fun of outdoor play. They also introduced products themed around outdoor play, such as “Wonder Shabon” for enjoying soap bubbles. Furthermore, they sold hobby products for girls, such as play-house sets, expanding the world of play for both boys and girls alike. Looking at this diverse product lineup, it's clear that Tsukuda Original was a manufacturer that truly valued “play itself.” Creating time for play that children could get lost in was likely the very foundation of this company's craftsmanship.

The Tsukuda Group changed its form significantly amidst management shifts. Following the financial difficulties of Tsukuda Co., Ltd., Tsukuda Original left the group and embarked on a new path through name changes and corporate mergers. Today, that lineage is carried on by a division of MegaHouse, a member of the Bandai Namco Group. In other words, Tsukuda's spirit and know-how have not completely vanished; they live on in a different form within a Japanese toy manufacturer. Looking back at its history while remembering toys of the past makes one realize once again that Tsukuda was a company that continuously supported Japan's play culture behind the scenes. For a company that connected the joy of play across generations, just hearing its name likely brings a sense of nostalgia to many.