Bandai
From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference
(written from a Production point of view)
The Bandai company aka Bandai Co., Ltd. (pronounced BAN-dye) is a Japanese corporation specializing in toys, games, models and videos. They are best known as the company responsible for toys in the US based on Japanese properties Godzilla, Gundam, Tamagotchi, Sailor Moon and Power Rangers and the US animated Teen Titans series.
Founded in 1950 to produce tin toys, Bandai has become the world's 3rd largest toy producer (right behind US companies Mattel and Hasbro), with holdings and subsidiaries all over the world. Recently, Bandai merged with video game developer and producer Namco (best known as the makers of the Pac-Man video game) to become Namco Bandai Holdings Inc.
Bandai was the exclusive UK and European distributor of the Playmates Toys line of Star Trek toys and action figures. The company marketed the figures in two versions. For the UK, French and Spanish markets, the figures were released on the similar blister cards to the US and Canadian releases [see left]. Uniquely, for the German market, the figures were relased in "Windowboxes", small clear-fronted cardboard boxes [see right].
Bandai was also the maker of the Pair Match electronic game, which was seen on episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Currently, Bandai produces Star Trek model kits. These kits feature pre-painted snap-together models, often with lighting kits included.
[edit] External links
- Bandai.com - official US web site
- Bandai at Wikipedia
