The origins of Takara Tomy trace back to 2 February 1924, when Eiichiro Tomiyama established Tomiyama Toy Seisakusho, a manufacturer specialising in metal toy aeroplanes. The firm quickly gained recognition for high-quality craftsmanship and pioneered manufacturing techniques within the Japanese toy industry, including assembly-line production and dedicated research departments.2

Following the Second World War, the company expanded rapidly through the export of friction-powered toys before transitioning from metal to plastic manufacturing. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Tomy broadened its international footprint by opening overseas offices and investing significantly in product development.3

Concurrently, Takara Co., Ltd. began operations as Satoh Vinyl Industries in 1955, eventually achieving fame for dolls, model kits, transforming robots, and hobby products. Takara was responsible for numerous influential toy lines, including Microman, Diaclone, Battle Beasts, and the original Japanese series that later evolved into Transformers.4

In March 2006, Takara and Tomy merged to form TOMY Company, Ltd., known domestically as TAKARATOMY. This union combined Takara’s strengths in character merchandise and collectibles with Tomy’s expertise in educational toys, vehicles, and global distribution networks. The merger created Japan’s largest toy company and enhanced its competitiveness in international markets.5

• Founded: 2 February 1924 (original Tomy)
• Merger: March 2006 (Takara + Tomy)
• Headquarters: Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan
• Industry: Toys, games, collectibles, hobby products, entertainment
• Stock Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market
• Employees: Approximately 2,500 worldwide (consolidated)
• Global Presence: Japan, North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia through numerous subsidiaries and partner companies6

Takara Tomy owns or manages many of Japan’s most recognisable toy brands, including:

• Beyblade – A competitive spinning-top battle system first introduced in 1999 and revived several times, most recently with Beyblade X.
• Transformers – Co-created through the adaptation of Takara’s Diaclone and Microman toy lines in partnership with Hasbro.
• Tomica – Die-cast miniature vehicles launched in 1970.
• Plarail – Battery-powered toy railway system introduced in 1959.
• Licca-chan – Fashion doll often described as Japan’s answer to Barbie.
• Zoids – Mechanical animal model kits featuring motorised movement.
• Duel Masters – Trading card game and multimedia franchise.
• Pokémon Toys – Licensed figures, electronic toys, and merchandise.
• Shinkalion – Robot franchise combining trains and transforming mecha.
• Omnibot – Consumer robotics and programmable robot series.7

Takara Tomy operates worldwide through subsidiaries and regional companies, including:

• TOMY International (North America)
• TOMY Europe
• TOMY Asia
• TOMY Hong Kong
• TOMY Thailand
• T-ARTS
• TOMY TEC

Beyond traditional toys, the company’s business extends into capsule toys (gashapon), trading card games, baby and preschool products, hobby collectibles, railway models, arcade and amusement products, character licensing, and digital entertainment.8

Takara Tomy has consistently invested in technological innovation across its product range, which has included electronic pets, interactive robots, educational toys, AI-assisted play experiences, and accessible-design toys for children with disabilities.

One of its most notable engineering achievements was SORA-Q (LEV-2), a transformable miniature lunar rover developed in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The rover successfully reached the Moon, demonstrating how toy engineering could contribute to space exploration.9

The corporate philosophy centres on creating “new values of play” that inspire imagination, creativity, and learning. Takara Tomy emphasises safe and high-quality manufacturing, innovation through play, child development, sustainability, and accessible toy design for children of all abilities.

For over a century, Takara Tomy has played a significant role in shaping the global toy industry. Its products have influenced generations of children and collectors, with franchises such as Transformers, Beyblade, Tomica, and Licca-chan becoming enduring cultural icons. Today, the company continues to expand internationally while integrating traditional play with modern technology, animation, gaming, and digital experiences.10

1. Corporate Information｜TOMY Company, Ltd.
2. TOMY Company, Ltd.
3. Corporate History｜Corporate Information｜TOMY Company, Ltd.
4. HISTORY – TOMY Official Global Web Site
5. A Mini Moon Rover from the Toy Company That Created Transformers
6. TOMY Company, Ltd. | TOMY Company, Ltd. Official
7. 关于多美 – TAKARATOMY
8. Corporate Information｜TOMY Company, Ltd.
9. TOMY Company, Ltd. | TOMY Company, Ltd. Official
10. タカラトミーの紹介｜個人投資家の皆様へ｜投資家情報｜タカラトミー公式