TOMY Company, Ltd. 100th Anniversary｜Corporate Information｜TOMY

TOMY 100th anniversary logo

A design that depicts the creation of infinite possibilities (“∞”) from “1”. Our 100th anniversary presents us with the perfect opportunity to connect our “origin” with the “future”, Japan with The world, and above all, people with one another, in order to inspire and delight the world endlessly. The logo also embodies our spirit of ASOBI and commitment to product quality that have existed since the company was founded, along with the desire to create infinite possibilities and a limitless future going forward.

Message for the 100th Anniversary of TOMY’s Foundation

On February 2, 1924, the founder at age of 21 and his only craftsman opened their small workshop, “Tomiyama Toy Seisakusho”.
Everything started here.

Thank You for 100th Anniversary

Our commitment to deliver toys remains
unchanged for 100 years.

Photo of Kantaro Tomiyama, Representative Director, Chairman & CEO

Interview on 100th anniversary with Kantaro Tomiyama, Chairman & CEO

ー Please share with customers, employees, business partners, and shareholders your sentiments on the occasion of the 100th anniversary.

A hundred years is a long time. The Great Kanto earthquake occurred in September 1923, and our company was founded in February of the following year. Since then, the company has witnessed various events around the world, such as natural disasters, wars, post-war reconstruction, the economic bubble, its collapse, and the subsequent “lost 30 years”, culminating in this 100th anniversary. Throughout this period, our company has consistently aimed to deliver tools for play that nurture emotional development and ensure healthy growth for children.

About the 100th Anniversary Products

We will deliver a new sense of fun
for customers of all ages

Image of the 100th Anniversary Products

* PLARAIL trains are sold separately

We are excited to announce with our sincere gratitude that 100th anniversary commemorative products for a wide range of generations from children to adults will be launched in April 2024 and onwards. The selected brands are TOMICA, PLARAIL, LICCA, ZOIDS, TRANSFORMERS, POP-UP PIRATE, and app game DUEL MASTERS PLAY’S.

View 100th anniversary products

Photo of Kantaro Tomiyama, Representative Director, Chairman & CEO

ー Please share with customers, employees, business partners, and shareholders your sentiments on the occasion of the 100th anniversary.

A hundred years is a long time. The Great Kanto earthquake occurred in September 1923, and our company was founded in February of the following year. Since then, the company has witnessed various events around the world, such as natural disasters, wars, post-war reconstruction, the economic bubble, its collapse, and the subsequent “lost 30 years”, culminating in this 100th anniversary. Throughout this period, our company has consistently aimed to deliver tools for play that nurture emotional development and ensure healthy growth for children.

Throughout each era, we have released iconic products of the times. With each period, there have been significant changes in technology and materials, leading to a variety of products. We believe that it is thanks to the enduring patronage of our customers through these times that our products came to this day. Over these 100 years, there are many products that have been supported across three generations. As we now celebrate this 100th anniversary, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone.

ー Over the company’s long history spanning 100 years, what has been the driving wish?

I’m the third President of our company, and each of those eras has been distinct in terms of lifestyle, technology, and infrastructure. We’ve always aimed to provide children with new forms of play with things that are cutting-edge for their time and which fit the era they are in. We have also ensured our products are safe and reliable. That’s what we have strived to deliver to everyone.

ー Could you share your thoughts about the founding philosophy?

The philosophy left by our founder is profound and embodies what I might call a eternal challenge. It’s a concept that encompasses two ideas. First, it’s about creating unique and interesting forms of play to excite the world’s markets. The other aspect is to never be dishonest and to strive with utmost sincerity and diligence to benefit others and achieve things that are advantageous for everyone.

This idea of sincerity and diligence, of achievement not just because of our own actions but because of recognition from others, remains unchanged. I continuously share this with our employees as a principle that we hold steadfast and will continue to do so in the future.

ー Looking back at the company’s long history, could you share instances where a challenge was turned into an opportunity, along with any thoughts or messages you’d like to convey based on that experience?

The period that I can most accurately convey to everyone would be the 40 years since I became President in 1986. The year before that, the Plaza Accord led to a significant rise in the yen’s value, which negatively impacted Japan’s export-driven growth.

This was a critical challenge. But I saw it as a chance to adapt and change with the world’s shifts, and that’s what we’ve been doing over these 40 years. Now, 40 years later, society is evolving and technology is advancing. I don’t view the profound changes of this period as mere challenges but rather as opportunities for new forms of play and lifestyles to embrace. With this mindset, we’re committed to providing our customers with not just safe, secure, and exciting products, but also services. We’re expanding into digital realms, where the world of play is broadening.

In modern terms, it’s about how we integrate the physical and the virtual. This, I believe, represents a big opportunity. My era may have come to an end, but it’s now up to the next young generation to create a new history. I earnestly expect everyone’s encouragement and support for them, and I hope for your continued assistance in this journey.

ー What are your thoughts about the future of Tomy over the next 100 years?

What excites me is the potential of the young people to carve out the future. While it is nerve-wracking, it’s also thrilling to think about the significant changes they can bring to the company. I believe we have a group of young individuals capable of making this happen. In that sense, I’m really looking forward to seeing what the company will look like in 10 or 20 years.

ー Finally, if there’s anything you would like to convey, please share it with us.

I think it is truly worth expressing anew how it is a blessing that we’ve been able to continuously produce toys loved by everyone in each era. Being a toy company that is cherished by people is profoundly meaningful. We will continue to strive not to betray those feelings and expectations and keep working to remain a company that can continue this legacy. So, I ask for everyone’s continued support in the future.