Tokyo International TOY Forum 2009 News Updates

Thanks to Hobbystock Japan who have posted a report (in-language) and details from the Tokyo International TOY Forum 2009 event held January 14th and 15th in Tokyo, Japan. In attendance was Tomy Takara with a wide variety of Transformers products for preview.

Reading from the translated version of the site report, there is some mention of video for Transformers Revenge of the Fallen and being sworn to secrecy. Not sure if this means they had a no-press display or what? I am sure we'll learn more about any news revealed, if there was.

What was shown was pretty sweet indeed. There is a lot of it so let's get started. Following up on the Chrono Label news we reported recently, there's what looks like a complete prototype done up in metal. No details on what he does, but it reminds me a lot of the Chogokin Lightan figures. Hard not to being shiny metal and all that. Looks clean and sleek, but at about $350 USD I am okay without it in my collection.

Masterpiece MP-08 Grimlock was on display. The display of him in alternate mode with his mouth wide open, he looks really happy to be there. I know I will be really happy when he's here in my hands. There's also a robot mode figure on display. The release is close enough that we can assume that's the production version we're seeing. Looks great and best news of all is the shot of this accessories showing the serving tray and apron are still coming with the release - Hooray!

Disney Label Mickey Mouse was being shown in the colored and gray versions. This toy struck me as incredibly lame at first, but as I see it more and more it's growing on me. The color version comes across much nicer in person than is did in the promotional shots.

There was an assembled Bruticus figure showing. Surely meant to highlight the Encore #16 Combaticons release. Look for this out in Japan on March 6, 2008 for 8400 JPY (~$95 USD). Don't get too excited about the toy shown. If you look closely. You can see some sticker wear indicating it is a vintage toy we're looking at and not the actual reissue.

More good news for you fans and collectors of the cassettes, there's news and images confirming a second volume of them will be coming to Encore. The display featured Ratbat, Ramhorn, Slugfest and Steeljaw all with gold-chromed weapons for the Vol 2. release. Also shown were the pending Cassette Daisakusen Vol. 1 set with Ravage, Laserbeak, Eject and Rewind.

Henkei fans: were treated to ALL the new cool stuff coming out in Japan. The Legends Mini-robot sets, Dinobot, Hot Rod, Ratchet, Red Alert (with light bar!) and the sweeter Smokescreen were on display too. Check out the products release info as follows:

C-14 Ratchet - March - 2310 yen
C-15 Inferno - March - 3675 yen
C-16 Dinobot - March - 2310 yen
C-17 Hot Rod - March - 2310 yen
C-18 Mini-robot Attack - March - 2310
C-19 Mini-robot Spy teams - March - 2310 yen
C-20 Red Alert - March 2310 yen
C-21 Smokescreen - March - 2310 yen