[Shin Densetsu]

Yep. Since last year I have been steadily leaning towards Japanese toys and not buying as much domestic stuff. The US Market, while the companies make strides towards collectors(which I think is due in part, to video games), is still dominated by a society which generally thinks toys are for young-uns, and by the almighty colossus called Walmart.

...whereas in Japan the primary target is the collector. With a declining birth rate, and what is perceived as expendable income, Japanese companies cater to the older Japanese fan. What do we share in common with our Japanese brothers? A love for kick ass toys. High levels of detail. The heroes of our childhood modernized.

So I've cherry picked with Marvel Universe, even moreso with Star Wars/Clone Wars, cut back on DCUC, and started saving up more for Japanese goods. For TF's I made a move towards getting FansProject stuff, and more recently, Striker Optimus Prime.

I remember the excitement I had tracking down, and posting news for that thing. Even moreso when it was finally revealed with official images.

Choosing better colors for injection molding, select paint apps, use of diecast metal, impressive engineering, all these factors please me. All of those aspects are what factor into a Japanese collector toy. Whereas in the US the name of the game is cost cutting unless you're NECA or Sideshow.

By the end of this year, my collection will be smaller but better. More Japanese robits. How about you guys? You guys find yourself ditching domestic more now, in lieu of toys from the rising sun?