Landry Pop Auctions – Showa Era Icons Auction
28 January 2025 12pm eastern
landrypop.com
501W 20th Street, NYC

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. — Landry Pop Auctions (LPA), in partnership with the Rago/Wright network, will present a sale of Japanese Shōwa-Era Icons, curated by Joshua Fraser, sneaker designer, painter, filmmaker and avid collector. The auction celebrating the golden age of Japanese toy design will take place on January 28 at noon in Lambertville, with a special exhibition currently running in New York City until January 20.

The Shōwa era (1926-1989) was a transformative design period in Japan’s cultural and industrial history, and its influence is particularly evident in the character toys produced from the 1960s to the 1980s. This auction highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of tin toys like Tetsujin 28 and Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy), the enduring appeal of Godzilla (Gojira) vinyl sofubi during the Kaiju boom and the innovative die-cast Chogokin figures from Mazinger Z to Gaiking. It showcases how Japan’s creative spirit and technological advancements revolutionized the global toy industry and created a cultural zeitgeist.

“The toys of Japan’s Shōwa era are more than just playthings — they are stories of artistry, mythology and cultural exchange that continue to inspire generations worldwide,” said Fraser. The sale will showcase some exceptional items: An ATD Tetsuwan Atom wind-up tin toy, which comes in its original box. To the auction house’s knowledge, this toy has never been offered for public sale in boxed condition, making it one of the rarest Atom toys in existence. Additionally, the sale features an uncommon boxed Bandai Space Ace remote-controlled Corvette, as well as a bagged example of a Marusan Giant Gosura sofubi, which is notably complete with its original catalogs and stickers.

In advance of the January 28 auction, lots on offer will be presented in a special New York exhibition at the Rago/Wright gallery featuring iconic pieces, including tin, vinyl and diecast figures from renowned franchises such as Godzilla, Ultraman, Kamen Rider and Gundam. This auction offers a rare chance to acquire a piece of design history while exploring the rich narratives of an era that continues to influence today’s design and pop culture.

Shōwa-Era Icons, curated by Joshua Fraser comes to auction on January 28 at 333 North Main Street in Lambertville. A special exhibition in New York City featuring all lots is on view until January 20 at the Rago/Wright gallery located in Chelsea at 501 West 20th Street; gallery hours are 11 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.

For information, www.landrypop.com or 508-470-0330.

CURATED BY JOSHUA FRASER
IG @landrypopauctions * info@landrypop.com * 508-470-0330
Exhibition 9-20 January 2025
11 am – 5 pm, Mon – Sat
501W 20th Street, NYC