1. Introduction
Raising a baby in a foreign country can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for products that are both safe and worth the investment. If you want to find high-quality toys unique to Japan but are worried about safety—especially during the stage when babies put everything in their mouths—you’ve come to the right place!
Japanese toys are world-renowned for their durability and strict safety standards. In this article, we’ll introduce five iconic Japanese toys that local parents highly recommend for babies in their first year.
2. What is the “ST Mark”?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about the most important safety symbol in Japan: the ST Mark (Safety Toy Mark).
Toys with this logo have passed rigorous testing for:
• Mechanical Safety: No sharp edges or small parts that could cause choking.
• Flammability: Materials that do not catch fire easily.
• Chemical Safety: Non-toxic paints and materials.
When you shop for toys on Amazon Japan or Mercari, always check for this mark to ensure your baby’s safety!
“Note on Safety Standards:”
While most major Japanese toys like People and Takara Tomy carry the ST Mark, high-quality wooden brands like Ed.Inter or Kujirasha often follow the CE Mark (European standard) or use food-grade safe paints that comply with the Food Sanitation Act. Rest assured, all these recommended items are selected for their top-tier safety!
3. Our Top 5 Recommendations
① People: Rice Toy Series (お米のおもちゃ)
• Best for: 0 months and up
• Why we love it: These toys are truly unique to Japan. They are made from real Japanese rice (non-edible rice used for processing).
• Mom’s Benefit: There are no screws or paints used, so it is 100% safe for babies to chew on. It even has a faint, natural scent of rice!
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② Ed.Inter: Milky Toy Series (Candy Puppy)
• Best for: 6 months and up
• Why we love it: Ed.Inter is a legendary Japanese brand specializing in educational wooden toys. This pull-toy is made of high-quality natural wood, making it extremely durable.
• Mom’s Benefit: The soft pastel colors make it a beautiful addition to your nursery and perfect for photos.
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③ Takara Tomy: 6-Way Night Light & Mobile (くまのプーさんメリー)
• Best for: 0 months to 2 years
• Why we love it: This is a “must-have” item among parents in Japan. It transforms from a crib mobile to a floor gym, and eventually a sturdy walker as your baby grows.
• Mom’s Benefit: It plays soothing lullabies and nature sounds to help with sleep. It is a great long-term investment that grows with your child.
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④ Kujirasha (Ginga Kobo): Baby’s Jewelry Box (赤ちゃんの宝石箱)
• Best for: 3 months and up
• Why we love it: These handcrafted wooden toys have even been adored by the Japanese Imperial Family. Each piece is smoothed by artisans to ensure there are no sharp corners.
• Mom’s Benefit: The scent of natural wood is very calming. It also offers a name-engraving service, making it a perfect heirloom or special gift.
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⑤ KUMON PUBLISHING: Kurukuru Chime (くるくるチャイム)
• Best for: 10 months and up
• Why we love it: Developed by the famous “KUMON” education group, this has been a bestseller in Japan since the 1980s.
• Mom’s Benefit: The simple action of dropping a ball through the hole helps develop concentration and fine motor skills. Many babies will play with this for a long time all by themselves!
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4. Smart Spending Tips
• Buying New: Check Amazon Japan or Rakuten. Keep an eye out for “Point Up” campaigns or big sales to save money.
• Buying Second-hand: For items used only for a few months, check Mercari or Yahoo! Flea Market. You can often find items in excellent condition for less than half the retail price.
