Horikawa (SH) ca. 1960s Tin Lithographed Battery Op. “Super Space Capsule” Japanese Toy in Box *SOLD*

Horikawa (S.H) ca. 1960s Tin Lithographed Battery Operated “Super Space Capsule” Japanese Toy in Box

We have for you a tin, lithographed battery-operated “Super Space Capsule” with original box that was manufactured by Horikawa Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (SH) of Tokyo, Japan.

When switched to the on position this battery-operated space toy moves in circles, the capsule revolves, the doors open and close, the tv set lights up, and the cap and window light up. This has really neat movement. All functions work and this item is complete with no missing parts. The box is in fair condition.

This piece is in excellent all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that is to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 9 ¾” H/L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.

A brief history of Horikawa Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (SH) of Tokyo, Japan:

1959 – 1989

Founder: Unknown

Specialty: Horikawa Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. was founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 1959 and operated until the late 1980s. Their trademark was an “SH” in a black diamond. They were a major Japanese wholesaler and one of the most successful post-WWII Japanese battery-operated toy makers. Horikawa specialized in battery-operated robots and space toys, as well as vintage-style vehicles. Their toys were popular and can be found in various unique variations. However, they didn’t receive the same level of respect from collectors as some other major toy makers of the time.

During the 1960s, Horikawa competed with successful Japanese toy manufacturers like Yoshiya, Nomura, and Yonezawa. Like many traditional toy manufacturers, Horikawa faced challenges in the 1970s due to the rise of plastic toys and changing market trends. Eventually, the company ceased production, and its original operation ended in the late 1980s.

In 1989, Metal House, which was established in 1943 as Marumiya and continues to this day, took over Horikawa and merged with the company. Many people mistakenly believed that Metal House manufactured the toys themselves, as Horikawa had produced a significant number of works for Metal House. Metal House replicated and reproduced many of Horikawa’s designs but in limited quantities.

Some of the designs carried over from Horikawa to Metal House include the Super Space Giant and the Star Strider, which are still produced today. The Star Strider is notable as Horikawa’s last all-tin toy robot design. During the transitional period between the closure of Horikawa and the establishment of Metal House, both companies’ names appeared on the boxes of some of their toys.