Toy Game Tournament "1st TOY GAME CUP" Featuring 9 Games Including "Blackbeard One Shot" and "UNO," to Be Held in Ikebukuro on January 12, 2026; Registration Now Open
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/991/G999107/20251015009/
Editorial Department: Akasaka | 2025/10/15 03:28 (UTC)
The Toy Game Cup Executive Committee today (October 15, 2025) announced that the first-ever toy game tournament, “1st TOY GAME CUP,” led by nine toy manufacturers, will be held on January 12, 2026, at the temporary venue in Sunshine City Fountain Plaza, Ikebukuro. Registration for participants has also been launched via a dedicated website (external link).
This event welcomes participants aged six and up, in teams of three, competing through toy games—real-life competitive toys that test both skill and luck. The competition will feature the following nine titles:
- UNO HANPA NEE! (Mattel International)
- Auto Rio (Kawada)
- Blackbeard Crisis One Shot (Takara Tomy)
- Jenga Classic (Hasbro Japan)
- Super I Tai Wani (Bandai)
- Strike (Lavensberg Japan)
- Pig Badminton (Megahouse)
- Mr. Diamond (Hanaoka)
- Baseball Board 3D Ace Super Control (Epoch)
Special Website for the “1st TOY GAME CUP”
First-ever toy game tournament led by nine toy manufacturers!
The “1st TOY GAME CUP” is now announced!
Registration opens October 15, 2025
The Toy Game Cup Executive Committee has been established jointly by nine toy-related companies (Epoch Co., Ltd., Kawada Co., Ltd., Takara Tomy Co., Ltd., Hasbro Japan K.K., Hanaoka Co., Ltd., Bandai Co., Ltd., Mattel International Inc., Megahouse Co., Ltd., and Lavensberg Japan Co., Ltd.). They are organizing the inaugural official tournament, “1st TOY GAME CUP,” on January 12, 2026 (Monday, National Holiday) at the temporary venue in Sunshine City Fountain Plaza, Ikebukuro.
Today, October 15, 2025 (Wednesday), registration for participants has officially begun via a dedicated website (https://toygame-cup.com/).
(See details below.)
※1: “Toy games” refer to real-life competitive toys such as “Blackbeard Crisis One Shot,” “UNO,” and “Baseball Board”—games that have captivated children and adults worldwide.
This tournament features one popular toy game from each of the nine participating companies. Teams of three (with participants aged six and above) will be selected via lottery from all applicants, with 15 teams ultimately chosen. The winning team will receive a championship trophy and special experience gifts.
Since toy games incorporate both skill and luck as essential elements, anyone—regardless of age or gender—can aim for victory.
※2: The number of participating teams may change.
In recent years, the widespread use of smartphones and social media, along with the growing trend of remote work, has led to increased online interaction. However, we believe that face-to-face communication and real-life experiences are now more valuable than ever. According to Yano Research Institute’s “Survey on Analog Games (2024),” Japan’s tabletop game market reached ¥7.54 billion in fiscal year 2023 (+5.0% YoY), expanding further to ¥7.8 billion in FY2024 (+3.4% YoY). This data reaffirms the growing value of real-life, face-to-face competitive experiences.
Given this context, we are determined to share the unique charm of toy games—where people from all ages and backgrounds can gather and compete together—in a tangible way. Thus, we have launched this tournament.
The nine participating toy manufacturers aim to promote the appeal of toy games through the “1st TOY GAME CUP,” contributing to market growth while strengthening connections among people.
Event Overview: 1st TOY GAME CUP (Toy Game Cup)
Event Name: 1st TOY GAME CUP (Toy Game Cup)
Organizer: Toy Game Cup Executive Committee
Date: January 12, 2026 (Monday, National Holiday), 11:00–18:00 (tentative)
※ Guest talent appearance scheduled from 15:20 to 18:00
Participants: Total of 15 teams (3 members per team)
※ Number of teams may change.
Venue: Temporary venue at Fountain Plaza, Ikebukuro Sunshine City
Guests: Talent guests will join as cheer supporters (details to be announced on the dedicated website soon).
Prizes: Toy Game Cup championship trophy and additional prizes
※ Additional prize details will be posted later on the official site.
Official Website: https://toygame-cup.com/
Participating Manufacturers (in alphabetical order):
- Epoch Co., Ltd.
- Kawada Co., Ltd.
- Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.
- Hasbro Japan K.K.
- Hanaoka Co., Ltd.
- Bandai Co., Ltd.
- Mattel International Inc.
- Megahouse Co., Ltd.
- Lavensberg Japan Co., Ltd.
■ Games Used (in alphabetical order):
- “UNO HANPA NEE!” (Mattel International Inc.)
- “Auto Rio” (Kawada Co., Ltd.)
- “Blackbeard Crisis One Shot” (Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.)
- “Jenga Classic” (Hasbro Japan K.K.)
- “Super I Tai Wani” (Bandai Co., Ltd.)
- “Strike” (Lavensberg Japan Co., Ltd.)
- “Pig Badminton” (Megahouse Co., Ltd.)
- “Mr. Diamond” (Hanaoka Co., Ltd.)
- “Baseball Board 3D Ace Super Control” (Epoch Co., Ltd.)
※ Some of the games are suitable for ages seven and up.
＜Event Day Schedule (tentative)＞
11:00–12:00 Arrival (venue opens) / Participant check-in
12:00–12:40 Opening Ceremony + Introduction of Participating Manufacturers
12:50–14:20 Qualifying Round
14:20–15:20 Game Presentation Session
15:20–16:00 Guest-led Special Content
16:00–16:30 Semi-finals
16:40–17:20 Final Match
17:30–18:00 Awards Ceremony & Closing
■ Application Period and Announcement
October 15, 2025 (Wednesday) – November 16, 2025 (Sunday), 23:59
※ If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, selection will be made via lottery.
Selected teams will be contacted by the event organizing committee via email (registered during application) from late November onward.
※ Please ensure emails from [email protected] are not blocked; kindly whitelist or adjust your spam filter settings.
■ Application Procedure
Please fill out and submit all required information using the dedicated online form (https://toygame-cup.com/):
[Application Requirements]
(1) Team Name (Please avoid using school names, facility names, etc.)
(2) Member 1: Full name & age
(3) Member 2: Full name & age
(4) Member 3: Full name & age
(5) Relationship among team members
(Examples: parent-child, club mates from school, coworkers, etc.)
(6) Motivation for participating in the 1st TOY GAME CUP
(7) Contact Representative: Name, Age, Address, Phone Number, Email Address
[Conditions] Must be an adult aged 18 or older and able to attend the event on-site; may overlap with team members.
■ Eligibility Criteria
- Ages: Participants must be six years old or above.
※ Some of the games used have a recommended age of seven or higher.
※ For teams composed solely of minors, an adult aged 18 or older must accompany them. - Gender: No restrictions
※ Applicants must reside in Japan. - Team composition: Each team must consist of exactly three members.
※ All three members must meet eligibility requirements.
■ Comments from Participating Manufacturers (in alphabetical order):
[Epoch Co., Ltd.]
Our Baseball Board has been cherished by users for over 60 years, evolving continuously. Its unique appeal—being accessible to people of all ages and genders who can compete face-to-face—is a perfect match with the Toy Game Cup’s philosophy. We hope to share this charm with even more people!
[Kawada Co., Ltd.]
We are truly honored to participate in this milestone first-ever “TOY GAME CUP.” Through this event featuring diverse game genres, we hope many will discover the joy and appeal of toy games. Please enjoy “Auto Rio,” a simple yet deeply strategic and unpredictable 3-in-a-row game!
[Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.]
We are excited to collaborate across different manufacturers to share the unique charm of “toy games” with everyone. This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Blackbeard Crisis One Shot,” which now features a new official rule: “Win by flying.” At this first TOY GAME CUP, experience the fresh thrill and suspense of this newly updated version!
[Hasbro Japan K.K.]
We are honored to participate in the “1st TOY GAME CUP.” We sincerely hope all participants will enjoy various games and fully appreciate the charm of toy games through this event. Please also try out new ways to play Jenga!
[Hanaoka Co., Ltd.]
We’re very excited about the TOY GAME CUP! This event invites participants to challenge themselves in different toy games, aiming to become “champions of fun.” Expect surprising discoveries and heart-pounding moments at every turn. Be sure to try Mr. Diamond too!
[Bandai Co., Ltd.]
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in the “1st TOY GAME CUP.” We hope participants will be captivated by the deep appeal of toy games through this event. Don’t miss out on the thrilling experience unique to “Super I Tai Wani”!
[Mattel International Inc.]
We sincerely wish all participants can truly feel the charm of “toy games” at this tournament. “UNO HANPA NEE!” is a fresh version of UNO that features the popular, wild “HANPA NEE!” rule introduced last year. Enjoy the game to the fullest—and don’t forget to shout “UNO!” when you have only one card left!
[Megahouse Co., Ltd.]
Through this event, we aim to spread awareness of the unique appeal and potential of toy games—delivering experiences that are enjoyable anytime, anywhere, with anyone.
[Lavensberg Japan Co., Ltd.]
We’re thrilled to participate in the “1st TOY GAME CUP.” Please come experience the ultimate test of luck and the exhilarating joy of a perfect “Strike” through our simple yet profound dice game—“Strike”—at the venue! We sincerely wish this event great success.
※ For further details on application rules and other terms, please visit:
https://toygame-cup.com/