CYPRESS, Calif., December 22, 2003 - Blockbuster toy properties Strawberry Shortcake and Power Rangers can be found on everyone's end of the year lists. Already top of mind for kids around the world, Strawberry Shortcake and Power Rangers continue to make a strong impression on toy industry insiders. Capping a year of honors for Bandai America Incorporated, these two toy lines made it onto the exclusive lists of toys chosen by Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA) for their Boy and Girl Toy Of the Year awards. Power Rangers and Strawberry Shortcake exemplify the innovation and creativity that have made Bandai America toys must-haves for kids this holiday season.
In the category of "Girl Toy of the Year," for the best toy developed specifically for girls of any age, TIA members recognized Bandai's Strawberry Shortcake Berry Happy Home, an adorable and colorful strawberry-shaped dollhouse featuring everything a girl desires in a playset. These include numerous interactive elements such as a working doorbell and working lights as well as many fun accessories. The Berry Happy Home also doubles as a fun carrying case for the Berry Best Friends dolls.
Among the picks for "Boy Toy of the Year," awarded to the best toy developed specifically for boys of any age, TIA selected Bandai's Power Rangers Ninja Storm, a line that includes action figures, playsets/command centers and accessories. Popular products in the line include the Mobile Control Center, Hurricane Megazord and Tsunami Cycle with 12" Ranger. TIA members will vote on the finalists in 14 categories this month and the winners will be announced at the T.O.T.Y. Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2004 during Toyfair in New York City.
"Strawberry Shortcake and the Power Rangers continue to amaze everyone with their popularity," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president, sales and marketing. "We are extremely proud that two of our top brands' award nominations lead our entrance into this year's holiday season. With Bandai's numerous award-winning toys for both girls and boys, we will keep giving kids what they want to find on the toy shelves."
Bandai America's award-winning toys topping holiday wish lists include:
Bandai Corporate
2003 Outstanding Toy Manufacturer Recognition of Excellence Award from Dr. Toy
Strawberry Shortcake
Berry Happy Home named Editor's mass-market pick for holiday season, Playthings Magazine; named one of 100 Best Children's Products for 2003 and 10 Best Toys for 2003 by Dr. Toy; TIA "Girl Toy of the Year" Finalist
Berry Best Friends named an "All Star" by Holiday Toy Wishes Magazine; TIA "Toy of the Year" Finalist
B*Stylin'
B*Stylin' Button Designer named Toy of the Year, Family Fun Magazine (arts & crafts category, ages 8-9); Best Toy of the Year, Parents Magazine (also Ser Padres Magazine, in Spanish); 50 Best Toys of 2003, Nick Jr. Magazine; Toy of the Year, Kidzworld.com
Power Rangers
Mobile Control Center named an "All Star" by Holiday Toy Wishes Magazine; TIA "Boy Toy of the Year" Finalist
Gundam
Battle-Scarred Action Figures named one of the "Toys of the Year" by Kidzworld.com
About Bandai America Incorporated
Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the world's third largest toy company, with 27 subsidiaries in 8 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel. Bandai America Inc. is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty and Astro Boy product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at Bandai.com.
