SH (Horikawa Toys)
67+ years and still operating (founded 1959)
About SH (Horikawa Toys)
Horikawa (Showa) produced colorful battery-operated tin robots and space toys that are among the most beloved examples of the genre. Their litho-tin robots with opening chest panels revealing gears and mechanisms are wonderfully imaginative designs highly sought by collectors worldwide.
History of SH (Horikawa Toys)
Horikawa, marking its toys "SH", produced the largest and most familiar body of Japanese tin robots, and for most people the phrase "tin robot" describes a Horikawa product: a boxy battery-operated figure that walks, stops, opens its chest to reveal spinning gears or firing guns, flashes, and continues.
The Attacking Martian, the Engine Robot, the Fighting Robot and the Rotate-O-Matic series are the best known, and the chest-opening gimmick — a hatch that swings open to display lit machinery or guns — is Horikawa's signature. Its space stations, lunar vehicles and rocket ships extended the same approach across the space-toy genre.
Horikawa produced these in far greater quantity and for far longer than the small-run 1950s makers, which means the toys are attainable: a collector can own a genuine period Japanese tin robot for a fraction of what the Masudaya Gang of Five commands. The company has continued in business, and reissues of classic designs exist.
Timeline
- 1959Horikawa Toys is established in Tokyo
- 1965Battery-operated tin robots with chest-opening gun and engine actions become the company's signature
- 1970Space stations, lunar vehicles and rocket ships broaden the range
- 1980Production continues at volume, later with plastic components
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Horikawa Attacking Martian robot
- Horikawa Engine Robot
- Horikawa Rotate-O-Matic
- Horikawa Fighting Robot
- Horikawa tin space station
- Horikawa tin lunar vehicles
Identifying & Dating SH (Horikawa Toys)
- Look for the "SH" mark in a diamond lithographed on the base, with "Made in Japan".
- Later production may carry "Japan" only, or plastic parts with moulded marks; plastic content generally indicates a later date.
- Importer marks may appear alongside the SH mark and identify the distributor.
Collector's Notes
- Working action is essential — the chest-opening sequence is the whole appeal, and a non-functioning robot is worth a fraction. Test before buying where possible.
- Battery compartment corrosion is the standard fault and damages the lithography around it.
- Original boxes with space artwork are heavily collected. Because Horikawa production was large, condition standards are high and common models in poor condition are worth little.
Currently for Sale on eBay
Live listings for SH (Horikawa Toys) toys and collectibles, fetched directly from eBay.
As an eBay Partner, this site may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Figures shown are current asking prices on eBay, not appraised market values.
Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
When was SH (Horikawa Toys) founded?
SH (Horikawa Toys) was founded in 1959, based in Tokyo, Japan.
Is SH (Horikawa Toys) still in business?
Yes. SH (Horikawa Toys) is still operating today, 67+ years after it was founded.
What is SH (Horikawa Toys) best known for?
SH (Horikawa Toys) is best known for Horikawa Attacking Martian robot, Horikawa Engine Robot, Horikawa Rotate-O-Matic, among other toys.
Where was SH (Horikawa Toys) located?
SH (Horikawa Toys) was based in Tokyo, Japan.
What kinds of toys did SH (Horikawa Toys) make?
SH (Horikawa Toys) is categorized under tin toys, robots, space toys, battery operated.
How can you identify genuine SH (Horikawa Toys)?
Look for the "SH" mark in a diamond lithographed on the base, with "Made in Japan". Later production may carry "Japan" only, or plastic parts with moulded marks; plastic content generally indicates a later date. Importer marks may appear alongside the SH mark and identify the distributor.
Are SH (Horikawa Toys) valuable?
Working action is essential — the chest-opening sequence is the whole appeal, and a non-functioning robot is worth a fraction. Test before buying where possible. Battery compartment corrosion is the standard fault and damages the lithography around it. Original boxes with space artwork are heavily collected. Because Horikawa production was large, condition standards are high and common models in poor condition are worth little.