Picking up Ponies in Japan?

[fireglides]

I have a friend who is going to Japan next month. She offered to pick up ponies for me while she's there. Are there any interesting 2nd hand markets I should send her to? Or any international exclusive G4s that she should keep an eye out for?

Thanks! 

[rosierjay]

what part of Japan is she going to?

[Glacia471]

Takaras! Dig up some pics of genuine Takara ponies for her, those are the ponies to hunt for in Japan

[achab1984]

I saw a pictures once of a shop that was on the street and there was a ton of different ponies on it!!!!

[Cynosure]

If you're looking for vintage stuff, have her hunt around recycle shops. My partner lives in Japan at the moment and finds the neatest stuff there. No ponies yet, though.
If you prefer newer stuff, I know G4's starting to take off there, so your friend would probably be able to pop into a toy store and find a couple.
I'm not sure if Japan has any international exclusives right now though. I'd ask but my partner only likes G1s, so someone might be able to give you a better answer there .-.

[fireglides]

what part of Japan is she going to?

I know Tokyo and Hiroshima for sure. I should probably know more, but can't remember. She's going to be gone 10 days, so I think she's going to be at a few different places.

Takaras! Dig up some pics of genuine Takara ponies for her, those are the ponies to hunt for in Japan

Oooh! Good idea! Thanks.

I saw a pictures once of a shop that was on the street and there was a ton of different ponies on it!!!!

That sounds awesome! *Dreaming of pony bliss*

If you're looking for vintage stuff, have her hunt around recycle shops. My partner lives in Japan at the moment and finds the neatest stuff there. No ponies yet, though.
If you prefer newer stuff, I know G4's starting to take off there, so your friend would probably be able to pop into a toy store and find a couple.
I'm not sure if Japan has any international exclusives right now though. I'd ask but my partner only likes G1s, so someone might be able to give you a better answer there .-.

I grew up with G1s and love all the generations, so any would be fine with me!

[Calico_Star]

Best of luck

I spent 4 months in Japan and never saw any ponies. My ex was there for a year and had slightly better luck-- he found some little plush ones in a crane game type thing. That was all he ever found though. We were both in the Tokyo/Yokohama area.

[Rachel-Eyes]

Not to dash your hopes or anything, but keep in mind that Takaras are extremely rare. Buuuuut you could still get lucky, and I really hope you do!

According to My Little Wiki, there are also keychains and phone straps that are also quite hard to find but still you may get lucky.
http://mylittlewiki.org/wiki/Takara#Takara

As was mentioned, now is a good time to find G4 in Japan. Since FiM is popular, it is being tested on the Asian market and from what I've heard is doing extremely well.

Also, best wishes for your friend in Japan. ^^ I visited when I was in high school back in 2007 and it's literally my favorite thing I've ever done in my life. Tell her to have a good time, and also to have a safe travel!

[EvilMuffins]

Nile Perch and Spank are 80s fashion shops that carry G1, but the prices are super high. You'd do much better on your own on ebay
I've never actually been overseas so that's all Iknow of.

[Corona]

In Tokyo there's a shopping spot called Nakano Broadway. It's mostly for games and anime but I've heard of people finding ponies there!

[Galactica]

IF you should happen to see any vintage Strawberry Shortcake dolls in Japanese packaging-  I would pay dearly for them....

[banditpony]

If *I* were in Japan, I'd go to the Spank! store. http://spankworld.jp/ ; http://tokyofashion.com/spank-japanese-fashion-brand/

(: Not only ponies would possibly could be found there, but all sorts of pastel-y 80's goodiness. Although I don't think it'd be a place to pick up G1 ponies, they are probably over priced. But there would be a possibility of getting some cool clothes, or a bag, with re-used vintage fabric.

[Corona]

If *I* were in Japan, I'd go to the Spank! store. http://spankworld.jp/ ; http://tokyofashion.com/spank-japanese-fashion-brand/

(: Not only ponies would possibly could be found there, but all sorts of pastel-y 80's goodiness. Although I don't think it'd be a place to pick up G1 ponies, they are probably over priced. But there would be a possibility of getting some cool clothes, or a bag, with re-used vintage fabric.

Oooh if I go back sometime I know where I'm going!

[fireglides]

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone! I really appreciate all the info.

I'm sure my friend will have a good time. She's never been there before and is going with her boyfriend. I don't think he's been there either.

[hathorcat]

There are not any exclusive G4 toys as yet but there is some pretty cool looking merch already shown up in a few places. Hopefully your friend will manage to track some of that down.