History -
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Opened BHCPDII MUSEUM, an experiential museum showcasing the planning and development of model kits, within the new BHCPDII production factory.

Achieved nationwide rollout of Gashapon Bandai Official Shop to all 47 prefectures in Japan.

Conducted an absorption-type merger with Bandai Namco Amusement Inc. as the surviving company and Pleasure Cast Co., Ltd. as the absorbed company.

Conducted an absorption-type company split with Bandai Namco Amusement Inc. as the splitting company and Bandai Namco Experience Inc. as the succeeding company and Bandai Namco Experience became a business management company for the Amusement Unit.

Established Bandai Namco Filmworks America, LLC.

Conducted an absorption-type merger with Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. as the surviving company and Bandai Namco Online Inc. as the absorbed company.

Established the Bandai Namco Group Plastic Environmental Consideration Policy.

Established the Bandai Namco Group Code of Conduct, which sets out standards of behavior to be observed by all officers and employees of the Bandai Namco Group.

Appointed Masaru Kawaguchi as chairman and Yuji Asako as president and representative director of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.

Started a three-year Mid-term Plan with “Connect with Fans” as the Mid-to Long-term Vision.

Established Bandai Namco Experience Inc.

At the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.’s All the Long Nights won the award of excellence for picture and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM won the award of excellence for animation.

THE IDOLM@STER series reached its 20th anniversary.

The Tales of series and Ace Combat series reached their 30th anniversaries.

Changed name of Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. to Bandai Namco Holdings Europe S.A.S. (BNHE) Changed name of BNHE subsidiary Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S., thereby separating operating company function and holding company function in Europe.

SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE, the large-scale DLC for ELDEN RING, a home console game published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and developed by FromSoftware, Inc., sold a total of five million copies globally in the three days following its release.

Bandai Namco Group joined in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s GX League.

Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. turned Eightbit co., Ltd., an animation production company, into a wholly owned subsidiary.

Established Bandai Namco Base Inc., which will operate and manage concert hall facilities planned to open in Shibuya, Tokyo, in spring of 2026.

MegaHouse Corporation CEO awarded the Knight’s Cross, an Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, in recognition of efforts to increase awareness of Rubik’s Cube through many years of planning and sales activities.

Bandai Co., Ltd. invests in YLAB STUDIOS, the Japanese subsidiary of South Korea-based WEBTOON Studios.

Formulated the Bandai Namco Group Human Rights Policy, which formalizes the Group’s approach and initiatives toward human rights.

Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. made echoes Inc., which produces digital contents such as vertical scrolling comics, a wholly owned subsidiary.

Opened Bandai Namco Cross Store Camden,London in the United Kingdom, marking the first overseas opening of a Bandai Namco Cross Store.

namco TOKYO, an amusement complex in Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, was opened.

A share split with a ratio of three shares for every one share of common stock was implemented by Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.

ELDEN RING, a home video game jointly developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and FromSoftware Inc., surpassed 20 million units in cumulative worldwide sales.

TAMASHII NATIONS STORE SHANGHAI, the first overseas flagship store for TAMASHII NATIONS, an integrated brand for collectible items for the mature fan base, opened in Shanghai, China.

The no-loser character lottery Ichibankuji celebrates its 20th anniversary

BANDAI SPIRITS CO., LTD., made SUNRISE INC. (currently,Bandai Namco Nui Inc.), a manufacturer of stuffed toys,into a subsidiary.

Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. entered a capital participation agreement with ANIMA Inc.,a computer graphics production company.

Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. made Limbic Entertainment GmbH, which conducts game development, etc., into a subsidiary.

ONE PIECE Card Game was launched and became a major hit.

Bandai Namco Aces Inc. is established.

A life-size Gundam statue was unveiled and GUNDAM PARK FUKUOKA, a Gundam-themed multi-purpose entertainment complex, was opened in Fukuoka City,Fukuoka Prefecture.

Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. transitioned from the First Section to the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) due to restructuring of the TSE.

Music business of BANDAI NAMCO Arts Inc. (producer of music and other live events), BANDAI NAMCO Live Creative Inc., and SUNRISE Music INC. merged into Bandai Namco Music Live Inc.

SUNRISE INC. (video production company), BANDAI NAMCO Arts Inc.’s film production business, and BANDAI NAMCO Rights Marketing Inc. merged into Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.

Commenced three-year Mid-term Plan based on the Midterm Vision of “Connect with Fans.”

Established Bandai Namco’s Purpose “Fun for All into the Future” as the ultimate definition of the Group and redesigned the corporate logo.

BANDAI AMERICA INC. and BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles LLC merged and renamed as Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles America.

Announces prospects for the Gundam Metaverse Project,the first scheme of the new IP Metaverse initiative aimed at connecting with fans through IP.

Global sales of ELDEN RING, a home video game jointly developed by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. and FromSoftware, Inc., surpassed 13.4 million units as of March 31, 2022.

Announced plan to exhibit a pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

BANDAI NAMCO Toys & Hobby (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.,merged into BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.

Gundam served as PR ambassador of the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

BANDAI NAMCO Holdings France S.A.S. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S. merged into BANDAI NAMCO Europe S.A.S.

A life-sized Freedom Gundam statue exhibit was opened in Shanghai, China.

BANDAI CO., LTD., received the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office Award in the 2021 Intellectual Property Achievement Awards.

Formulated the Bandai Namco Group Sustainability Policy.

Started the Gunpla Recycling Project, through which Gundam plastic model runners (plastic model frame sections) are collected from customers and recycled.

Masaru Kawaguchi became the president and representative director of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc.

Implemented reorganization from the previous five-Unit system to a three-Unit system.

Cumulative total sales of the Charapaki series of toy-related confectionery items surpassed 50 million units.

Concluded partnership for PAC-MAN with the National Basketball Association (NBA), a men’s professional basketball league in North America.

Completed new building at BANDAI Hobby Center,a manufacturing base for plastic models.

Reflector Entertainment Ltd., which develops home video game titles, was made a subsidiary of BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S.

Cumulative worldwide sales of TEKKEN series home video games surpassed 50 million units.

Cumulative worldwide sales of DARK SOULS III, a home video game jointly developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and FromSoftware, Inc., surpassed 10 million units.

SOTSU CO., LTD., became a wholly owned subsidiary.

Products related to DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu no Yaiba became major hits.

PAC-MAN and Gundam plastic models reached their 40th anniversaries.

The Lantis music label of BANDAI NAMCO Arts Inc.reached its 20th anniversary.

BANDAI made HEART CORPORATION a wholly owned subsidiary.

BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. was selected as a component issue for the TOPIX 100.

SHUEISHA BANDAI NAMCO (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD., was established as a joint venture by BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. and Shueisha Inc.

BANDAI NAMCO Mobile S.L. was established in Spain to handle development and marketing of mobile content for Europe and the Americas.

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. acquired the management rights of the Shimane Susanoo Magic, a professional basketball team in the B.LEAGUE.

BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. was selected as a component issue for the Nikkei 225.

Cumulative worldwide sales of Tales of... series home video games surpassed 20 million units.

Cumulative total shipments of Gundam plastic models surpassed 500 million units.

Company name of SUNRISE MUSIC Publishing Co., Ltd.,changed to SUNRISE Music INC.

Establishment of BANDAI NAMCO Sevens Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Research Inc.

Implementation of absorption-type merger with PLEX Co., Ltd.,as the surviving company and WiZ Co., Ltd.,as the expiring company.

Implementation of absorption-type merger with BANDAI SPIRITS CO., LTD., as the surviving company and BANPRESTO CO., LTD., as the expiring company.

Establishment of SUNRISE BEYOND INC., an animation production company.

Mobile Suit Gundam reached its 40th anniversary.

Establishment of business bases in Shanghai, China, by the Toys and Hobby Business, the Real Entertainment Business, and the IP Creation Business.

LOGIPAL EXPRESS received the Minister’s Award from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism at the 2018 Eco-Driving Activity Contest.

Establishment of the BANDAI NAMCO Content Fund.

Establishment of BANDAI NAMCO Network Services Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Amusement Lab Inc.

Establishment of BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles LLC to strengthen business in toys for the mature fan base in North America.

Equity investment by SUNRISE in Sublimation Inc.,a CG production company.

Announcement of joint development of Mobile Suit Gundam series live-action film by SUNRISE and LEGENDARY.

VS PARK, a variety sports facility, opened in EXPO CITY,Osaka.

Grand-Slam merged into BANDAI NAMCO Live Creative.

BANDAI VISUAL merged with Lantis. Company name was changed to BANDAI NAMCO Arts Inc.

Amusement machine business division of BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment transferred to NAMCO LIMITED. Name of NAMCO LIMITED was changed to BANDAI NAMCO Amusement Inc.

Started the Mid-term Plan with the vision of “CHANGE for the NEXT—EMPOWER,GAIN MOMENTUM,ACCELERATE EVOLUTION.”

BANDAI SPIRITS CO., LTD., established to take over the mature fan base business of BANDAI and the lotteryrelated and new businesses of BANPRESTO (businesses transferred in April).

The BANDAI NAMCO Group, Shueisha Inc., and TOEI ANIMATION Co., Ltd., sponsored the DRAGON BALL NORTH AMERICA TOUR, which visited seven cities in North America.

Establishment of regional headquarters BANDAI NAMCO Holdings CHINA CO., LTD., in China.

Start of exhibition of actual-size Unicorn Gundam statue in Daiba, Tokyo.

BANDAI VISUAL made Actas Inc. a subsidiary.

THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO, Japan’s first official comprehensive facility centered on Gundam plastic models, opened in Daiba, Tokyo.

Opening of SPACE ATHLETIC TONDEMI, a nextgeneration athletic facility.

Established BANDAI NAMCO Technica Inc.

Started a new system that separates the operating company function and the holding company function in Europe.

Shukuo Ishikawa, chairman and representative director of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings, was awarded the Legion of Honour in the rank of chevalier by the French government.

Masaya Nakamura, the founder of NAMCO, passed away on January 22 at the age of 91.

Opened the VR ZONE Project i Can, a VR entertainment research facility, in Daiba, Tokyo, on a limited-time basis.

WiZ Co., Ltd., was made a subsidiary.

Implemented reorganization in Asia. BANDAI NAMCO Holdings ASIA CO., LTD., became the regional headquarters.

The headquarters functions of five Group companies,including BANDAI NAMCO Holdings, were relocated to Minato-ku, Tokyo, in stages.

Tamagotchi and NAMJATOWN reached their 20th anniversaries.

The idol unit μ’s, which was created from Love Live!School Idol Project, became a hit.

GIRLS und PANZER der Film was released and became a long-running hit in theaters for more than a year.

BANDAI received METI Minister’s Award, the highest award, at the fiscal 2015 Large Manufacturer and Importer Category of the Awards for Best Contributors to Product Safety. We were certified as the first Product Safety Contributor Gold Company in this category, in which we have won an award three times.

BANDAI NAMCO INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED was established.

BANDAI NAMCO Group reached the 10th anniversary of its establishment.

Start of distribution of IDOLiSH7 game app for smartphones. Developed into a hit as original Group IP.

At BANDAI NAMCO Holdings, Shukuo Ishikawa became chairman and representative director and Mitsuaki Taguchi became president and representative director.

BANDAI NAMCO Live Creative made Grand-Slam Ltd. a subsidiary.

Division producing IP products for children and families was separated from SUNRISE to establish BANDAI NAMCO Pictures INC.

Name of BANDAI NAMCO Games was changed to BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

Start of Mid-term Plan announcing “NEXT STAGE:EMPOWER, GAIN MOMENTUM, ACCELERATE EVOLUTION.”

BANDAI NAMCO (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD., was established in Shanghai, China.

TEKKEN and Tales of... series reached their 20th anniversaries.

Game apps for smartphones became popular in Japan. Start of full-sale network content business initiatives overseas, including Asia.

Opened Nazo Tomo Cafe, a puzzle-solving cafe.

The English-language name of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings was changed to BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc.

The English-language names of 31 Group companies were changed.

NAMCO BANDAI Holdings was selected as a recipient of the Excellence Award atthe fiscal 2013 Corporate Value Improvement Awards sponsored by the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

THE IDOLM@STER MOVIE, a theatrical release, became a hit.

BANDAI made SUN-STAR STATIONERY a subsidiary.

For its 160th anniversary, ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI implemented a commemorative year plan.

In the U.S., broadcasts of PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures, a new animation, were aired.

NAMCO BANDAI Studios Vancouver Inc. and NAMCO BANDAI Studios Singapore Pte. Ltd. were established.

BANDAI PHILIPPINES INC. was established.

Gundam Front Tokyo, a leading-edge entertainment space based on the Gundam series, was opened in Daiba, Tokyo.

The Content Development Division was separated from NAMCO BANDAI Games, and NAMCO BANDAI Studios Inc. was established.

Shukuo Ishikawa became president and representative director of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings, and Kazunori Ueno became executive vice president and representative director.

The Mid-term Plan, which included the vision “EMPOWER, GAIN MOMENTUM, AND ACCELERATE EVOLUTION,” was announced.

THE IDOLM@ STER drew attention in a variety of categories, such as home video games and social games.

Banpresoft Co., Ltd., and Bec Co., Ltd., merged to form B.B.STUDIO CO., LTD.

NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 sold more than one million units worldwide in the first month after its launch.

As the first step in character-based entertainment areas, we began to introduce Tamagotchi Idol Park and Narikiri Athletic Ultra Heroes.

NAMCO BANDAI Live Creative Inc. was established.

Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn) Vol. 1 implemented simultaneous global cross-media development.

The BANDAI NAMCO Group Restart Plan was announced.

BANDAI CORPORACION MEXICO S.A. de C.V. was established in Mexico.

NAMCO BANDAI Online Inc. was established.

NAMCO BANDAI Partners S.A.S. was made a wholly owned subsidiary.

BANDAI VISUAL and ANIME CHANNEL merged, with BANDAI VISUAL as the surviving company and ANIME CHANNEL as the expiring company.

NAMCO BANDAI Games and BANDAI NETWORKS merged, with NAMCO BANDAI Games as the surviving company and BANDAI NETWORKS as the expiring company.

Takeo Takasu was appointed chairman and representative director, and Shukuo Ishikawa was appointed president and representative director of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings.

Three-year Mid-term Plan began.

NAMCO BANDAI Holdings received a fiscal 2008 Tokyo Stock Exchange Disclosure Award from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

NAMCO BANDAI Games made D3PUBLISHER INC. a subsidiary.

Seika Co., Ltd., which conducted stationery operations, was liquidated following a capital and business alliance with SUN-STAR STATIONERY CO., LTD.

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. concluded a share purchase agreement with Atari Europe S.A.S.; a subsidiary of Infogrames Entertainment SA. relating to NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe’s investment in a new game software distribution company was established by Atari Europe.

BEN10 character toys were hit products in markets worldwide.

Cumulative sales of BD/DVD software CODE GEASS: Lelouch of the Rebellion series surpassed one million units.

Launched the Battle Spirits card game.

BANDAI (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., was established for the purpose of strengthening toy production control and quality assurance.

Opened the Wonder Park Plus amusement facility in Hong Kong.

The administrative functions of major companies in the Group were consolidated into NAMCO BANDAI Holdings.

The home video game consoles and amusement machine operations of BANPRESTO were transferred to and integrated with the operations of NAMCO BANDAI Games. BANPRESTO focuses on prize operations, such as prizes for amusement machines.

BANDAI VISUAL and BANDAI NETWORKS became wholly owned subsidiaries of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings, following an exchange of shares.

BANDAI, TYO Productions Inc., and TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd., formed a capital and business tie-up.

Global cumulative shipments of the Tales of... series of software products for home video game consoles surpassed 10 million.

The vending machine capsule toy Earth Capsule won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award in the eco-products category at the 4th Eco-products Awards.

The movie GLORY TO THE FILMMAKER!, which was co-produced by BANDAI VISUAL, won the Glory to the Filmmaker Award at the 64th Venice International Film Festival.

NAMCO BANDAI Holdings acquired part of the shares of Fujiya Co., Ltd.

BANDAI, the Ishimori Group, and ITOCHU Corporation entered a capital and business tie-up.

BANDAI started operation of Omochanomachi Bandai Museum, in Tochigi Prefecture.

NAMCO BANDAI Holdings entered a capital and business alliance with TOEI COMPANY, LTD., TOEI ANIMATION CO., LTD., and KADOKAWA GROUP HOLDINGS INC.

In Europe, NAMCO Holdings UK LTD. was established as a regional holding company and the operating companies were reorganized.

Introduced Mobile Suit Gundam Senjo no Kizuna, an amusement machine that was developed through a collaborative effort by NAMCO BANDAI Games and BANPRESTO.

BANDAI made CCP Co., Ltd., a subsidiary.

Opened NAMCO Wonder Park Hero’s Base, a large-scale facility combining amusement and character merchandising, in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

NAMCO BANDAI Holdings made BANPRESTO a wholly owned subsidiary.

NAMCO BANDAI Will Inc. was certified as a special subsidiary as stipulated by Japan’s Law for Employment, Promotion, etc., of the Disabled.

Music company Lantis Co., Ltd., joined the Group.

NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. was established through the integration of BANDAI’s home video game operations and NAMCO’s home video game, amusement machine, and mobile phone game operations.

The facility operation business was given to a remerged NAMCO.

Cumulative worldwide sales of the Tamagotchi Plus series surpassed 20 million units.

The BANDAI Hobby Center, a production base for plastic models, was opened in Shizuoka Prefecture.

BANDAI VISUAL was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

NAMCO BANDAI Holdings made BANDAI LOGIPAL a wholly owned subsidiary.

North American operations were reorganized. The name of NAMCO Holding was changed to NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA), which became the U.S. regional holding company.

Through a corporate separation, a portion of BANDAI’s and NAMCO’s management over affiliated companies was transferred to NAMCO BANDAI Holdings.

Establishment of holding company NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc. through the management integration of BANDAI and NAMCO. Takeo Takasu became president and representative director. Establishment of the BANDAI NAMCO Group.

The management integration of BANDAI and NAMCO was announced.

Shigeichi Ishimura was appointed president and representative director.

Opened Tokyo Panya Street in Funabashi City,Chiba Prefecture.

Opened Kobe Sweets Harbor in Kobe City,Hyogo Prefecture.

Opened Kaikaya day service center in Yokohama City,Kanagawa Prefecture.

Introduced Wangan Midnight MAXIMUM TUNE, a racing game machine.

Namco Hometek and Flagship Studios concluded a partnership agreement for the development and sales of PC games.

Launched Katamari Damashii for the PlayStation 2.

Opened Naniwa Gyoza Stadium in Umeda, Osaka.

Sponsorship provided for the activities of the theater company Hikosen.

Shuku Keitai Kaitsuu! Tamagotchi Plus launched.

Comprehensive master licensing contract concluded with Sanrio Company Ltd. for the character Cinnamoroll.

Steamboy released (directed by Katsuhiro Otomo).

Cumulative total shipments of Zatchbell The Card Battle surpassed 300 million units.

Participated in the Shanghai International Character Expo, China’s first character event. Over nine days,100,000 visitors attended.

For the film Daremo Shiranai, which was co-produced by BANDAI VISUAL, lead Yuya Yagira won the Best Actor award at the Cannes International Film Festival.

BANPRESTO concluded basic agreement to take over the operation of the ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI amusement park.

Opened World Toy Museum in Karuizawa, exhibiting antique toys (closed in November 2007).

New headquarters building completed.

Cumulative total shipments of Gundam series home video games surpassed 20 million units.

Kaette Kita! Tamagotchi Plus launched.

Introduced Dragon Chronicle, a multiplayer fighting video game machine.

Opened Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest in Meguro-ku, Tokyo.

Launched Tales of Symphonia for the Nintendo GameCube.

Introduced Big Sweet Land, a large-size-prize game that could be played by up to six players at once.

Simultaneously launched versions of the Soulcalibur 2 home video game for three different platforms.

Established NAMCO TALES STUDIO LTD., a home video game development company.

Launched Tales of Destiny 2 for the PlayStation 2.

BANDAI VISUAL listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

BANDAI NETWORKS listed on JASDAQ.

Total number of BANDAI CHANNEL paid viewings surpassed three million.

Zatoichi, whose production BANDAI VISUAL participated in, won the Silver Lion for Best Director award at the 60th Venice International Film Festival.

Entered the building block market through cooperation with Mega Bloks Inc., the world’s second-largest manufacturer of toy building blocks.

Opened Bandai Museum, a character museum (closed in August 2006).

Invested in confectionery manufacturer Tohato Inc.

Name of Yutaka Co., Ltd., was changed to Popy Co., Ltd.

Tsukuda Original and Wakui Corporation implemented a management integration and the company name was changed to Palbox Co., Ltd.

Kyushiro Takagi was appointed president and representative director.

Opened Namco Wonder Park Sapporo.

Business tie-up with Nintendo Co., Ltd., in the home video game business.

Launched Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan, a home video game.

BANPRESTO CO., LTD., listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Capital tie-up with Tsukuda Original.

BANDAI CHANNEL CO., LTD., established as an on-demand online distribution company.

In collaboration with Benesse Corporation, opened Shima-Shima Town, a communication park for preschool children, in Kawasaki City.

Formed Team Namja, a group of producers of commercial spaces.As the first project, opened Yokohama Curry Museum (operator:Matahari Co., Ltd.).

BANDAI VISUAL listed on JASDAQ.

Cumulative total sales of Gashapon HG series surpassed 100 million units.

BHK TRADING LTD. established.

Launched MotoGP for the PlayStation 2.

Opened the Chi-Kou-Raku Internet facility in Nagoya (closed in 2011).

Opened Namco Entertainment World Tokyo Pitan City in Daiba, Tokyo.

Obtained license to distribute PAC-MAN for Sharp Corp.’s Zaurus.

In cooperation with Sony Computer Entertainment, jointly developed the System 246 board, which was based on PlayStation 2 technology.

Established Namco Ecolotec Limited to conduct development of environmental machines.

Opened the Namco Digital Hollywood Game Lab school in collaboration with Digital Hollywood Co., Ltd.

Launched Ridge Racer V for the PlayStation 2 at the same time as the hardware launch.

Capital tie-up with Seika Note Co., Ltd.

BANPRESTO CO., LTD., listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Network Department spun off from BANDAI to establish BANDAI NETWORKS CO., LTD.

Invested in Sotsu Agency (currently, SOTSU CO., LTD.).

Character Research Institute established.

Network Department established.

Content for i-mode became popular and surpassed one million paid subscribers.

BANDAI KOREA CO., LTD., established in South Korea.

HAPPINET CORPORATION listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Began to supply LCD units for pachinko machines.

Launched Namco Station, a mobile phone site for i-mode service. Expanded content business. • Began to supply LCD units for pachinko machines

Proposed barrier-free entertainment designs. Entered nursing care business with the aim of combining the themes of “play” and “welfare.”

Established Monolith Software Inc., a home video game development company.

Launched Soulcalibur, a weapon-based fighting game for the Dreamcast.

Primo Puel talking stuffed toys launched.

Concluded agreement with Mattel, of the U.S., regarding joint business development (contract covering the Japanese market canceled in December 2003).

HANA-BI, whose production BANDAI VISUAL participated in, won the Golden Lion award at the 54th Venice International Film Festival.

Gundam plastic models surpassed cumulative total sales of 300 million units.

DIGIMON ADVENTURE became an animation.

Start of service for Dokodemo Aso Vegas, the first content for NTT DOCOMO’s i-mode.

WonderSwan, a new mobile game machine, launched.

Takeo Takasu was appointed president and representative director. representative director.

HAPPINET CORPORATION listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Three CG works selected for prizes by SIGGRAPH,a CG conference in the U.S.

Opened Namco Station at the County Hall, a large-scale entertainment facility in a former county hall building in London, U.K.

Established XS ENTERTAINMENT INC. to manage multipurpose amusement facilities in the North American market.

Capital tie-up with Nikkatsu Corporation (canceled in 2005).

Founder Naoharu Yamashina passed away (October 28, age 79).

HAPPINET CORPORATION offered its stock on the over-the-counter market (currently, the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange).

Group companies Kaken, Angel, and B-I merged to establish MegaHouse Corporation.

Takashi Mogi was appointed president and representative director.

Launched Tamapichi, a PHS phone that incorporated Tamagotchi functions.

Opened Namco Wondertower Kyoto, an urban comprehensive amusement facility.

Established subsidiaries in Spain, France, Germany, and Israel.

Bandai Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., established in Shanghai.

Launch of the Pippin Atmark.

Launched Tales of Phantasia, the first product in the Tales of... series for the Super Famicon.

Developed Alpine Racer, an experience game machine.

Three companies established in the U.S.—BANDAI HOLDING CORP., BANDAI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CORP., and BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT INC.

Technical Design Center (Tochigi) went into operation.

Established NAMCO CYBERTAINMENT INC. through the merger of two NAMCO Group companies in the U.S.

Opened Yokohama Creative Center, a development base, in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama City.

Launched Ridge Racer for the PlayStation at the same time as the hardware launch.

SUNRISE INC. became a Group company

Opened Tamago Teikoku, which offered a land of entertainment alchemy, on a site adjacent to Namco Wonder Eggs.

Established Shanghai Namco Ltd. as a joint venture in China.

Acquired Aladdin’s Castle, Inc., the largest amusement facility operator in the U.S.

Opened Namco Wonder City Tsurumi, a comprehensive amusement facility in Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, with NAMCO acting as developer for the first time.

Established NAMCO OPERATIONS EUROPE LTD., in the U.K.

Established Brent Leisure Ltd. to strengthen manufacturing in Europe and sales in the U.K.

BANDAI’s visual products business transferred to BANDAI VISUAL CO., LTD.

Name of Bandai Transport was changed to BANDAI LOGIPAL INC.

Opened Plabo Sennichimae, a large-scale amusement facility.

Established NAMCO EUROPE LTD., in London, U.K.

Stock listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Capital: ¥6,984 million.

Tosho, Dairin, and Seiko merged to establish HAPPINET CORPORATION.

Chara-Can, which packaged toys with drinks through a tie-up with Suntory, are a big hit.

Bandai (Taiwan) Co., Ltd., established as local company in Taiwan.

Developed the Cosmo Gangs action game machine.

At the International Garden and Greenery Exposition, exhibited and operated Galaxian3 and The Tower of Druaga—large-scale amusement facilities based on the hyper-entertainment concept.

Established Namco Hometek Inc. as a U.S. base for home video games.

NAMCO AMERICA INC. acquired Atari Operations Inc. Commenced amusement facility operations in the U.S.

NAMCO AMERICA INC. began direct sales of amusement machines in the U.S.

Sally the Witch Spikatact surpassed one million units.

Bandai Transport registered on the over-the-counter market (currently, JASDAQ).

Name of Shinsei Manufacturing was changed to Yutaka Co., Ltd.

Advanced into the music field (launch of the Emotion label).

Completed head office building in Komagata,Taito-ku, Tokyo.

Jointly developed Eunos Roadstar Driving Simulator in cooperation with Mazda Motor Corp.

Cooperated in the production of the musical The Forest is Alive/Twelve Months of Nina.

BANDAI listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange..

Sales of CARDDASS started.

Media Department established. Made full-scale entry into the visual products business.

Presented first original video product, Mirai Ninja: Keiunkiningaiden, at the Tokyo International Fantastic Film Festival. Also launched as an amusement machine.

Tie-up with JCGL, a computer graphics (CG) production company. Entered a wide range of CG video business areas, from acceptance of production orders to the provision of videos.

Established Yokohama Future Laboratory in Yokohama City.

NAMCO stock listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.Capital: ¥5,550 million.

Main sponsor of the Japan performance of the musical Starlight Express.

Contract signed with The Walt Disney Company. Video products launched.

Chairman Naoharu Yamashina was appointed executive advisor.

Quick Curl launched. Entered the field of practical lifestyle sundries.

Released Royal Space Force: The Wings of Oneamis,a full-length original animation feature.

Joint venture firm BANDAI AND K.C. CO., LTD., established in Thailand.

Products related to Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac) series became hits.

Introduced Sweet Land, a candy prize machine.

Established the New Technology Foundation with the objective of fostering the development of science and technology.

Capital participation in Italian Tomato Ltd.

Entered the movie field by cooperating in the production of The Baby Elephant.

BANDAI listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Capital: ¥240 million.

Developed Talking Aid, a mobile communication device.

New headquarters building completed in Ota-ku, Tokyo.

First Famicon software, Kinnikuman-Muscle Tag Match, launched. Became a major hit with sales of one million units.

Advanced into the Chinese market with the establishment of a Japan–China joint venture firm, China Fuman (Fujian) Toys Co., Ltd., in Fujian Province, China.

Introduced the first product in the Tower of Druaga series of RPG game machines.

Fuman (H.K.) Co., Ltd., established in Hong Kong.

Gundam plastic model series surpassed 100 million units since the launch.

Launched Air Condition series, which was created from original video software music and video.

Developed robot for Cosmo Hoshimaru, the mascot character for the International Science Technology Exposition.

Launched Darosu, an industry-first original video animation.

A.E. Planning established to conduct sales of visual packaged software.

Apparel Department established.

Kinnikuman capsule toy launched; became a major hit.

Corporate identity introduced. New BANDAI philosophy established—“Dreams and Creation.”

Absorption-type merger of seven companies—Popy, Bandai Models, Bandai Manufacturing, Bandai Overseas, Mameet, Celent, and Bandai Publishing.Capital increased to ¥711.39 million.

Introduced the Pole Position racing game machine.

Emotion Ltd. established. Opened Emotion video shop, the first video shop authorized by the Japan Video Software Association.

Frontier Department established as planning and production unit for animations and films.

BANDAI UK LTD. established in the U.K.

Established the IP Rights Department. Began full-scale initiatives to protect in-house copyrights.

Introduced the Mappy maze-solving robot.

Entered the candy toy market.

BANDAI FRANCE S.A. established as sales base in Europe.

NAMCO sponsored the micromouse national tournament, which was participated in by amateur robot enthusiasts.

Celent established.

Tonka Japan changed its company name to Mameet.

Makoto Yamashina was appointed president and representative director,and Naoharu Yamashina was appointed chairman.

Candy-Candy Nurse’s Bag became one of the biggestever hit products among girls’ character toys.

B-I Electronics and B-I Mibu established.

Developed Pitch In, a machine that measured the speed of a pitched ball.

BANDAI AMERICA INCORPORATED established as U.S.sales base.

Launch of LSI Baseball, which later became a hit electronic game.

Bandai Publishing established.

Developed Submarine, a submarine game machine.

Established NAMCO AMERICA INC. in California, U.S.

BANDAI (H.K.) CO., LTD., established as overseas manufacturing base in Hong Kong.

Started sales of capsule toys through vending machines

Developed Shoot Away, a mirror-projection-type gun shooting game.

NAMCO ENTERPRISES ASIA LTD. established.

Changed company name to NAMCO LIMITED.Capital: ¥240 million.

Established Popy Mibu factory.

Published Ugoku E-Hon and entered the publishing industry.

Jumbo Machinder exported to Mattel, of the U.S. Became a best seller in 1977 under the name Shogun.

Alliance with Monogram, of the U.S.

Trademark and logo changed.Expressed the dramatic combined worldwide growth of nine BANDAI Group companies.

Acquired Atari (Japan) Corp. from Atari Corp., of the U.S. Entered the video game business.

Acquired Atari (Japan) Corp. from Atari Corp., of the U.S. Entered the video game business.

Jumbo Machinder Mazinger Z won the Grand Prix prize at the 4th International Trade Fair Toy Concours.

MiniMini Fish launched.

Use of NAMCO brand name began.

Established Popy as a specialist character toys manufacturer.

Bandai Models established.

Established Yaguchi plant in Yaguchi, Ota-ku, Tokyo.

Tonka Japan established.

Acquisition of plant in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Start of production of plastic models, such as the Automobile series, Thunderbirds 2, and the Beetle series.

Customer service center established.

Naughty Flipper series was a big hit, winning a gold medal at the New York International Innovative Products Exhibition.

Opened Osaka office in Namba, Osaka.

New Model Toys Department launched sales of plastic models.

Thunderbirds series of electrically powered toys launched.

Water Motor series became a hit.

Bandai Automobile established.

BANDAI’s new trademark (the BANDAI Baby) formulated.

Established main production facility in Ota-ku, Tokyo. Expanded activities of development and production departments.

Crazy Foam launched. Sold 2.4 million units in three months due to intensive campaign, centered on TV promotion.

Established the Production Department. Periscope, developed by the Production Department, became a major hit.

Toy manufacturing complex completed in Mibu, Tochigi Prefecture.

Racing Car Set enjoyed an enormous boom in sales.

Remote control (RC) toy car became a major hit.

Astroboy was launched as BANDAI’s first TV character toy.

Due to growth of operations, moved to new office building in Komagata 1-chome, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo.

Assigned representative to New York and began sales in the U.S.

Bandai Transport was established.

Company name was changed to BANDAI. Paid-in capital was ¥20 million.

Name of Waraku Works was changed to BC Manufacturing. (Name was changed to BANDAI Manufacturing in May 1966.)

Bandai Toys Company established (transferred to Bandai Overseas Supply in 1971).

Direct overseas sales started.

Reorganized to form Nakamura Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Capital:¥5 million.

Trademark (commonly known as the Banzai mark) was established to express the motto that quality is the highest priority.

Metal model cars were commercialized and products with the labels of car series from around the world were launched.

First TV advertisement aired with the catchphrase “The Red Box means a BC-guaranteed toy.”

Headquarters office established in Ginza, Tokyo. Started sales of amusement machines.

The BC logo was created by combining the first letters in BANDAI Company.

Office building newly constructed in Komagata 2-chome, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo.

Waraku Works (predecessor of BANDAI Manufacturing) was established.

Transport Division (predecessor of BANDAI LOGIPAL INC.) was established.

A research unit was established to improve the quality of BANDAI brand metallic toys and to conduct R&D in new products.

Product Inspection Department established to perform checks on all products.

Accompanying the expansion of export operations, shipment and warehouse facilities were newly established in Komagata, Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo.

B26, the first BANDAI original metallic toy, was launched.

Export sales commenced.

First original BANDAI product was launched: Rhythm Ball.

Bandaiya was founded in the Kikuyabashi section of Asakusa in Taito-ku, Tokyo (President: Naoharu Yamashina). Paid-in capital was ¥1 million. The company conducted sales of celluloid toys as well as metallic toys (passenger cars), rubber swimming rings, etc.