Toymakers turn to adults to boost sales

October 7, 2008 by Dennis Amith

Japantoday.com reported, “As adults become increasingly stressed out from jobs, studies, relationships and other reasons, toymakers are trying to cash in on the phenomenon amid the nation’s low birthrate. Takara Tomy Co will market an ultra-small karaoke machine, called ‘‘Hi-kara,’’ priced at 10,500 yen, later this month, mainly targeted at elementary and junior high school girls.”

“Many people like singing alone and are increasingly visiting karaoke parlors to do that, but parents are reluctant for their children to go alone. Children also feel it is difficult to go to karaoke parlors by themselves.”

“Takara Tomy has decided to seize the opportunity and produce a karaoke box for individual use, said a company official.”

“The karaoke box is cubic-shaped, weighing about 150 grams, and can be easily carried. It is linked to a headphone with a microphone, making the background music inaudible to others except the singer.”