{"product_id":"billiken-tetsujin-28-go-electric-remote-control-tin-robot-showa-japanese-icon","title":"Billiken Tetsujin 28-Go Electric Remote Control Tin Robot — Showa Japanese Icon","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"1625\" data-end=\"1678\"\u003eCURATORIAL OVERVIEW — WHAT THIS OBJECT ACTUALLY IS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1868\"\u003eThis object is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1794\"\u003enot merely a robot toy\u003c\/strong\u003e—it is the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1867\"\u003ephysical embodiment of Japan’s first true giant robot myth\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1870\" data-end=\"2128\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1870\" data-end=\"1886\"\u003eTetsujin 28-go\u003c\/em\u003e predates Gundam, Mazinger, and every piloted mecha that followed. Unlike later robots, Tetsujin is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1986\" data-end=\"2011\"\u003eexternally controlled\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflecting post-war anxieties around power, responsibility, and distance between human intent and mechanical force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2327\"\u003eThis Billiken Shokai electric tin edition translates that philosophy into metal and circuitry—retaining the original’s imposing silhouette while introducing controlled motion through wired command.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"361\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"287\"\u003eObject Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"290\"\u003eJapanese tin mechanical robot with electric remote control \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"416\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"376\"\u003eCharacter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"376\" data-end=\"379\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eTetsujin 28-go\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"483\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"437\"\u003eSeries \/ Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"437\" data-end=\"440\"\u003eTetsujin 28-go  — Mitsuteru Yokoyama\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"528\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"501\"\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"504\"\u003eBilliken Shokai \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"564\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"556\"\u003eCountry of Manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"559\"\u003eJapan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"644\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"573\"\u003eEra\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"573\" data-end=\"576\"\u003eShowa design lineage (heritage reproduction \/ collector-grade issue)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"755\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"659\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"662\"\u003eLithographed tinplate body, internal electric motor, wired remote controller, steel fasteners\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"834\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"770\"\u003eMechanism\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"773\"\u003eElectric-powered movement via wired remote control \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"836\" data-end=\"884\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"836\" data-end=\"852\"\u003eScale \/ Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"855\"\u003eApprox. 28 cm class\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"886\" data-end=\"985\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"886\" data-end=\"903\"\u003eConfiguration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"903\" data-end=\"906\"\u003eRobot + original illustrated box\u003cbr data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"941\"\u003eRemote controller included (as photographed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"1178\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"1000\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003eExcellent example\u003cbr data-start=\"1020\" data-end=\"1023\"\u003eNo major dents or corrosion visible\u003cbr data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1061\"\u003eSurface gloss, lithography, and color saturation remain strong\u003cbr data-start=\"1123\" data-end=\"1126\"\u003eBox structurally sound with light handling wear only\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2332\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2334\" data-end=\"2368\"\u003eICONOGRAPHY \u0026amp; THEMATIC ANALYSIS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2401\"\u003eKey visual and symbolic traits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2693\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2472\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2472\"\u003eBroad chest and cylindrical limbs emphasizing industrial strength\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2551\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2475\" data-end=\"2551\"\u003eSimplified facial geometry reinforcing “machine first, personality second”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2552\" data-end=\"2618\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2554\" data-end=\"2618\"\u003eHigh-contrast lithography designed for readability at distance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2619\" data-end=\"2693\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2621\" data-end=\"2693\"\u003eRemote control tether acting as a literal metaphor for human restraint\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2695\" data-end=\"2818\"\u003eTetsujin is not heroic in pose—it is \u003cstrong data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2771\"\u003eobedient, dangerous, and monumental\u003c\/strong\u003e, a reflection of early atomic-age imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2820\" data-end=\"2823\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2855\"\u003eMATERIAL \u0026amp; CRAFT ASSESSMENT\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2857\" data-end=\"2881\"\u003eConstruction highlights:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"3095\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2936\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2885\" data-end=\"2936\"\u003eHeavy-gauge tinplate panels with clean fold seams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"2988\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"2988\"\u003eDense lithographic ink layers with minimal fade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2989\" data-end=\"3041\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2991\" data-end=\"3041\"\u003eElectric motor assembly seated low for stability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3042\" data-end=\"3095\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3044\" data-end=\"3095\"\u003eRemote control wiring reinforced at stress points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3097\" data-end=\"3241\"\u003eCompared to spring-driven walkers, electric tins required \u003cstrong data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3189\"\u003ehigher manufacturing precision\u003c\/strong\u003e, making surviving examples disproportionately rare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3246\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3248\" data-end=\"3296\"\u003eHISTORICAL CONTEXT — WHY THESE SURVIVE AT ALL\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3298\" data-end=\"3344\"\u003eElectric tin robots faced three major threats:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-start=\"3346\" data-end=\"3481\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3346\" data-end=\"3391\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3391\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3370\"\u003eBattery corrosion\u003c\/strong\u003e damaging internals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3432\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3395\" data-end=\"3432\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3395\" data-end=\"3413\"\u003eWiring fatigue\u003c\/strong\u003e from active play\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3433\" data-end=\"3481\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3481\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3455\"\u003eTin deformation\u003c\/strong\u003e under weight and motion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3662\"\u003eAs a result, many were discarded or cannibalized for parts.\u003cbr data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3545\"\u003eBoxed, intact examples—especially tied to Tetsujin 28—now function as \u003cstrong data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3661\"\u003emechanical archives of early mecha culture\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3664\" data-end=\"3763\"\u003eBilliken’s role as a heritage-focused maker further elevates this piece beyond casual reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3765\" data-end=\"3768\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3770\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003eCOLLECTOR RELEVANCE\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3825\"\u003eThis piece strongly appeals to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"4024\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"3857\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3829\" data-end=\"3857\"\u003eTetsujin 28-go specialists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3858\" data-end=\"3884\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3860\" data-end=\"3884\"\u003eEarly mecha historians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"3922\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3887\" data-end=\"3922\"\u003eTin toy and mechanical collectors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3972\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3925\" data-end=\"3972\"\u003eMuseum-oriented Japanese pop culture archives\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3973\" data-end=\"4024\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3975\" data-end=\"4024\"\u003eCollectors seeking pre-Gundam lineage artifacts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4026\" data-end=\"4107\"\u003eIt bridges \u003cstrong data-start=\"4037\" data-end=\"4092\"\u003emanga history, toy engineering, and cultural memory\u003c\/strong\u003e in one object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4109\" data-end=\"4112\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"4114\" data-end=\"4149\"\u003eSUMMARY — WHY THIS PIECE MATTERS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4151\" data-end=\"4211\"\u003eBefore pilots.\u003cbr data-start=\"4165\" data-end=\"4168\"\u003eBefore transformations.\u003cbr data-start=\"4191\" data-end=\"4194\"\u003eBefore spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4213\" data-end=\"4262\"\u003eThere was \u003cstrong data-start=\"4223\" data-end=\"4261\"\u003ecommand, distance, and consequence\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4264\" data-end=\"4451\"\u003eThis Billiken Tetsujin 28 electric tin robot preserves the moment when Japan first imagined power as something that must be controlled—not worn. That idea shaped everything that followed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2663\" data-end=\"2666\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"654\" data-start=\"613\"\u003eAuthenticity \u0026amp; Collectible Stewardship\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"729\" data-start=\"656\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"729\" data-start=\"656\"\u003eEvaluated under the Japonista Collectibles Authentication Framework™:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"983\" data-start=\"731\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"786\" data-start=\"731\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"786\" data-start=\"733\"\u003ePeriod, manufacturer, and production-era assessment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"846\" data-start=\"787\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"846\" data-start=\"789\"\u003eMaterial, paint, lithography, and surface-wear analysis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"924\" data-start=\"847\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"924\" data-start=\"849\"\u003eMechanical, structural, and component integrity review (where applicable)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"983\" data-start=\"925\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"983\" data-start=\"927\"\u003eDesign, iconography, and cultural-context verification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1135\" data-start=\"985\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1015\" data-start=\"985\"\u003eGuaranteed 100% Authentic.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1018\" data-start=\"1015\"\u003eEvery piece is backed by the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1092\" data-start=\"1047\"\u003eJaponista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™\u003c\/strong\u003e and curated with collector-grade scrutiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1140\" data-start=\"1137\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1180\" data-start=\"1142\"\u003eA Note on Collecting \u0026amp; Preservation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1433\" data-start=\"1182\"\u003eAt Japonista, we approach vintage and modern toys not merely as nostalgic objects, but as \u003cstrong data-end=\"1344\" data-start=\"1272\"\u003edesign artifacts, cultural touchstones, and expressions of their era\u003c\/strong\u003e—from postwar ingenuity and Showa imagination to contemporary pop and designer movements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1659\" data-start=\"1435\"\u003eEach work is carefully examined, researched, and presented with respect for its \u003cstrong data-end=\"1579\" data-start=\"1515\"\u003eoriginal intent, historical context, and collector relevance\u003c\/strong\u003e, balancing preservation with the honest character earned through time and play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1863\" data-start=\"1661\"\u003eOur role is not only to offer access to meaningful collectibles, but to act as thoughtful custodians—connecting the right pieces with collectors who value history, originality, and lasting significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1868\" data-start=\"1865\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1923\" data-start=\"1870\"\u003eInquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2187\" data-start=\"1925\"\u003eSome collectible works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, provenance, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2397\" data-start=\"2189\"\u003eIf you are exploring a specific theme, franchise, maker, era, or mechanical category—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our team is always available to assist with informed, quiet expertise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2402\" data-start=\"2399\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2445\" data-start=\"2404\"\u003eConcierge Support \u0026amp; Collector Guidance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2633\" data-start=\"2447\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2471\" data-start=\"2447\"\u003eJaponista Concierge™\u003c\/strong\u003e offers personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, strategic acquisitions, or long-term curation across vintage and modern collectibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2821\" data-start=\"2635\"\u003eWhether your interest lies in nostalgia, design history, mechanical fascination, or pop-culture legacy, we are here to support your collecting journey with clarity, care, and discretion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3031\" data-start=\"2823\"\u003eFor select high-value or historically significant pieces, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss eligibility and options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3036\" data-start=\"3033\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3058\" data-start=\"3038\"\u003eBefore Proceeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3305\" data-start=\"3060\"\u003eWe kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and condition standards specific to vintage, mechanical, and collectible works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3310\" data-start=\"3307\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3329\" data-start=\"3312\"\u003eA Closing Note\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3601\" data-start=\"3331\"\u003eThank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of vintage and modern toys, robots, and cultural collectibles. We are honored to share these enduring objects of imagination and design—and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and enjoyed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3724\" data-start=\"3603\"\u003eIf you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact \u003ca title=\"Japonista Concierge Services\" href=\"https:\/\/japonista.com\/pages\/japan-s-premium-proxy-art-logistics-japonista-concierge-logistics%E2%84%A2\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3711\" data-start=\"3687\"\u003eJaponista Concierge™\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e at any time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- internal seo keywords:\n\n\n--\u003e\u003c!-- internal seo keywords:\n\n\nTetsujin 28, Tetsujin 28 go, Tetsujin 28 tin toy, Tetsujin 28 robot, Billiken Tetsujin 28, electric tin robot, remote control tin toy, Japanese tin robot, Showa tin toy, mechanical robot Japan, tinplate robot, electric toy robot, manga robot toy, pre Gundam robot, early mecha toy, Japanese mechanical toy, tin robot collectible, Showa era robot, Billiken Shokai toy, heritage tin toy, electric remote robot, wired remote toy, tin toy Japan, robot toy history, mechanical mecha toy, Japanese pop culture artifact, museum grade toy, tin robot display, retro Japanese toy, classic robot toy, tin robot archive, collectible mecha, early robot design, mechanical toy Japan, electric tin figure, Japanese sci fi toy, tin toy preservation, curated collectible, tin robot sculpture, mechanical art object, tin robot Japan, Tetsujin collectible, Showa mecha heritage\n\n\n  \n\n--\u003e","brand":"Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector \/ Curator \/ Personal Shopper From Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51982673117477,"sku":null,"price":890.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/8829\/6229\/files\/BillikenTetsujin28-GoElectricRemoteControlTinRobot_ShowaJapaneseIcon_1.jpg?v=1770472534","url":"https:\/\/japonista.com\/products\/billiken-tetsujin-28-go-electric-remote-control-tin-robot-showa-japanese-icon","provider":"Japonista","version":"1.0","type":"link"}