Introducing a new look for the festival staple, the water balloon!

Kishis Co., Ltd. (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Representative Director: Noritaka Kishi), a wholesale importer of festival toys, balloons, and party goods founded in 1946, has launched its second product following the highly successful "Yo-Yo Balloon Sparkling Heart Pink Assortment" released in 2024, which became a nationwide hit at festivals and events as an "adorably cute" water balloon. The new product is the "Yo-Yo Balloon Sparkling Star Blue Assortment." While retaining the charm of traditional nostalgic water balloons, these transparent, sparkling, and refreshing NEO water balloons can be enjoyed in yo-yo fishing.

A Boom in Water Balloons

It is said that the first water balloons were made in Japan around 1933 (Showa 8). Around 1943 (Showa 18), during World War II, rubber controls were in place, and the production of recreational items like rubber balloons and water balloons, which were very popular before the war, was restricted due to limitations on raw rubber. However, after the war ended, around 1946 (Showa 21), water balloons began to be produced again in Japan. In an era when entertainment options for children were scarce, water balloons sold at festivals, local fairs, and fireworks displays were so popular they became a boom.

More About the History of Water Balloons

The Role and Mission of a Long-Standing Festival Toy Wholesaler

Image of Kishis' store in the 1940s (then Kishi Rubber Store)

Kishis Co., Ltd. (then Kishi Rubber Store) was founded in 1946 (Showa 21), the same year that balloons and water balloons began to sell rapidly. The company took on the role of a wholesaler, connecting manufacturers who made toys like water balloons with the stallholders who sold them.

At the time, they gathered information on sales trends from stallholders and fed it back to manufacturers. Through this process, they became a trusted entity for both manufacturers and stallholders. Gradually, they began to consider what kinds of products would sell well, what would become popular, and what would bring joy to everyone, from the children using the products to the manufacturers creating them. Their mission became to create new booms in festival toys every year at summer festivals and local fairs, bringing happiness to everyone, a spirit that continues to this day.

Preserving and Passing Down Tradition with Modern Innovations

Today, water balloons are an icon of festivals with their appearance and traditional designs, loved by many not only as objects but also as motifs. Coupled with the recent retro boom, the "nostalgic" appeal of festivals is gaining renewed attention. These traditional water balloons, which can be considered Showa-era retro toys, have been evolved into completely new water balloons by combining them with confetti-filled stick balloons, a hit product from Kishis' balloon business, creating a new boom at Reiwa-era summer festivals.

Festival Staple Water Balloons: Stick Balloons with Confetti

Attention to Detail

Regarding the water balloon bodies, the company wanted to use high-quality materials, so they were supplied by the manufacturer, Suzuki Latex Co., Ltd. From numerous colors and patterns, they selected only those that looked particularly cute when inflated and tested their compatibility with over 20 types of confetti one by one. They carefully selected combinations that evoked a "cute!" reaction. Furthermore, thinking that the elastic strings should also be cute, they commissioned a reliable rubber product manufacturer to produce pink-colored elastic strings. This led to the release of these meticulously crafted water balloons.

Even the elastic strings were colored with care.

Product Overview

- Yo-Yo Balloon Sparkling Star Blue Assortment Pack of 50

Suggested Retail Price: Open Price

Contents: 50 confetti-filled yo-yo balloons, 50 pink elastic strings, 50 popping clips, 1 popping stand

Refreshing colors perfect for summer. Image after inflation.

These can be enjoyed at festival stalls, as well as at children's associations, community events, and corporate promotional events. They offer a different kind of yo-yo fishing experience, sure to appeal not only to children but also to women who love "cute" things and foreigners alike!

*The package includes instructions and a QR code for video instructions.

- Yo-Yo Balloon Sparkling Heart Pink Assortment Pack of 50

Suggested Retail Price: Open Price *Highly popular product released in 2024

Contents: 50 confetti-filled yo-yo balloons, 50 pink elastic strings, 50 popping clips, 1 popping stand

The package provides easy-to-understand instructions. Each yo-yo balloon pattern and color has been carefully selected.

*The package includes instructions and a QR code for video instructions.

Sales Locations

- Kishis Party Store Nagoya Main Store

Sales Shopping Sites

- Omatsuri Tonya no Kishigomu Rakuten Store (Link)

- Omatsuri Tonya no Kishigomu Yahoo Store (Link)

- Ouchi Ennichi by Kishis (Link)

- Membership-based wholesale site e-Wholesale (Link)

Comments from the Developer

I've always loved water balloons since I was a child, feeling that the unique color schemes, wavy patterns, and the sound of water when you flick them captured the essence of Japanese festivals. I hope that the yo-yo fishing with these new water balloons will be seen at festivals nationwide, and that as people enjoy them, they will become a page in the history of festival and local fair play.

I also hope to continue creating booms as a leading company in the festival toy industry.

About Suzuki Latex Co., Ltd., the Cooperating Water Balloon Manufacturer

Suzuki Latex Co., Ltd. was founded in Kameido in 1921 and began manufacturing yo-yo balloons in 1950. In 1982, they succeeded in automated production for the first time in Japan, and they are now a staple at festivals and events. They are the oldest existing yo-yo balloon manufacturer and are now known in over 20 countries worldwide under the name YOYO BALLOON®. They are a manufacturing company with absolute confidence in their quality.

About Kishis Co., Ltd.

With the corporate philosophy "Making people happy is our job," we import and wholesale festival toys, balloons, and party goods. We are a leading company in the industry, constantly challenging ourselves with new things to create booms.

Kishis Co., Ltd.

2-7-17 Nagone, Nishi-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 451-0042

TEL: 052-563-4681

Corporate Site: https://www.kishis.co.jp

Official X: https://x.com/kishisparty

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kishis1946

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 商品発売