Toys – who doesn’t like them? Whether toddlers, teens or grownups, we all have our own fascination with toys at some point or other in our lives. And with the flow of the times, toys change too. New toys come out, unpopular toys get canned. Today, there exist toys of different sizes, themes and prices that cater to many different people.

Enter the second annual Jakarta Toyz Mania Fair, held from Dec. 5 to 6 on the sixth floor of the STC Senayan shopping center. On display were hundreds of toys of different sizes, vintages (some were from the 1980s!), and origins (chiefly either the United States or Japan).

More than 40 vendors took part in the event, which drew visitors of all ages.

The fair was not just about showing off and selling toys. There were several computers on display showing off online games, free to try for all visitors. There were also two tables reserved for visitors to play the Vandaria Wars trading card game.

There was also a cosplay (costume play, where people dress up as game characters) competition, magic performance, Vandaria Wars TCG competition, online game competition, sweepstakes and a couple of manga drawing workshops.

“This is the second time we’ve attended this fair,” said Robby of Whitebase. “There are five different toys fair we’ve attended since 2004. This one here is the second by [PT Star Synergy].

“People don’t just come here to buy toys,” Robby explained. “People go to these fairs to gather together and meet up people with the same interests in toys.

“We’re not here to make a killing off sales. We’re here for added promotion and the community. Getting together with friends. This kind of fair is a pain to attend, you know,” Robby added with a chuckle.

Indeed, several visitors were at the fair just to meet up with people with the same interests. People from different online forums got together at the event.

Grahita was one such person.

“The fair was business as usual,” he said. “Some toys were cheaper, some were more expensive, some were fakes.

“I went there just to browse around and meet up with guys from the VGI [Video Games Indonesia] forum. I went home with plastic models of Gundam and Zoids.

“I would come again if there’s another toy fair,” he added. “Though I’d only browse the toys. I might buy one or two depending on the time and need.”

The Jakarta Toyz Mania Fair was crowded, to say the least. People of different ages and vocations flocked the hall. Toys of various kinds and sizes were displayed and sold. People may get old, but that fascination with toys will always persist.

Be it for Japanese figurines, American action figures, Gundams or table-top miniatures, we always have a spot for them in our lives. And with the support of the community, toy fairs like this will continue to sprout.