GI Joe 1964 1960s Sanyei Pre Takara Army Flame Thrower Set #607 Japan Exc MIB

GI Joe 1964 1960s Sanyei Pre Takara Army Flame Thrower Set #607 Japan Exc MIB

Listing is for a GI Joe 1964 1960s Sanyei Pre Takara Army Flame Thrower Set #607 Japan Exc MIB.

Prior to Takara taking over the GI Joe license in Japan (with their own unique figure and eventually creating unique outfits), Sanyei would market mostly unchanged (some minor variations here and there) the military sets that Hasbro sold in the US. Hasbro made much of these items in Japan - so it made sense for them to just sell the same items "locally". Sanyei would market the outfits in the same style and - usually - the same cards but with an added obi (sash) on the corner and/or catalog/product brochures in Japanese. The boots would use the same mold design as the first issue rubber Hasbro GI Joe boots. Sanyei would also sell "window box" versions (similar to the Special Forces window box sold in the states) and they would sell 'dressed boxed' sets in "Action Soldier" boxes (even Marine and Pilot uniforms were sold in these boxes. Sanyei would not use any of the other three military service boxes).

In 1970, Takara took over GI JOE from Sanyei and by 1972, they changed to "new GI JOE" Action Series with an anime type figure instead of the 1960s painted head Action GI JOEs or 1970s fuzzy head Adventure Team GI JOEs. They eventually tagged their own outfits Takara New GIJOE with their unique logo.

Note: As these are scarce - examples rarely show up - and it's, obviously, easy for someone to have 'switched out' equipment in the last 60 years - we are 'bowing' to catalog depictions for 'accuracy' of what each set included.

• GI Joe Action Soldier Box - although VERY similar to the #7500 US Action Soldier box, there ARE unique differences.
• GI Joe Action Soldier Figure - same as sold in US
• Army uniform (pants, shirt) - same as sold in US
• Army Helmet - same as sold in the US
• Dog tag - same as sold in US
• Boots - rubber, marked "JAPAN" - unique to Japan/Sanyei but very similar to the 1st issue rubber boots sold in the US
• Flame Thrower - same as sold in the US
• Field Manual - Japanese text

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