Show Notes

We're back to wrap up our coverage of SD Gundam Mk II, with parts 2 and 3 in a double header! Luckily (?) there's not much substance to part 2. But Part 3? We've got thoughts. We've got feelings. We've got a lot to say. Plus in the research Thom runs through some of the fun inside jokes and references peppered throughout the episode. Unfortunately SD Gundam Mk II, Part 3 does come with a content warning for transphobia at around the 12 minute mark. We do discuss this in the podcast, and there is a warning before the discussion begins for the benefit of any listeners who would prefer not to hear it.**

Daruma Whiskey:**

• The actual brand is Suntory Old Whisky, but the bottle is said to resemble a Daruma. Sometimes it is packaged in a bag that looks even more like a Daruma.

Roleplaying Games of the Late 80s:

• SD Gundam's Princess somewhat resembles Dragon Quest 1's Princess Gwaelin
• The infamous "But thou must!" scene from Dragon Quest I's English version.
• A page explaining how the gacha-esque lottery system in Dragon Quest II works can be found here.

Gashapon Machines:

• Although it doesn't mention Japan, this page from Gumball machine and bulk candy seller Gumballs.com describes the development of the first toy vending machines.
• Penny Shokai (importers of the first capsule toy machines in Japan) were eventually bought by toymaker Takara-Tomy. In this recent tweet they celebrate the history of gashapon and show a picture of a Tomy-brand gashapon machine from 1988 - contemporaneous with SD Gundam Mk II.
• Here is a history of the gashapon industry over time.
• In 2017, Bandai issued a press-release celebrating the 40th anniversary of their gashapon business. The press release can be found here, and webpages re-stating its contents can be found here and here.
• During our research we found an interview between two gacha industry leaders about the history of the industry. However at time of writing the website is not accessible. An archived copy can be found here.
• Bandai's original 1977 gashapon machine bears a striking resemblance to the machine shown in SD Gundam Mk II.

Traveling Merchant Backpacks (Tabetobako):

• English language sources (mostly antiques dealers) like to call these box/backpacks 'gyosho bako', presumably corresponding to the Japanese 行商 (gyosho, or peddler) and 箱 (hako, box). Examples: one and

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