It’s Songkran. The city is soaked, the klong water is questionable, and Angel Toy is open for orders.

It’s Songkran in Bangkok. Three days, not one. The whole city turns into a water fight that nobody asked to join but everyone is participating in regardless.

The authorities have tried to designate alcohol-free zones this year. I’ll believe that when I see it.

I’m staying indoors. Getting soaked is part of the tradition and I have no objection to the spirit of it. Getting doused with water pumped straight from the klong is a different matter, particularly when someone decides to mix in talc or chalk powder. At that point it stops being a celebration and starts being a biohazard.

Happy New Year to everyone celebrating. Back to the real world on Thursday.

On to the industry news.

The 2nd Toy & Games Innovation Awards announced its winners in Los Angeles on 10 April. No real surprises at the top: Mattel took Company of the Year, LEGO took Innovation of the Year, Melissa & Doug took Most Inclusive. The usual names collecting the big trophies.

The one worth noting is Green Toys winning Sustainable Toy of the Year. They’re not in the same weight class as the others on that list. Good to see a smaller brand break through in that company.

Earlier in the week, Takara Tomy Arts launched the “Nui Bread Shop Mobility” at Narita Airport Terminal 1 on 6 April. An unmanned, mobile retail unit selling kawaii plush and collectibles, positioned in the departure zone. No staff, low overhead, catches travellers at exactly the right moment.

Following last week’s post on Angel Toy, the response has been genuinely encouraging. Strong enquiries both through LinkedIn and direct email. We’re ready to take orders now, so if you missed the original post or want more details, drop me a message.

That interest also triggered something we hadn’t anticipated. Several customers came back asking us to source vending machines for collectibles. We’ve found a factory that looks promising and I’m heading there in a couple of weeks to see it in person. More on that once I’ve had eyes on it.