![[Sakura Gokin]](images/sakura_mast.gif)
Sakura's Electric Gokin
text: Matt Alt, graphics: Robert Duban
January 2000
Updated: 10.16.04
Images provided by: Jay Brotter, Ken Hallack
![[sakura icon]](images/flowers.gif)
THE "KYOGOKIN " FLASHING SERIES
"Kyo-go-kin" means "strong alloy" in Japanese. We've only managed to find two distinct pieces in the series - the Oni and a UFO. Both pieces remain obscure and nearly unknown even in Japan.

"Oni" means "demon" or "goblin" in Japanese, and they're a staple in Japanese myths and legends. The Sakura Oni is actually a character toy, licensed from the long-running animated show "Manga Nihon Mukashi-banashi," or "Animated Japanese Fairy Tales." The piece is oversized and bulkier than the average "standard" diecast, and features a battery-powered flashing eye gimmick. There are two colors, red and green. The red version seems to be slightly less common. The box of the Oni is striking; the chunky, hand-drawn kanji characters on the box are an instant standout. LIGHT-UP UFO 1
Although it's called "UFO 1," this seems to be the only other toy in the "kyo-go-kin" series. It's very similar to the UFO diecasts sold by the Nakajima Manufacturing Corporation, but is encountered far less frequently.

Zakuraman is an all-original Sakura creation, and he's a real weirdo, with eyeballs that extend directly out from his face, a plastic cape, and a "tin woodsman" styling. As with the Oni diecasts, Zakuraman has battery-powered eyes. The AA battery is stored in a large plastic cylinder that is bolted to Zakuraman's back. Sakura used the somewhat redundant brand name "Diecast Gokin" to sell Zakuraman.The name of this character is often mistranslated as "Sakuraman."
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Oni - green version | ![]() |
Additional Images: box |
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Oni - red version | ![]() |
Additional Images: box |
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Light-Up UFO No. 1- color ver 1 | ![]() |
Additional Images: box |
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Light-Up UFO No. 1- color ver 2 | ![]() |
Additional Images: box |
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Zakuraman | ![]() |
Additional Images: box |
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