The domestic toy market logged ¥692.1 billion in sales in fiscal 2011, up 3.4 percent from the previous year for the second straight annual rise despite the sluggish economy, the Japan Toy Association said Tuesday.
"This shows steady demand for toys," Takeo Takasu, chairman of the association, said ahead of the annual International Tokyo Toy Show that will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday.
"We think this is mainly due to the strong love parents feel for their children, thus spending on them would be the last thing they would want to cut," Takasu said.