In the early 1980s, the "Luminous Monster Series" toys that came as an extra with the "Sapporo Boy Omoshiro Cup" instant noodles included several types of dinosaurs. These were glow-in-the-dark plastic assembly kits where the limbs, neck, and jaw were articulated (Photos 1, 2).

Photo 1

Photo 2

Around the same time, though not as a freebie, if you collected application tickets from "Nissin Okashi-Men" you could get a "Special Dinosaur Egg" (Photo 3). I believe there were various types, but unfortunately, the only one I managed to acquire was this plesiosaur.

Photo 3

After the subdued 1980s, the 1990s saw an unprecedented dinosaur boom. Large-scale dinosaur exhibitions began to be held every summer, the renowned specialized magazine "Dinosaur Studies Frontline" was launched in '92, and the movie "Jurassic Park" was released in '93, rapidly popularizing a modernized image of dinosaurs in society. Reflecting this trend, Bandai released "Latest Dinosaur Studies" in '93 (the naming clearly influenced by "Dinosaur Studies Frontline"). Although unpainted, its realistic sculpting, reminiscent of Kaiyodo garage kits, was truly groundbreaking and became the precursor to the realistic dinosaur candy toys that led to Choco-Saurus (Photos 4, 5 are my colored versions).

Photo 4

Photo 5

Bandai also released the pre-painted "Real Saurus" in '97 (Photo 6). While not bad, "Latest Dinosaur Studies" had a much greater impact.

Photo 6

Nagasakiya also consistently released dinosaur candy toys in the 90s. Comparing the early "Kodai Saurus" (Photo 7) with what appears to be the mid-period "Dinosaur King" (Photo 8), the evolution of dinosaur depictions at the time is clearly visible.

Photo 7

Photo 8

Next time will be a parade of 90s dinosaur candy toys.