Sylvanian Families

In 1993, on a short vacation with my aunt and uncle in Shizuoka, Japan, I saw my very first Sylvanian Families display case in a large department store. I stood in front of the display for hours, unmindful of the cramps in my leg and the extra weight I carried in a kapoochi carrier (little Alex, then only eight months old).

Kittymama in Japan (with Baby Alex and a friend)

My aunt, seeing my fascination, gave me a short introduction on the toy line. She pointed out the intricate items that came with these anthropomorphic little critters, regaled me with the details of the dollhouses, yet cautioned me against the expense that came with their purchase. Converting my measly pocket money from US dollars to Japanese yen quicly brought me back to reality. All thoughts of bringing home even just one immediately dissipated. As a young mother working on a tight budget, I simply could not afford it. I took a deep breath and turned away.

Still, I carried that picture in my head for years, thinking of it every so often.  When I saw the new Sylvanian display in September last year at Kidz Station, Power Plant Mall (Rockwell), it took every bit of self-control not to throw myself at A’s feet and beg for some. Sixteen years after my first encounter with Sylvanian Families. I finally got my wish. (Read https://okasaneko.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/lessons-from-an-mri/.)

My collection started with a single family on September 15, 2009. It has grown exponentially since then to include more critters, houses, buildings, shops and stalls. I do not have a lot by true Sylvanian Families Collectors’ standard, but what I do have are all made more special as they are gifts of love and, yes, sacrifice. Thank you, A.

P.S. This page used to be called Sylvanian Fantasies but I have changed it to Sylvanian Families because my collections are no longer just fantasies, although they do remain the stuff of dreams! (April 2 6, 2012)