Japanese phone cards (テレホンカード / teleca) are one of those beautifully nostalgic artifacts where function met fandom.

Originally sold for use in public payphones—most commonly in ¥500 or ¥1,000 denominations—these cards doubled as mini art prints, often featuring anime, games, idols, and exclusive illustrations you couldn’t find anywhere else. Once mobile phones took over, phone cards faded out of everyday use… but their afterlife as collectibles was only just beginning.

Today, they’re prized not because they work, but because they survived.

💡 Did You Know?

• 📌 How they worked:

Japanese payphones didn’t use scratch codes or stickers. Instead, the machine physically punched small holes or notches into the card to track remaining credit.

• 👀 Used vs. unused:

A punched or notched card = permanently used.

A smooth, unpunched card = unused, and far more desirable.

Once phone cards became obsolete, condition became everything. An unused card is essentially a preserved piece of commercial art—no signs of wear, no punches, no history written into it.

• 🎨 Art matters:

Cards featuring anime, games, or licensed characters (especially 90s titles like Kyatto Ninden Teyandee) often command higher prices due to nostalgia, scarcity, and crossover appeal.

• 🕰 Obsolete ≠ worthless

In collector terms, “obsolete” just means you can no longer use this for it’s originally intended purpose—which is exactly when preservation starts to matter.

Tiny, glossy, and quietly iconic—Japanese phone cards are proof that even the most everyday objects can become time capsules. And honestly? They still look fantastic on a shelf.

(Just don’t expect to make a phone call with one anymore. 😉)

This boxed VHS release contains the first 20 episodes of Kyattō Ninden Teyandee, spread across 10 tapes with two episodes per cassette — a standard format for anime home releases in Japan at the time.

Originally retailing for approximately ¥4,500, this set was released under King Video, with Star Child branding also present on the packaging — both labels closely associated with anime music and home video releases during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

One of the most striking aspects of this release is its cover artwork.

Every tape features original illustrations drawn by series character designer Noritaka Suzuki, making this set especially desirable for collectors interested in production-authentic artwork rather than repurposed promotional stills. The back side of the tape boxes also contains a synopsis of each episode.

Several notable points about the artwork and packaging:

• Some of the illustrations — particularly Tape 1 — were later recycled for subsequent collections and releases, cementing these images as part of the series’ visual identity.

• Due to the relative rarity of these tapes outside Japan, bootleg merchandise frequently lifts this artwork, often without credit or context.

• The full set of illustrations is preserved officially, appearing in the 2012 (JP) and 2019 (EN) Samurai Pizza Cats official fanbooks, ensuring their long-term archival survival.

A fun bit of meta-history:

In the Christmas episode (JP Episode 48 / EN Episode 47), Speedy himself receives a VHS copy of Tape 1 — a charming, self-referential nod to the show’s own home video release. This scene was edited out of the English dub.

Between the artwork, packaging, and episode distribution, this VHS box represents more than just a way to watch the series — it’s a time capsule of how Samurai Pizza Cats was originally presented to its Japanese audience, long before localization, rewrites, or international broadcasts reshaped it for the West.

Tape 1

第1話 (episode 1)

「秘密忍者隊 ニャンキー出動！」(Himitsu Ninja-tai Nyankii Shutsudō!)

→ JP: Secret Ninja Squad Nyankii, Launch!

→ EN: Stop Dragon my cat around.

第2話 (episode 2)

「街中おスシだ！パニックだ！」(Machi-jū Osushi da! Panikku da!)

→ JP: The Whole Town Is Sushi! Panic!

→ EN: If You Knew Sushi Like I Know Sushi

Tape 2

第3話 (Episode 3)

「ホレホレ穴掘れもっと掘れ!」("Hore hore ana hore motto hore!")

→ JP: Dig Dig a Hole and Dig More!

→ EN: Underground, Underwater, Undercooked.

第4話 (Episode 4)

「悩みを解決?カードでチーン!」 (Nayami o kaiketsu? Kaado de tiin!)

→ JP: Have a Worry? A Card Will Solve It!

→ EN: The Great Golden Cluck

Tape 3

第5話 (Episode 5)

「アイドル誕生?芸能界の甘いワナ 」(Aidoru tanjou? Geinoukai no amai wana)

→ JP: An Idol is Born? Sweet Trap of the Entertainment World

→ EN: Singing Samurai Sensai-tion

第6話 (Episode 6)

「探検!オテンバ姫の遊園地」(Tanken! Otenba hime no yuuenchi)

→ JP: Exploration! Amusement Park for a Tomboy Princess

→ EN: Let the Cellar Beware!

Tape 4

第7話 (Episode 7)

「マジ!?カラ丸がヒーローになる日? 」(Maji!? Karamaru ga hiirou ni naru hi?)

→ JP: Is it True!? Karamaru Becomes a Hero?

→ EN: The Nuclear Potato.

第8話 (Episode 8)

「こわーい?コーン守のヒ・ミ・ツ」(Tanken! Otenba hime no yuuenchi)

→ JP: Is It Dreadful? Koon no Kami's Se-cr-et

→ EN: Kind of a Drag.

Tape 5

第9話 (Episode 9)

「姫はウキウキ!みんなハラハラ!」 (Hime wa uki-uki! Minna hara-hara!)

→ JP: The Princess is Excited! Everyone is Worried!

→ EN: Double Trouble for Princess Vi

第10話 (Episode 10)

「てやんでえ!これがニャンキーでえ!」(Teyandee! Kore ga Nyankii dee)

→ JP: Samurai Pizza Cats: The First 9 Episodes in 30 Minutes

→ This episode was cut from the English version.

Tape 6

第11話 (Episode 11)

「いじめられっ子のパパは天才科学者!? 」(Ijimerarekko no papa wa tensai kagakusha!?)

→ JP: Hot & Kold Kitties

→ EN: Father of the Bullied Child is a Gifted Scientist?!

第12話 (Episode 12)

「珍プレー好プレー!ニャンキーの弱点!」(Chin puree kou puree! Nyankii no jakuten!)

→ JP: Unusual Play, Wonderful Play! The Weakness of Nyankii!

→ EN: Candid Kitty.

Tape 7

第13話 (Episode 13)

「ニャンキー敗北?ヤミの四忍衆あらわる」(Nyankii haiboku? Yami no yonninshuu arawaru!)

→ JP: Nyankii Defeat? The Dark 4 Ninja Appear!

→ EN: The Pizza Cats Are Only Human (Part One)

第14話 (Episode 14)

「逆転!ニャンキー空を飛ぶ」(Gyakuten! Nyankii sora wo tobu)

→ JP: Reversion! Nyankii Fly Through the Air

→ EN: The Pizza Cats Are Only Human (Part Two)

Tape 8

第15話 (Episode 15)

「お願い!コーン守は人気がほしい」(Onegai! Ko-no-Kami wa ninki ga hoshii)

→ JP: Wish! Koon no Kami Wants to Be Popular

→ EN: Those Transformin' Felines

第16話 (Episode 16)

「ウッソー!将軍さまはニセモノ!?」(Ussou! Shougunsama wa nisemono?)

→ JP: A Lie! The Shogun Is an Imposter!?

→ EN: The Case of the Bogus Billionaire

Tape 9

第17話 (Episode 17)

「ドコだ?消えた大先生」(Doko da? Kieta daisensei)

→ JP: Where? The Professor Disappeared

→ EN: The Big Cheese's I.Q. Corral

第18話 (Episode 18)

「見合って見合って野球で勝負」(Miatte miatte yakyuu de shoubu)

→ JP: Courtship, Courtship a Baseball Challenge

→ EN: Field of Screwballs

Tape 10

第19話 (Episode 19)

「Wデートは危険がイッパイ!」(W (daburu) deeto wa kiken ga ippai!)

→ JP: Double Date It Is Full of Danger

→ EN: Speedy's Double-Time Trick

第20話 (Episode 20)

「エッ!?プルルンのお嬢様宣言」(Eh!? Pururun no ojousama sengen)

→ JP: Eh!? Pururun's Debutante Declaration

→ EN: Samurai Charm School.

Expansion Mode: Activated.

The collection is trending towards outgrowing its original footprint—so it was time to prepare.

A second row of acrylic display boxes has joined the setup, giving the Samurai Pizza Cats collection room to breathe and grow. For now, this new row is serving as structured storage for boxes and keshi, but it’s very much future-facing real estate.

The main trio still each have their own dedicated display space, though Speedy—being Speedy—has started to outpace everyone else. Between large-format figures (looking at you, Heat Boys) and multiple releases across lines, he’s rapidly approaching “needs his own wing” status.

The long-term vision for Row Two is already taking shape:

• Center: Nyankii overflow

• Left: Villains

• Right: Supporting characters

Even better, I caught a deal; there are still three additional unassembled acrylic boxes in reserve—ready for a second expansion whenever the collection inevitably demands it.

Slow growth. Planned space. No compromises.

Onward. 🐱⚔

If you’re as obsessed with Samurai Pizza Cats as I am, you may have already seen these floating around somewhere.

Around the first time I discovered them in early 2025, it seemed like their production cycle had already run its course several years prior. Okay… I completely missed out. Not uncommon when you collect items made decades ago.

Then, while browsing Instagram, I spotted a more recent post about them. A final run? But wait… 2024? Was I too late again?

I decided to take a chance and message the seller. Worst case, I had missed out again — but at least I’d know the source in case they ever changed their mind.

As luck would have it, the best-case scenario happened: they had one last complete set. I didn’t hesitate — Christmas gift to myself secured.

After surviving some Western Union shenanigans, the figures spent about a month in transit. Nearly two weeks to leave Peru (holiday traffic, most likely), speedran customs — cleared just three minutes after arriving in Canada — and battled through two Canadian winter storms before FINALLY arriving home.

Welcome home, Katana Cats! 🤍❤💙

These figures were everything I hoped they would be — and then some. They were created by the talented team at Feria del Juguete Perú (https://www.instagram.com/feriadeljugueteperu), whose dedication to the series is evident in every sculpted detail. Supporting artists who create works like this is incredibly important to me — projects born from genuine passion help keep the spirit of beloved series alive for future generations of fans and collectors around the world. Works like this remind me that some of the most meaningful pieces in a collection aren’t mass-produced — they’re created by fans who love these characters just as deeply as we do.

I was also surprised with several bonus items: a Pizza Cats cloth mask, a GORGEOUS glossy print of the main cast, and a beautiful poster packed with cartoon characters from my childhood.

The figures themselves are very solid. They aren’t articulated, but I genuinely don’t mind — the poses are iconic and perfectly capture each character. I’m very much a “set it and forget it” collector anyway. Minus the forgetting part, of course.

I’m especially impressed by the small details: Polly’s flute nestled against the base of her tail, the sculpted sword hilts, and Guido’s umbrella and the holder that slots onto his back. Small-batch artisan figures like these often possess a level of personality and craftsmanship rarely found in mass-produced merchandise — the kind that only comes from artists who truly understand and love the characters they’re bringing to life.

Since Guido and Polly have far less merchandise available, the real challenge was feng shui-ing Speedy into his new forever home — and let’s just say he’ll definitely be needing a second display box soon-ish.

There’s much more content about these figures coming down the pipeline. The creator has shared a wealth of information with me — including some exciting insight into their origins and possible future plans.

Stay tuned… In Part Two, I’ll be sharing more about the history of these figures, early production insights, and behind-the-scenes details generously shared by their creator — including prototypes and tentative plans for the future that collectors will absolutely want to know about.

—

Si estás tan obsesionado con Samurai Pizza Cats como yo, es posible que ya hayas visto estas figuras por ahí en algún momento.

Cuando las descubrí por primera vez a principios de 2025, parecía que su ciclo de producción había terminado varios años antes. Bueno… me las había perdido por completo. Nada fuera de lo común cuando coleccionas artículos creados hace décadas.

Luego, navegando por Instagram, vi una publicación más reciente sobre ellas. ¿Una tirada final? Pero espera… ¿2024? ¿Había llegado tarde otra vez?

Decidí arriesgarme y escribirle al vendedor. En el peor de los casos, ya se habrían agotado — pero al menos sabría a quién seguir por si algún día cambiaban de opinión.

Para mi suerte, ocurrió el mejor escenario posible: todavía tenían un último set completo. No lo dudé — regalo de Navidad para mí asegurado.

Después de sobrevivir a algunas travesuras de Western Union, las figuras pasaron aproximadamente un mes en tránsito. Casi dos semanas para salir de Perú (probablemente por el tráfico de la temporada navideña), pasaron la aduana a toda velocidad — se liberaron apenas tres minutos después de llegar a Canadá — y atravesaron dos tormentas invernales canadienses antes de FINALMENTE llegar a casa.

¡Bienvenidos a casa, Katana Cats! 🤍❤💙

Estas figuras fueron todo lo que esperaba — y más. Fueron creadas por el talentoso equipo de Feria del Juguete Perú(https://www.instagram.com/feriadeljugueteperu), cuya dedicación a la serie es evidente en cada detalle esculpido. Apoyar a artistas que crean obras como estas es increíblemente importante para mí — proyectos nacidos de una pasión genuina ayudan a mantener vivo el espíritu de series queridas para las futuras generaciones de fans y coleccionistas en todo el mundo.

Trabajos como este me recuerdan que algunas de las piezas más significativas de una colección no son producidas en masa — son creadas por fans que aman a estos personajes tan profundamente como nosotros.

También me sorprendieron con varios regalos extra: una mascarilla de Pizza Cats, un IMPRESIONANTE print brillante del elenco principal y un hermoso póster repleto de personajes de mi infancia.

Las figuras son muy sólidas. No son articuladas, pero sinceramente no me molesta — las poses son icónicas y capturan perfectamente a cada personaje. Soy muy del tipo de coleccionista de “colocar y admirar”… menos la parte de olvidar, por supuesto.

Me impresionan especialmente los pequeños detalles: la flauta de Polly acomodada junto a la base de su cola, las empuñaduras esculpidas de las espadas, y el paraguas de Guido con su soporte que se ajusta a su espalda. Figuras artesanales producidas en pequeños lotes como estas suelen tener un nivel de personalidad y calidad difícil de encontrar en mercancía producida en masa — ese tipo de magia que solo nace de artistas que realmente entienden y aman a los personajes que están dando vida.

Dado que Guido y Polly tienen mucha menos mercancía disponible, el verdadero desafío fue hacerle espacio a Speedy en su nuevo hogar — y digamos que definitivamente necesitará una segunda vitrina muy pronto.

Hay mucho más contenido sobre estas figuras en camino. El creador ha compartido conmigo una gran cantidad de información — incluyendo detalles fascinantes sobre sus orígenes y posibles planes para el futuro.

Mantente atento… En la Parte Dos compartiré más sobre la historia de estas figuras, datos sobre su producción inicial y material detrás de cámaras generosamente proporcionado por su creador — incluyendo prototipos y planes tentativos para el futuro que los coleccionistas definitivamente querrán conocer.

Fans in Japan got a little extra treat at the recent CatNinDen Teyandee / Samurai Pizza Cats 35th Anniversary screening event — because the upcoming Blu-ray box set contents were on display at the venue! 😭💚

So yes… people were able to see the packaging + included materials in-person ahead of release, which is SUCH a cool little peek behind the curtain.

I’m obsessed with how much love this series is getting in Japan right now 🥹

If anyone grabbed photos from the event, I’d LOVE to see more!

#キャッ党忍伝てやんでえ #SamuraiPizzaCats #CatNinDenTeyandee #Tatsunoko #KNT35th