Toys for big boys and girls

Remember the term "kidult". It explains a whole new phenomenon that is gathering strength throughout the toy world, and Eric Jou experiences it first hand at a store in Gulou, by the ancient drum tower of Beijing.

Four years ago Guan Tianpei decided to stop working for someone else and start working for himself. He took what money he had and opened up a toy and hobby store in Beijing's Gulou neighborhood. Guan was betting his livelihood on the chances that there would be enough people like him who are well past the recommended ages for toys to be buying, well, toys. Four years and to the present day, he says business is good. Guan, whose small store is stacked to the ceiling with toys, sells most of his stuff to adults.

"These toys are for the most part from anime (Japanese animation), video games, and movies," Guan says. "They're mostly purchased by adults for adults, while they are toys they aren't exactly for children."