The Taiyo Mini Blaster is a 1:20 scale remote control car released in 1989. It is a miniature version of the much larger 1991 Taiyo Max Turbo Blaster which was released a few years later.
Like most Taiyo RC, after proving itself in Japan, it then sold across the world under localized brands such as the Tyco Mini Blaster (USA), Metro Mini Blaster (Australia), and likely within Europe by Dickie Toys too.
Many 80s kids will have fond memories of the Mini Blaster, including myself.
While it didn't have the 9.6V power of the Jet Hopper / Turbo Hopper released a few years earlier, it still had plenty of go, excellent overall quality and suspension system. This specific version by Taiyo for the local Japanese market was Made in Japan, with overseas models made in Singapore.
If you had a Tyco or Metro Mini Blaster as a child, checkout the Tyco Mini Blaster article for the most popular version that you may remember.
Recommendation
For those nostalgic about their old Mini Blaster from their childhood, buying a Mini Blaster today is easy and inexpensive. They do come up on eBay occasionally, and should not be priced excessively (ignore those charging hundreds, they're dreaming). For those without the sentiment, the Mini Blaster is still a small, zippy RC that will give kids plenty of fun even 30 years after it was released, and is made to last more than a few lifetimes.
