Let’s get out of depression by making plastic models. In February, Shizuoka City’s mental health and welfare facility “Kokoro no Kenko Center” introduced plastic model production as part of its recovery program for patients suffering from long-term depression. Major manufacturers such as Tamiya have their headquarters in the city, which boasts over 80% of the domestic shipments. The initiative that began in this city, which bills itself as the “World Capital of Models”, was due to certain characteristics of plastic models that caught the attention of the facility’s top management.

“Stimulate all senses”
The impetus for this initiative was a night study session for volunteer city hall employees that psychiatrist Satoko Okubo, the director of the program, attended in September 2023. The lecturer that day was Kazunari Tanaka, director of the city’s public health center, whose hobby is making plastic models. The theme was plastic model making.

Director Okubo, who tried assembling it for the first time, said, “Every sense was stimulated by the sound of parts being cut, the prickly feel, and the bright colors of the paint.” He was so immersed in his work that he forgot about the time and the noise around him.

“One of the characteristics of plastic models is that they make you concentrate even if you don’t intend to.Maybe they can be used to help you recover from depression.” There was some basis for that inspiration.

Concentrate on this moment
The “cognitive behavioral therapy” that is the basis of the mental health center’s recovery program includes a method of “focusing on yourself here and now” so that your mind does not become overwhelmed with past failures or worries about the future. be. It is a therapy that is also connected to “mindfulness”, which is derived from Zen meditation.

At the same time, the center also offers a method of “behavioral activation therapy” that “does not act because it is energetic, but acts first.As you do it, you will become more energetic and will become more motivated to go out and interact with people.” I am incorporating it.

Director Okubo thought that “plastic models can fit into any category,” and asked Director Tanaka to teach plastic model making to depression patients at the center. The first production training was held during the recovery program on February 9th and 16th.

A total of seven people participated. They spent about two and a half hours on both days trying to make a mini diorama of the anime “Yuru Camp△”, carefully assembling character figures, outdoor chairs, bicycles, and other items, and coloring them. Some participants worked together to complete their work.

The reception from participants was excellent
When asked in a post-production survey how they felt during the production process, five people said they were “very concentrated,” and the remaining two said they were “somewhat concentrated.” The feedback from the participants was positive, with one commenting, “It was good because I didn’t have to think about unnecessary things by concentrating on my work.” The center has decided to continue production training after April.

Director Tanaka, who served as the lecturer, is 61 years old and has served as a medical engineer for the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for many years. “When he was 40 years old, he felt the need to turn it on and off and started making plastic models, which has served him well.” Although it will be a bit of a departure from his “day job,” he plans to continue serving as an instructor at recovery programs.

“I’m not saying that plastic models will work for everyone, but there is hope for people who are into them. Everyone has different tastes, but Shizuoka has an environment where you can find all kinds of things.” Director Tanaka said, “I want to help people suffering from depression in a way that is unique to a plastic model town.”

Author: Koichi Tanno
Source in Japanese language: Mainichi Shimbun

Re-release of a Commemorative R/C Model
The Top-Force R/C assembly kit, originally produced in 1991, commemorated Tamiya’s 100th R/C product release. Lessons learned in actual race events, incorporated into this buggy kit, include features such as the low, wedge-shaped body, large rear wing with built-in flaps, and polycarbonate underbody cowling. The 2017 and 2024 edition kits include square spike tires that give the Top-Force excellent traction on any surface.

Race-Ready Off-Road Buggy
The simple and practical FRP double deck frame sees components mounted on the lower deck for a low center of gravity. Both front and rear gearboxes, equipped with precision-made ball differentials, give limited slip diff. effect, and provide formidable cornering ability. Hard propeller shaft, and universal shafts increase power transmission efficiency for faster laps around the park. The suspension system features adjustable upper arms that allow camber angle customization and metal bearings in the steering arms ensure sharp steering response.

• 1/10 scale shaft-driven 4WD R/C model assembly kit. Length: 400mm.
• Lightweight and durable polycarbonate body. Marking stickers included to decorate the body.
• FRP double-deck chassis.
• Shock damper stays made from FRP and used in conjunction with oil shock dampers and the 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension for superior handling.
• White nylon star dish wheels paired with square spike tires (Items 53084/53088).
• Front and rear ball differentials, plus a rigid propeller shaft ensure that power from the rear-mounted transverse motor transmits smoothly to the wheels.
• Includes 540-type brushed motor.
• Requires: 2-channel radio with ESC, steering servo, 7.2-7.4volt battery with compatible charger, and Tamiya PS paint to complete.

This re-release of the Manta Ray is certainly news to celebrate for fans of Tamiya vintage 4WD buggy models! The body – inspired by the watergoing ray of the natural world – is still a classic nearly 30 years on from its original release in 1990; it and the large rear wing are molded in lightweight and tough polycarbonate. Stylish dish type wheels are paired with spike tires for superlative grip on- or off-road. For those looking for even greater performance, why not pair with our dedicated Hop-Up Option parts set?

A Rugged 4WD Chassis
This kit’s 4WD chassis is based around a bathtub frame with honeycomb rib pattern for excellent rigidity, and which also facilitates a low center of gravity thanks to a low attachment position for the battery pack. Its 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension employs CVA oil dampers, while lightweight and durable hollow lower arms feature a smooth design to discourage dirt from sticking to them. Differential gears are contained in sealed gearboxes, each with a quick-access maintenance hatch. The 3-piece steering tie-rod gives sharp response, and ball adjusters allow easy altering of toe angle.

Specifications
★Length: 395mm, Width: 250mm, Height: 145mm ★Wheelbase: 270mm ★Weight (excluding R/C equipment and battery pack): 1,100g ★Tread: 207mm (Front & Rear) ★Bathtub-type Chassis Frame ★Shaft-Driven 4WD ★Front/Rear 3-Bevel Differentials ★3-Piece Steering Tie-Rod ★4-Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension ★Tire Width/Diameter: 40/84mm (Front & Rear) ★CVA Short Oil Shock Units ★Gear Ratio=8.59:1 (with kit-included 21T pinion gear) ★Type 540 Motor ★Requires an Electronic Speed Controller (sold separately)

Separately Required Items
★2-Channel R/C Unit with ESC ★Battery Pack & Charger ★R6/AA/UM3 batteries for transmitter