Category Archives: Tamiya Company

“The industry is on the rise” – Still active at age 90 Tamiya’s Chairman talks about the Shizuoka Hobby Show and the current state of the model industry


On May 14th, the Shizuoka Hobby Show, Japan’s largest model and hobby exhibition, opened at Twin Messe Shizuoka in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City.

The event ran for five days from May 14th to 18th, and in 2025, the 63rd event, 99 companies and organizations, including 17 model manufacturers from Shizuoka Prefecture, displaying new plastic models and figures. The first and second days are invitation days for businesses, and general visitors are not allowed to enter, but the venue was bustling with buyers and media representatives from Japan and abroad from the very first day of the opening.

Chairman Tamiya
“I may look like this, but I am in good health.”

Every year, in the morning of the first day, a press conference is held by the Shizuoka Model Teaching Materials Cooperative, which is organizing the show, and Chairman Tamiya Shunsaku, who is also the president of Tamiya, answers questions from the media, but this year he made an appearance at the venue again, even though he is now 90 years old.

When asked by the moderator to say a few words at the start of the event, Chairman Tamiya gave a typical greeting to the press, saying, “I’ve hurt my leg a bit, so I’m dressed like this, but I’m still as healthy as ever, so please take care of me,” and the interview began.

Q. What are your impressions of this year’s Hobby Show?
Tamiya Shunsaku, Chairman, Shizuoka Model Teaching Materials Cooperative
“Every year, it gets bigger and bigger. The original in Germany (Nuremberg International Toy Fair) avoids opening it to the public, but people still come to the places that are open to the public. Nothing has changed for us.” Q.

Is the industry as a whole on an upward trend?
(Tamiya Shunsaku, Chairman)
“There’s no need to ask that! It’s on an upward trend.”

Q. What impact will the tariffs imposed by the United States have on the industry?
Chairman Tamiya Shunsaku
“The current situation with plastic models in the United States is that they are simply copying the trends in Japan. So, plastic models are just starting out in Japan. It’s a little different from when you were a child. In our case (Tamiya), we export a lot. We are also working hard for children overseas, but it’s the same now.”

At the 2024 Hobby Show, reporters asked many questions about the historic depreciation of the yen, but this year, questions about the impact of the US tariff policy stood out. However, because the situation is changing and there are many unclear aspects, and each company’s response is very different, Director Daisuke Aoshima (President of Aoshima) explained that it is difficult for the union to express its opinion.

Q. Is there anything you would like to say to visitors?
Chairman Shunsaku Tamiya
“The venue (Twin Messe Shizuoka) has become small. Hobby shows are also being held in the exhibition halls of various manufacturers, so I hope you will come and see them.”

The Shizuoka Hobby Show is held at an exhibition facility called Twin Messe Shizuoka, but the main exhibition halls, the North Hall and South Hall, are already fully used, and we cannot increase the space any more. As a result, the number of exhibitors has not changed significantly over the past few years, and since the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of visitors has been limited to a pre-application system on public days for safety reasons.

Director Katsuhito Hasegawa (President of Hasegawa) said that there are still many manufacturers who want to exhibit at the show, but they are turning them down because there is not enough room, and that he would be grateful if Shizuoka City could somehow make the venue larger.

Tamiya, where Chairman Tamiya serves as chairman, will hold a special tour of its headquarters in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, for two days, May 17th and 18th, to coincide with the Hobby Show’s public opening, and will also promote the company’s products at locations other than Twin Messe Shizuoka. The Hobby Show’s public opening has already reached capacity, but as no prior application is required, visitors can enter the venue on the day of the show.

Chairman Tamiya, along with Directors Hasegawa and Aoshima, participated in an interview with the organizers, but at the end, as the president of Tamiya, he answered questions from TV stations about the US tariff policy on his own.

This legend in the model industry, who celebrated his 90th birthday in December 2024, is still going strong.

Original article in Japanese language by Amano Daisuke, source: SBS Shizuoka Broadcasting

300 plastic models presented to “I Love Shizuoka Council” as prizes for stamp rally



Plastic model manufacturers presented plastic models to the I Love Shizuoka Council, which promotes the revitalisation of the city centre of Shizuoka City.
The gifts were presented by three plastic model manufacturers who are members of the Shizuoka Model and Teaching Material Cooperative and have their headquarters in Shizuoka City or Tsu City.
Chairman Shunsaku of Taya and other representatives delivered 300 plastic models to the council.
The plastic models will be used as prizes in a stamp rally to be held in conjunction with the Hobby Clothing Awards next month.
Shizuoka is known as the ‘City of Plastic Models’ and there is a desire for many people to be exposed to plastic models.
This initiative is also expected to help promote Shizuoka as a ‘manufacturing town’.
At the presentation ceremony, smiles were exchanged as people said, ‘We have so many to sell, thank you very much’.
This is an example of cooperation between local manufacturers and community groups that links plastic model culture with local events and town revitalisation.
Source of the video: Shizuoka Asahi TV News

First information on the 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show 2025


■ Business Invitation Day *General public not allowed Wednesday,
May 14, 2025 9:30-16:30 Thursday, May 15,
2025 9:30-16:30

■ Elementary, junior high and high school student invitation day Friday,
May 16, 2025 9:00-17:00

■ Public Days
Saturday, May 17, 2025 9:00-17:00
Sunday, May 18, 2025 9:00-16:00

Advance registration is required for admission. Registration opens on Monday, April 14. ⇒ 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show Website

■ Venue: Twin Messe Shizuoka
■ Free admission
■ Organizer: Shizuoka Model Teaching Materials Cooperative Association

The 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show, Japan’s largest model hobby event, will be held again this year. The Tamiya booth (North Building, Booth 3) will display all the new products that will be released in the future. This time, there will be a lot of noteworthy new products in each genre! Not only will you be able to take a good look at the new products before they are released at the venue, but it will also be a rare opportunity to ask the explanation staff any questions you may have directly. Bring the whole family to Shizuoka, surrounded by fresh greenery, for this big hobby event.

New Product Announcement List is in preparation and will be posted when published in a new article.

Photos from Tamiya RC 50th Anniversary – Tamiya RC 50 Years Perfect Album



Includes all the latest models, including the Hornet EVO.
Tamiya’s first RC model, the M4 Sherman tank, released in 1974, and the world’s first electric RC car, the Porsche Turbo RSR934 Racing, released in 1976, as well as the latest models, including the Hornet EVO. In addition to the main electric car models, the book explains over 1,200 RC models released in the past, including trucks, gliders, and yachts. At the end of the book, there is a complete collector’s edition list that covers everything from RC car kits to spare parts, limited edition products, and export-only models.

Special interviews with Dr. Taki, Noriko Hidaka, and Mae-chan are included!
“Tamiya RC Car Grand Prix” is a legendary TV program that was broadcast for 15 years from 1984. This book features special interviews with the three cast members. We spoke with Dr. Taki, who gave us a clear explanation of RC, Noriko Hidaka, who is by far the most popular reporter among all the reporters, and Yasuyuki Maeda, also known as “Tamiya’s Mae-chan,” who played an active role as a host and commentator. We asked
Dr. Taki about the thoughts behind the 1/16 scale RC tank “M4 Sherman 105mm Howitzer,” which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is being rapidly developed for commercialization. Looking back

At the memorable “Tamiya RC Guidebook”!
In 1978, the electric RC car boom that began with the appearance of the Porsche Turbo 934 Racing was in full swing. The “Tamiya RC Guidebook,” edited by Tamiya Model Design Room (at the time), was released as the official printed material to introduce Tamiya’s RC models. In addition to serving as a catalogue showcasing all of the Tamiya RC models sold at the time with beautiful photographs, the book also contains detailed information that was difficult to find at the time, such as basic knowledge of RC models, such as the type of radio wave used by the transmitter and how to choose a kit, tips on assembly and tools, tuning tips, and even practice methods to improve driving techniques, making it a veritable bible for anyone who enjoys Tamiya RC models. This book looks back on the history of Tamiya RC models, which were published in accordance with the era and the products released, using valuable “original items” in Tamiya’s collection.

Tamiya models again receive prestigious awards for 2024


Prestigious Awards for Tamiya
The results of the latest Modell des Jahres (Model of the Year) awards were recently announced by German magazine ModellFan! Tamiya is delighted to report that two of our models – 1/24 SCALE PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS (992) and 1/35 SCALE GERMAN MAIN BATTLE TANK LEOPARD 2 A7V – were honored in the awards, which are chosen by the magazine’s staff and readership.
This news follows German scale and R/C auto model magazine Modellfahrzeug honoring our 1/10 R/C CAR OPEL KADETT GT/E (MB-01) model with a Modellfahrzeug des Jahres award, and naming Tamiya a 2024 Premium Brand in the R/C model genres.


Related information
⇒ Items on Display in the Tamiya Booth at Nuremberg Toy Fair Spielwarenmesse 2025
⇒ ModellFan magazine
⇒ Modellfahrzeug magazine

“Tamiya Modelers Store” to open on January 25, 2025


“TAMIYA MODELERS STORE”
is a store offering customer service and parts.
New store opening in the Shinbashi/Toranomon area on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

“TAMIYA MODELERS STORE” is a store handled by Tamiya Customer Service that stocks approximately 2,000 parts (aftermarket parts) for Tamiya scale models, RC models, Mini 4WD, etc. It can also be used in conjunction with Tamiya’s flagship store “TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO,” which was newly opened in May last year and is located a one-minute walk from the store. “TAMIYA MODELERS STORE” aims to be a partner that enriches the hobby life of Tamiya fans and modelers.

■Store name: TAMIYA MODELERS STORE
■Opening: Saturday, January 25, 2025
■Address: 1F, Le Graciel BLDG.80, 4-27-1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004
*1 minute walk from “TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO”
■Telephone: 03-6809-1175 (forwarded from TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO)
■Business hours: Weekdays (Monday to Friday) 11:00-20:00 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00-19:00
■Note: Payment is by cashless payment only; cash payments are not accepted.

Former TV Asahi announcer Yasumasa Matsui joins Tamiya plastic model maker: “Every day is full of things to do after retirement”

At the TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO, which reopened this year as Tamiya’s Tokyo base, in Minato Ward, Tokyo (Photo by Ikue Mio)


After working as an announcer and reporter for TV Asahi, he retired and took the first step towards working for his beloved plastic model maker, Tamiya, and revitalizing his hometown. “Every day is full of things to do.” He has deep and passionate feelings for plastic models and his hometown. (Interviewer: Ogawa Kiyoko)

In mid-November, I was able to report live on a race in which children raced their models at the Tamiya Fair held at Twin Messe Shizuoka in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City. The event was organized by the Moving Model Enthusiasts Club, which I belong to, and many families participated.

“Oh no, he went off course.” The audience was excited by the professional commentary. Tamiya is a world-famous plastic model manufacturer with its headquarters in Shizuoka City.

I retired last year, and in March of this year I started working at Tamiya as a “model history research consultant.” I was born in Inami-cho, Toyama Prefecture (now Nanto City), which is known for its sculptures. When I wrote to Tamiya about a problem with a plastic model I bought as an elementary school student, I received a polite reply that did not treat me like a child, and I became a big fan. From that time on, I started collecting products so that I could carefully preserve them rather than making them when they were discontinued, and this spurred on when I became a working adult. Even now, 50 years later, I still subscribe to the monthly newsletter “Tamiya News,” and I carefully store all the volumes.

“My love for Tamiya goes beyond just a hobby”

In the early days of the Internet, I personally set up a Tamiya history research homepage, posting information such as the fact that for a short period of time, Tamiya’s 1/35 Tiger I model was released with dark yellow parts instead of gray, and quickly attracted a strong group of friends. These were the founding members of the “Moving Model Enthusiasts Club” mentioned above. Every day, when I got home, I would spend four or five hours updating the homepage. It seems that Tamiya employees also looked at the homepage.

“I also developed a bond with Tamiya.”

I was deeply involved in the publication of “The Complete Works of Tamiya Models Visual Edition” by Bungeishunju. To my surprise, Tamiya recommended me to Bungeishunju. I shared all of my treasure collection and knowledge with them and cooperated.

“His love for plastic models also came into play in his work.”

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, he found blueprints for the reactor building of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 on the Internet, and spent over two weeks building an accurate model from scratch at home, which was used on the show many times. He also built disaster dioramas of North Korea’s Man Gyong Bong and the collapse of the Kinugawa River levee, which appeared on the show.

“When you reach your 50s, you start thinking about life after retirement”

When I graduated from university, I was planning to find a job in my hometown of Toyama, and my parents had high expectations of me. However, I got a job offer from TV Asahi, the first major station I applied to as a test of courage, and when I called my mother to tell her, she was disappointed and said, “You’re not coming back?” I had planned to return to my beloved Toyama after retirement.

“Tamiya also contacted us”

Chairman Shunsaku Tamiya told me, “Please help us after you retire.” Naturally, I thought it was just a polite gesture, but it turned out to be true… My most recent mission is to renovate the showroom called the Tamiya History Museum in the head office. Currently, Tamiya does not have a specialized department that compiles the history. As a Tamiya fanatic, I have been researching the history since the company’s founding, and I have even written the official Tamiya guidebook.

To celebrate the 90th birthday of Chairman Shunsaku Tamiya (third from the right in the front row), Yasumasa Matsui (third from the right) and other volunteers created a logo using 80 Tamiya “Ground Self-Defense Force Type 90 Tanks” (November, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City)


There was talk of re-employment.

I had a ton of special experiences at TV Asahi. On the other hand, there were things I couldn’t do as a news staff member, such as supporting certain private companies like Tamiya, so I didn’t choose to be rehired. From now on, I want to do what I want to do and also do something that will benefit others.

“There’s a mountain of things I want to do”

First of all, I want to revitalize Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. There are many elements that will make people become fans if they visit once, but the city is not yet well known. My role is to disseminate information. I also work as an announcer. For the last 12 years, I have mainly been a disaster reporter. It was rewarding, but I still like my work as an announcer. And my work at Tamiya. I want to help rebuild “Japan’s manufacturing industry” through plastic models.

Yasumasa Matsui
Yasumasa Matsui was born in Toyama Prefecture in 1963. After graduating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology (now Tokyo University of Science), he joined TV Asahi in 1986. He worked as an announcer and reporter for news programs and live sports commentary. He retired in 2023 and became an advisor for Tamiya Model History Research in 2024. He also serves as an ambassador for Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture.

Source in Japanese language: The Sankei Shimbun