Category Archives: Tamiya Company

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

Tamiya RC 50 years perfect album – Anniversary book looking back at the 50th anniversary of Tamiya RC

The Complete 50 Years of Tamiya RC (One Publishing Mook)

An anniversary book looking back at the 50th anniversary of #Tamiya RC, this book is a must-have for fans of Tamiya’s complete range of RC models, from the M4 Sherman tank released in 1974 to the latest Hornet EVO. Scheduled for release on 31 March 2025.

Complete coverage from the “M4 Sherman” tank released in 1974 to the latest models such as the “Hornet EVO”!

An anniversary book looking back on the history of Tamiya RC, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. This is a must-have book for Tamiya RC fans, where you can encounter many famous cars that remind you of the nostalgic “era” that you were crazy about as a boy.

Includes all Tamiya RC products that have appeared in the past 50 years

Anniversary book looking back on the history of Tamiya RC, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. Includes 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”. It fully covers over 1,200 RC models released in the past, including trucks, gliders, and yachts, as well as the main electric car models.

The latest interview with Dr. Taki, also known as Fumihito Taki, the creator of Tamiya RC models, is published. Various related projects are also published, including the latest interview with Dr. Taki, also known as Fumihito Taki, the creator of Tamiya RC models and an indispensable part of the company’s half-century history.

The days when you stared intently at a guidebook as a child and made plans to modify your beloved car, which you did not yet have. The first car you managed to buy by borrowing your pocket money and New Year’s money in advance. The days when you poured your part-time job earnings into tuning it up to beat your rivals… Just seeing that machine brings back those moments vividly. Tamiya’s RC models will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024. Be sure to find your own “those moments” hidden within that long, long history.

*Content may change without notice .

“Tamiya products have broadened my life’s possibilities” – Ford CEO conveys his gratitude to Chairman Tamiya and others in Shizuoka City

CEO Farley conveys his gratitude to Chairman Shunsaku Tamiya (center) and President Nobuo Tamiya (right) at Tamiya’s headquarters in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City.


On the 16th, Jim Farley, CEO of the major American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company, visited Tamiya, a model manufacturer in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City. He met with Chairman Shunsaku Tamiya and President Nobuo Tamiya and expressed his gratitude, saying that his encounter with Tamiya products in his youth was an opportunity that broadened the possibilities of his life.

Farley, whose hobby is model making, is said to be particularly fond of Tamiya products, especially cars and motorcycles, and enjoys making them in between his busy work schedule. On the day, he was guided by staff to tour the showroom, history museum, and mold department at Tamiya’s headquarters, where he repeatedly asked questions that revealed the face of an enthusiastic modeler, such as “How do you prevent air bubbles from appearing when spraying gloss coatings?” When the staff member instructed him on the trick of applying multiple coats of paint to gradually create a glossy finish, he looked satisfied.

The visit was made possible at Farley’s strong request. President Tamiya Nobuo was thrilled, saying, “I’m proud that Tamiya products have had a positive impact on CEO Farley’s life,” and added, “I want to continue to work hard to make models that inspire people all over the world.”
Source in Japanese language: Shizuoka Shimbun

Introducing Tamiya Maker’s Square in a video with a huge collection of unique Mini 4WD courses



A place of information where the fun of technology intersects
“TAMIYA MAKER’S SQUARE”, planned and operated by Tamiya’s Purchasing Management Department, is a special project limited to the Tamiya Fair 2024 venue with the aim of spreading the appeal of manufacturing to more people and contributing to the development of the manufacturing industry. Under the common theme of “communicating the appeal of manufacturing”, a total of 12 exhibitors will exhibit works incorporating their respective technologies and appeal to visitors about their products and technologies. Exhibitors will create mini 4WD courses incorporating their own unique gimmicks and decorations that are the epitome of their technology and pride, and by connecting each course together, a special mini 4WD circuit will be created. The sight of mini 4WDs running through various original sections that are very different from the usual course is not only enjoyable to watch, but may also bring about new evolution and unexpected technological innovation in mini 4WD itself. We hope that this project will bring together manufacturers from all over the country in Shizuoka and connect companies, which will serve as a catalyst for the creation of new technologies.
Running order
00:00 Introduction
——————
00:43 Karimoku Furniture Co., Ltd. (An overwhelming sense of scale! A Jr. circuit representing the mountains of Shizuoka)
https://www.karimoku.co.jp/
——————
03:11 Hokuto Electronics Co., Ltd. (An Orbis for Mini 4WDs?! High-precision speed measurement and machine photography)
http://www.hokuto-ele.co.jp/
——————
04:58 Washin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (A modern space with mirrors and wood grain. A relaxing Mini 4WD course)
https://www.washin-chemical.co.jp/
——————
07:20 Kurihara Seiki Co., Ltd. (A dazzling obstacle course made with precision metal processing)
https://kurihara-seiki.co.jp/
——————
09:43 Harves Co., Ltd. (A cosmetics team joins the race to create a Mini 4WD course using “scents”)
https://www.harves.co.jp/
——————
11:57 Kurita Sangyo Co., Ltd. (A difficult heavy-duty course made of cast iron and sand dunes)
https://www.kuritasangyoh.co.jp/
——————
14:26 Tamiya Purchasing Management Department (An uppercut blast! A disruptive & mean course)
https://www.tamiya.com/japan/index.html
——————
16:37 SqueezeWorks (No “normal” allowed!? Run through with an Osaka vibe and quips!)
https://squeezeworks.jp/
——————
19:05 Musashi Paint Co., Ltd. (Live commentary on the race is impossible!? A mysterious course where Mini 4WDs disappear)
https://musashipaint.com/
——————
21:27 Maruto Hasegawa Workshop Co., Ltd. (Craftsmanship!! The fastest way to learn about the manufacturing process of nippers)
https://www.keiba-tool.com/
——————
24:00 Fukai Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (A new type of course created using sensor technology that separates the machine into upper and lower sections)
https://fukai.co.jp/
——————
26:29 Taica Co., Ltd. (Shock and noise greatly reduced?! Amazing shock absorption technology for a comfortable ride)
https://taica.co.jp/
——————
28:57 Annex Tool Co., Ltd. (The sound of window chimes makes for the ultimate refreshing ride)
https://www.anextool.co.jp/
——————
31:53 Conclusion

Tamiya Plamodel Factory Tokyo Grasshopper & Hornet 40th Anniversary Campaign RC Car Festival


■Event Overview
[Date] November 30, 2024 (Saturday) – January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
​[Location] TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO​ (Shin-Yasuda Building 1F, 4-3-1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)