Category Archives: Tamiya Company

Flashback Friday – Tamiya Mini 4WD Super Speed History

Modify and run like you were when you were crazy!
Mini 4WD is currently undergoing the third boom, and smartphone games are gaining popularity. In this special feature, we will thoroughly introduce you from the nostalgic machine’s evolved appearance to the latest tune-up guide that you can enter the race immediately if you read it. Let’s recall that time when we were crazy and restart Mini 4WD Life!

The first boom has arrived!
RC buggies, which were expensive and out of reach for children, became popular by being mini 4WD. Furthermore, when the series of “Dash! Four-wheeler” started, the fan population rapidly increased.

The second boom has arrived!
With the blockbuster “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !!”, the unprecedented Mini 4WD boom has arrived again. It was also a plus that the courses and sales spaces were already in place throughout the country in the first boom.

The third boom has arrived!
The first and second boom generations who have grown up have returned to the 30th anniversary of the revival of the Japan Cup. Sophisticated tune-up techniques were born one after another, and it has become established as a hobby that adults can enjoy.

Mini 4WD Machine, Tamiya Official Competition, Mini 4WD Manga & Game Mini 4WD “Super Speed” History!

[1982] Two first “Mini 4WD” series released
Ford Ranger 4×4 and Chevrolet Pickup released simultaneously. Initially it was positioned as a “running plastic model”.

[1986] “Racer Mini 4WD” series started
Hot Shot Jr. and Hornet Jr. are released as RC brother’s “younger brother” in the radio control boom. It was a big hit with children who could not buy expensive radio-controlled models.

[1987] Tamiya official competition starts
Held in Tamiya’s event “Modelers Gallery”. In addition to the race (pictured), five types of competition were held, including wrestling and looping.

“Dash! Four wheel drive” serialization start
Started serialization in Korokoro Comic (published by Shogakukan). The children at that time admired the appearance of the main character, Hinomaru 4WD, who runs alongside a mini 4WD with a guide stick in his hand.

[1988] Japan Cup starts to compete for Japan
The tournament that decides the best mini 4WD in Japan is held for the first time. The total number of mobilizations at 16 venues nationwide is 53,600. It was a great success and will become an annual event.

Released by Avante Jr.
The popular RC buggy, Avante’s Mini 4WD version has been released and has recorded an amazing number of sales. It is also talked about by adopting the type 2 chassis and slick tires developed for racing.

[1990] Cumulative production of Racer Mini 4WD series exceeds 50 million units
The boom was accelerated by the effect of “Dash! The number of units sold increased due to the holding of an official tournament in which Japan was decided to face off directly.

[1991] Cumulative shipments of the series exceed 60 million units
With the end of the first boom, the pace of sales, which had continued to rise, has also moderated since this point. Still, it’s a staggering number of 60 million units just nine years after its launch.

[1994] “Bakuso Brothers Let’s & Go !!”
Serialization started in Korokoro Comic. The characteristics of the machines used by the protagonists, the Hoshima Brothers, were “high-speed cornering” (strong) and “straight acceleration” (Australia).

[1997] Mini 4WD series surpasses cumulative sales of 100 million units
With the effect of “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !!”, which started serialization in 1994, the machines that appear in the series became so popular that they would be sold out immediately on the release date. Sales also accelerated again.

[1998] “Aero Mini 4WD” series started
The machine that appears in the new series “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !! MAX” has been released. It has a low center of gravity and a small cowl compared to the full cowl type mini 4WD.

[1999] Japan Cup is suspended
The Japan Cup 1999 held at the end of the second boom had a total mobilization of 35,300. This tournament will be the last stop, and more than 10 years have been left unopened.

[2005] “Mini 4WD PRO” series released
A new generation series equipped with a double shaft motor in a newly developed three-part midship chassis is on sale. A new era of Mini 4WD started here.

[2007] Mini 4WD 25th anniversary model released
A machine designed by Tetsuhiro Kosashita, the creator of “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !!” appeared as a commemorative model. Bison Magnum and Rodeo Sonic released.

[2008] Tamiya Plastic Model Factory opens in Yokohama and Shimbashi
Model stores directly managed by Tamiya open in Yokohama and Shimbashi. A mini 4WD course is permanently installed, and there are fans who use it as a setting and information exchange place before the official race.

[2012] “Mini 4WD REV” series started
The new series commemorating the 30th anniversary of birth uses an AR chassis with a monocoque structure. The aerodynamic form of the first model, Aero Avante, became a hot topic.

Japan Cup revives after 13 years
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Mini 4WD, the Japan Cup is back for the first time in 13 years! New and old racers who were waiting for the revival of official Tamiya races packed into 12 venues nationwide.

[2013] Blast Arrow with MA chassis released
Introducing a new MA chassis. It features an MS chassis with a midship layout and an AR chassis designed with aerodynamic characteristics in mind.

[2015] Show off 1/1 Aero Avante in Japan Cup 2015 championship match
A championship-deciding game where the winners of each district gather will be held at “MEGA WEB” in Odaiba, Tokyo. One-one aero Avante, which was made into a real car, appeared and became a big topic.

[2020] Distribution of “Mini 4WD Chorusoku Grand Prix” game application for smartphones from Bandai Namco
App supervised by Tamiya & Korokoro Aniki. Make a course and enjoy racing online. Since the official competition is currently suspended, it is a place for fans to relax.

Neo VQS with VZ chassis appeared
Introducing the VZ chassis that improves the performance and strength of the compact and lightweight VS chassis. The moderate “bend” given to absorb the shock will be popular among Mini 4WD racers.

(C) Tokuda Zaurus / Shogakukan (C) TOKUDA ​​・ SHOGAKUKAN (C) Kotate Tetsuhiro / Shogakukan (C) KOSHITA ・ SHOGAKUKAN (C) Shogakukan (C) ShoPro (C) TAMIYA (C) BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
* Mini 4WD is a registered trademark of Tamiya Corporation.
Source in Japanese language: GetNavi web

Takayuki Yamazaki of PDC Designworks talk – Tokyo Communication Art College



A message from hyper designer Kayuki Yamazaki to everyone who aims at this industry. A graduate of our school. Our school teacher. Former Honda Technical Research Institute designer.
Established pdc_designworks in 2012, leveraging the experience of working on hit products such as Ape / zoomer / GROM. A wide field of view and various hobbies are used not only for industrial design centered on car design but also for fashion, models, DJs, consultants, magazine serialization, design education activities for companies, students, etc. Carry out activities. In recent years, we are expanding the range of activities such as customized production, ambassador activities and corporate consulting.
Source: TCACRE YouTube channel

Tamiya President Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya talking about the cancellation of the Shizuoka Hobby Show

The Shizuoka Model Teaching Materials Cooperative officially announced that it will cancel the “59th Shizuoka Hobby Show” scheduled at Twin Messe Shizuoka in Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City in May due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

“I thought of it intensively and its impact. It was a blow to the industry, but many buyers from overseas had to make a quick decision,” said Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya. It is said that cancellation is the first time.
Mr. Tamiya said, “Model makers make new products to match the show and have the highest sales in the year. I still want to do it, but I thought that life should be given priority.”
For the future, “If the situation improves, we can invite suppliers and hold business meetings for each manufacturer.” Next year, we will also expanded the venue to the southern city gymnasium next to Twin Messe Shizuoka, and show that we would enrich the hands-on events.

The Shizuoka Hobby Show is known as one of the largest model fairs in Japan and was expected to be visited by more than 70,000 model lovers and elementary, junior high and high school students again this year.

Source in Japanese language: @S

Tamiya Mini 4WD “High Speed ​​Colors – A new sense circuit created with Sony”


“New sensation circuit” for mini 4WD with sound, light and image will appear in Shibuya on February 13

Author: Toshiya Koketsu ＠DAYS
Sony, with the cooperation of Tamiya, will start a new sense of racing activity “High Speed ​​Colors-A new sense circuit created with Sony-” at the Sony Square Shibuya project from February 13th.

The New Sensation Circuit is a new entertainment experience that colors the mini 4WD running at high speed with Sony’s high-speed vision sensing technology and sound, light, and video. First, the participants select the main color, sub-color, and circuit effects to be mapped to the body of the mini 4WD. The colors and images that are projected will change depending on the design and direction selected, so that the participants themselves can be creators and create the direction.

First, when the Mini 4WD starts running, the body design selected by the participants is mapped to the body. After that, a retro game style stage appeared on the circuit. When a coin appears on the course and the mini 4WD gets through it, a sound is heard, and when a DJ turntable appears on the course and the mini 4WD passes, a sound like scratching sounds. Furthermore, as the mini 4WD progresses, the sound and production are linked together, such as the body turning into an insect in the middle and a huge “eye” appearing. Then, the stage changes to a stage like the near future of science fiction movies, and a light beam comes out from the body of the mini 4WD and appears as a trajectory on the course. Finally, the stage changes to a stage like a different space with various elements. The Mini 4WD cuts the finish line of the race and finishes.

The productions inside and outside these courses were co-created with the creative group “PERIMETRON” led by King Gnu leader Yuki Tsuneda. Producer of PERIMETRON, Shotaro Nishioka, produced the project, two-person creative unit Margt was in charge of direction and design, and Yuhei Kobe was in charge of CG production. The music is made by 20-year-old artist Dr. Pay.

The new sensation circuit allows two people to experience each race. Since there are 180 patterns, you can enjoy it as many times as you want. Participants will also be presented with a mini 4WD with a custom-designed design and an original video of the powerful race.

Source in Japanese language: Response.20th

Tamiya scale models and RC cars winning again the Model Awards of the year by German model magazines

The results of the 2020 “Model of the Year” selection, selected by the German scale model magazine “Modell Fan”, were announced at the “Spielwaren Messe” venue. This award will be selected from among the new models announced in Germany in 2019, and the best models of each genre will be selected by reader votes of “Modell Fan” magazine and a selection committee by editorial staff. This time, “1/48 Lockheed P-38F/G Lightning” and “1/12 Honda Monkey 125” were awarded. “Modell-Fahrzeug,” a miniature model magazine specializing in a wide range of scale models, RCs, diecasts, slot cars, etc. of cars and motorcycles, selected for the 2019 model award the “1/10 RC Volkswagen Type 2 (T1)”, “1/14 RC Volvo FH16 Globetrotter 750 6×4 Timber Truck” and “1/10 RC Citroen 2CV Rally”. Furthermore, we won “Premium Brand 2019 (Best Brand of the Year)” as Tamiya.

Awards Roll in for Tamiya!
The results of the 2020 Modell des Jahres (Model of the Year) have been announced by German magazine Modell Fan at Spielwarenmesse! Tamiya is delighted to report that our 1/48 Lockheed® P-38® F/G Lightning® and 1/12 Honda Monkey 125 were both honored with the awards, chosen by the magazine’s staff and readership.This
great news follows German scale and RC auto model magazine Modell-Fahrzeug recognizing no less than three Tamiya models in the 2019 Modell-Fahrzeug des Jahres awards : 1/10 RC Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) (M-06 Chassis), 1/14 RC Volvo FH16 Globetrotter 750 6×4 Timber Truck and 1/10 RC Citroën 2CV Rally (M-05Ra Chassis). Tamiya itself was honored with the Premium Brand award.

Upcoming February 2020 Radio Control Magazine with a Tamiya Black Special


Latest issue of radio control magazine has arrived from camilizers to the editorial department!

This time of year, the color of the image of the celebration, such as red and white, is this time of the year, but the first feature of the February issue is ” Tamiya’s black,” Don’t miss the special RC Car & items that appeal to the blowdryer and premium!

It looks like it’s going to be colder and colder, so I highly recommend the appendix neck wor! I would be very happy if I could have been a family matching fashion item! Please come and have a fun new year’s holiday in the February issue of January 4th!

Source and more: Radio Control Magazine