Category Archives: Tamiya Company

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

“Tamiya’s Mae-chan” Tomoyuki Maeda appears in “The Man of Showa 50” magazine – see the video message

Editorial department Matsuzaki / Editorial member Boyaki

Hello, this is Matsuzaki of the editorial department! A message video from the people who appeared in the magazine of the brother magazine “Showa 50-year-old”, which was launched last month, was released on YouTube again, following Dr. Murashimbo of the other day!

The first mini 4WD boom started in 1987! The Mini 4WD, which was born as a mascot version of an RC car, began with the thought of President Tosaku Tamiya (at that time) to make a kit that could be assembled and enjoyed easily by elementary school students. To talk about the mini 4WD boom that happened around the 1975 male generation, which was about the upper grades of elementary school at that time, it is absolutely indispensable to Mr. Yasuyuki Maeda, “mamiya no mae-chan”. Talking to Mae-chan, who appeared in “Korokoro Comic” magazine and served as a moderator while working for Tamiya RC Car Grand Prix, which was broadcast on TV Tokyo. I was able to ask. There should be many people who were crazy at the time! Let’s think about that time!

It seems that it is said to be the third mini 4WD boom now, but it is probably the 1975 male generation who was an elementary school student at the time of the 80’s boom. After this interview, I received a message from Mae-chan for a man who became an adult in 1975. Please take a look!

Source in Japanese language: Showa 40 years man magazine

President Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya talking about behind the scenes of the birth of the Mini 4WD

Chairman Tamiya Shunsaku Tamiya, the creator of the Mini 4WD. / Hyungwon Kim

By freewriter Noboru Kobayashi

“Right now, the relationship with automobile manufacturers is very good. 2018 , Fuji Speedway conducted by the Toyota of GAZOO Racing FE STI in VAL, RC (radio control) cars and mini four wheel drive experience of the corner prepared. We have also held our events at the showrooms in Mazda and Honda, and the new model is ready to be released at almost the same time as it is released, providing data before the actual vehicle is available.”

ToshimasaTamiya , President of Tamiya , the biggest plastic model manufacturer , talked about the relationship with the car manufacturer.

Before more than 60 years from now, toy manufacturers Marsan of the first domestic plastic model was released that the line-up in the, Nissan Motor Co. of small passenger cars “Datsun 1000 people to know that that contained the” less. This is, of course, the first kit in which a domestic car is made into a plastic model.

Many car kits have also been released in the advanced countries of plastic models , the United States and the United Kingdom . Overseas products released from Level , Aurora , Renwall, Pyro, Airfix, Frog, etc. were listed at the department store ‘s toy store , but were said to have been Takatsuki flowers for children. Exactly the second half of the 20th century was an era of motorisation.

Plastic model on the market, the automobile that the item is tanks and fighter because it is familiar, unlike such as, beginners have been the easy to take in hand. “Haveing a plastic model gave a lot of people the desire to have”. Let’s follow the history of automobiles in plastic models.

● Was conquering the market slot car single curve over-time

There were several automobile booms in the plastic model market . The first of which is a “slot car” boom was. In a game where a model car runs on a course with a slot and competes for the order of arrival , the slot is an electric circuit, and electric power is obtained with a current collecting brush provided on the guide on the car body side, and the motor runs It is structured. The user accelerates and decelerates with the controller in his hand . It can be said that this structure is the same as the railway model .

This slot car thing was born in the UK, 1950 exploded in the United States of the West Coast over the 1960s from Daimatsu hit , and in Japan is said to have entered the 63 (Showa 38) around.

“Running plastic model” was called slot single car, plastic model manufacturer , wholesaler, Mabuchi Motor (at that time, small size can be mounted on the car model motor is Mabuchi overwhelming share had) involvement, and large-scale market pioneering was done. Courses have been created at amusement parks and bowling alleys and trading companies have also entered. The actual game is 30 yen to run for about 10 minutes once 50 yen in long, is in its rate thing of car rental also included charges.

Single car is real sports car which was to reduce the vinegar scale is 1/24 the mainstream. On the other hand, a home circuit that can be played at home was also released, and 1/32, which is a little smaller, was released. 8-shape of the plastic of the course and the car is set has become. The home circuit was priced at nearly 15,000 yen at that time, but sold like Christmas and New Year.

Of course Marsan, Tamiya , Imai, Hasegawa , the Japanese at the time, such as Nichimo plastic modelmakers unanimously also, the slot thing entered the car.

● Crime incidents on children occur frequently Boom ends in just one year

And kind regards of Japan’s boom would have ceased in just more than a year. This is because there were frequent incidents involving crimes, such as the child who went to the racetrack was in depression, and PTA and schools prohibited entry and exit. With the sudden drop in the boom , some manufacturers went bankrupt due to problems of over investment and bad inventory.

On the other hand, by developing high-quality products that can be used overseas, such as Tamiya ‘s Jaguar D type , some domestic manufacturers have succeeded in developing overseas sales channels as domestic consumption declined . Tamiya’s President Shunsaku Tamiya looks back on that time and says:

“Slot car ting will get quickly ended in the domestic, but Tamiya is to develop products that stuck to thoroughly driving performance, it is also being evaluated in foreign countries.

1965 was released in September Lotus 30 for ball bearings adopted, by attaching the suspension of grayed, overwhelming speed has been achieved, the stability. In 1966, I went to a retail store in New York ‘s Long Island , but I couldn’t keep up with the fact that “Japanese kits are not good”.

However, Germany in Tamiya of the slot car said is not selling the car. Where we didn’t know at all, a Swiss wholesaler bought it and sold it in Europe. At that time, it was 360 yen per dollar, so Tamiya’s kit was very popular because it was cheap and fast.”

It may be too little to say, the Japanese automobile is, before the actual vehicle plastic model I wonder who is that was not evaluated in the world.

● The milestone of automobile plastic model “Honda F1”

Slot car over-time to the domestic seemed on whether stagnated in the termination of plastic model kit that surround the big topic in the industry was released. It is 1/12 “Honda F1 RA 273” of Tamiya released in 67 (Showa 42). This can be run with a motor mounted, but the basic is a precision model for viewing. Thoroughly made interviewed the actual vehicle, rubber tire capital of the Red faithfully reproduced down to, was able enough was also surprised Soichiro Honda said.

Although I can now not be considered, F1 has a low awareness in Japan at that time, but say that there were many, such as wholesalers that do not sell even if the kit of the F1, Tamiya was at that time in, the British agency president Richard – cons there was a strong recommendation from Mr. Tamiya and it was commercialized. The kit 120 was an expensive price at that time of 0 yen, ready-to-10,000 set Uriageru the hit became a commodity.

This kit is 68 years, Tamiya is first in the world’s largest Germany – Nuremberg in the featured product at the time of participating in Toy Fair, called the great response to foreign buyers. This can be said to have triggered Tamiya ‘s leading position in the F1 boom that began in the 1980s.

● Super car boom that became a social phenomenon

Car of the plastic model of do not forget, the 75 (1975) year in the series began, “Circuit Wolf” ( Shueisha stemming from the) super car boom would be. Satoshi Ikezawa draw this cartoon is the hero of Fubuki Yuya is Lotus – Europe riding, public roads and circuit in the rival of Lamborghini, Countach, such as, a variety of super car that confrontation with the storyies.

The cartoon gave an eye on, at that time , Tokyo of Edogawa there was Nitto science in Komatsugawa, cartoon “serializing the Weekly Shonen Jump in” comics take the license of the use, the package Ikezawa to Satoshi of the illustrations and title logo put It was.

First “was released in Ferrari　Dino　special rate” is a big hit, Nitto science one after another supercar to launch the 1/28 kit of. The kit was motorized and sold explosively at its peak, so it was difficult to arrange the motor . Nitto science is a total of 29 points supercar released, both “Circuit Wolf of” illustrations also there it was, logo, none more than 100,000 of the large hit became.

Other manufacturers also title logo but such can not be used, a variety of scan scale many in the super car was released.

● RC car boom and Mini 4WD

Super carboom about the same 1976 (Showa 51) years and, Tamiya is the first electric radiocontrol car (RC car) “Porsche to launch a 934 Turbo RSR”. A further two years after the RC of off-road car, 1/12 XR311 Combat buggy announced. This was a big hit , especially on the west coast of the United States, because it could be driven even on sand.

On the other hand, the RC car is lightly priced at nearly 20,000 yen if a transmitter, receiver, etc. are added to the body. Then, it is hard for children to buy with their own money. It was the Mini 4WD that Tamiya thought about whether it could make a plastic model of a car that could be easily played at a lower price. The concept is four-wheel drive , and the amount of money that children can take out. The assembly was to be as simple as possible so that elementary school students could make it.

The first kit 82 (1982) July, RC even the popular Ford Ranger 4 × 4 and the Chevrolet Pick-up at two points of the 4 × 4, was what one was also model the actual vehicle. Both AA batteries 2 and small motor built-in, old slot single or car, it is impossible to output adjustment by hand as RC. The price was 500 yen at that time. Although it was a new product expected by Tamiya , it was difficult to sell at first.

Through trial and error, had arrived is, the scan of the real car kale rather than a reduction, more children may be a fictional be accepted, comical and attractive body design it to, off- road to focus on running properties such as rather than focusing on speed , it was about improving the game.

Then, it was Hot Shot Jr. that became the first of Racer Mini 4WD that was released in 1986 (Showa 61). This modeled on the appearance of a Hot Shot, an RC car that became popular in April 1985 . When this hot shot Jr. was introduced at a department store event , it quickly became a hot topic among children, and coupled with the start of serialization of manga by “Korokoro Comic” at that time, it became a big hit. From the end of Showa to Heisei, the Mini 4WD became a social phenomenon.

● Boiling of F1 boom

When the Mini 4WD was a big boom centered on elementary school students , F1 was popular in a little older generation. 67 years, Tamiya is Honda at the time, which was launched the F1, F1, which has not been very well known in Japan, through the nearly 20-year boom. Opportunity is 87 (Showa 62) years, Suzuka Circuit the first F1 Japan held at the Grand Pre Fuji TV was to have been broadcast. Satoru Nakajima is hero next, F1 magazine has been launched one after another. In response to this boom , plastic model makers also released F1 kits.

Among them, Tamiya was ahead. The 1/20 Williams FW-11 Honda was released in anticipation of the popularity of F1 the previous year . This kit has been devised to reduce the number of parts to make it easier for new fans . Continued Satoru Nakajima ride of the Lotus – Honda and 99T, Ayrton Senna of McLaren – HondaMP4 / 4 also been released, a large hit became. Other manufacturers also entered the market one after another, and the market was crowded.

● New minicar appearance

Around the F1 boom , a big change came in the world of minicars. The minicar was a complete model of an automobile , and was completely different from the plastic model . Originally, die-cast made of miniature cars in overseas World War II in the old toy-model there from before, after the war match boxes and Corgi foreign products, such as have been imported. Domestic minicar 59 (1959) year to Asahi toy is the first to model a pet is that it has released under the name of, 58 (1958) grade rare domestic plastic model was a product having substantially the same history and.

70 (1970) is a year Tommy is minicar launched, Tomica gained popularity as. However, from the late 1980s, apart from die-cast cars for children, not only die-casts for enthusiasts, but also precision minicars using resin (resin material) and metal parts will appear.

These minicar is Tomica unlike such as 1/12 to 1/18 -scale very precise degree is high in, more than lightly even 10,000 yen price it is a finished product. Same scan scale of plastic model but significantly higher when compared, such as, the finished product is there a demand that enters the hand, one time plastic model of the car was also what was said that it would be take away the market.

At present, plastic model makers also sell finished products, and some of them are acting as import agents for miniature cars for enthusiasts .

● Mini four-wheel drive, unprecedented boom

In 1994, Tamiya introduced the “Full Cowl Mini 4WD” as a new series to the Mini 4WD that has been obscured by popularity . Already four wheel drive mini from those of the format is that the scale of the original vehicle, fictitious body design was supposed to further promote it, up to that formula type from, tire the cover of the full cowl that design has evolved into.

The full cowl type of mini four-wheel drive is a child “from our brackets to obtain the support high and good”. A new series of comics “ Bakuso Brothers Let’s & Go! !The popularity of” the Mini 4WDboom has started again. In 1996, the Mini 4WD boom reached its peak.

Regarding the success of this mini 4WD , Shunsaku Tamiya said, “Children still like to run. They try to make various modifications and try to run as fast as possible. The plastic model elements are condensed.”

● The future of automobile plastic models

2019 58th Shizuoka Hobby Show Looking at the automobile of plastic model various manufacturers had elaborate plans. For example, at the Tamiya booth, the actual Toyota GR Supra and the new plastic model GAZOO Racing TS050 were exhibited at the same time. Of course, a mini 4WD and RC car course was also installed.

The Aoshima also “Mitsubishi Stallion exhibited vehicle of Gr.A ’87”, further new car series The snap kit of the series had was PR. This is a new kit that does not require painting and does not require adhesives.

Once the airplane plastic model Stephen the name in to the Hasegawa also, recently the 80’s from the 90’s 1/24 scan was popular over the kale the launch of domestic cars are gaining in popularity. At the venue, a 1/24 kit of Toyota Starlet EP71 Turbo S released in 1988 was exhibited.

Finally, I asked Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya about the relationship between plastic models and automobile manufacturers .

And referred to “still declining birthrate Toka youth of the car away, automobile manufacturers also on the side of the I think there is a sense of crisis. Want exposed to the car from time to time as small as possible, that sort of thing, for example, showrooms in mini four-wheel drive events and RC car of the contest will’re connected to.

You may have a Mini 4WD in the wake that wants children to come to the showroom to learn the name of the car. The Mini 4WD used to have a wave of boom, but now it is selling very stably. It is in one Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia and Indonesia , Taiwan, Hong Kong, such as the Korean mini four wheel drive and that is becoming an important market, the domestic automobile manufacturers, I think it’s because is followed by a good relationship with”.

Source in Japanese language: NicoNico News

Interview with Mr. Yamamoto about Tamiya paints


Interview by Yuka Nakamae / Hideyuki Sanada

The official shop ” Tamiya Plastic Model Factory Shimbashi ” has about 6,000 items of plastic models, RC cars, Mini 4WD, as well as paint, tools, tools, etc., lined up in a row.

We asked Mr. Yamamoto, who is in charge of public relations, for a story.

– After all, is the customer mainly male?

Mr. Yamamoto I agree. Model fans still have many men, but tools and paints seem to be used in various crafts in many cases, and the lineup that is friendly to women, such as the “Tamiya Decoration Series”, is also expanding.

– Speaking of “Tamiya’s tools”, the image of “paint” was strong, but I was surprised at the wide selection. It is a spot that is unbearable for those who like manufacturing.

Mr. Yamamoto All of them are tools for enjoying model work, but it is also very nice as Tamiya to be able to use it widely for those who are making things.

The company, which was founded in 1946 shortly after the end of the war, started working on model teaching materials beside the lumber industry (at that time, the Tamiya Trading Joint Stock Company). After that, they became full-scale models, but it is said that the sale of wooden models was sluggish gradually because “plastic assembly models = plastic models” said to have been born in the United Kingdom began to be imported from overseas.

However, for Tamiya, who has been making wooden models since its inception, it was not an easy task to throw them away and hand out the development of expensive plastic models that are manufactured in completely different ways.

Mr. Yamamoto Still, we started to manufacture plastic models from the 1960s. In Japan, fans began to increase as new hobbies, and compared to wooden models made by shaving wood, plastic models manufactured using molds were still very elaborate in detail.

– I also received that sophistication. Tamiya has also begun selling “plastic models”.

Mr. Yamamoto I agree. We began to sell plastic assembly models such as warships and tanks, and at the same time we expanded our tools. At first, I released spray paint to paint the plastic model of the tank.

Mr. Yamamoto Spray is suitable for painting the whole with the same color, but since it is not possible to paint the details, the next step was to sell enamel-type paints that brushed in bottles. Since the beginning of the 80’s, water-soluble acrylic paints have also joined the group.

– Is the variation of color gradually increasing once?

Mr. Yamamoto That’s right. At first, the colors of military colors and racing cars for painting tanks were mostly. Where there is no perfect color, there is a “color mixing instruction”. For example, “If you mix XF-1 and XF-7 in a ratio of 2: 3, it will become pink.” Things like the formula of mathematics are in a row.

– It is hard to have to mix it by yourself.

Mr. Yamamoto The color often changes depending on the person, and there were many voices saying “I want a special color”, and toning the color “all this color” to match the timing to release the plastic model I came to offer.

– Is there anything involved in the development of the paint itself, such as blending?

Mr. Yamamoto Models are developed in-house, but tools and paints are made by specialized manufacturers. Of course, as “Tamiya specifications”, our development staff are also involved in making a model suitable for making plastic models and models. Even with a single paint, development takes time and effort.

– What is your hardship?

Mr. Yamamoto Color is very difficult. For example, even if you say, for example, “a fighter during World War II”, the new real thing of that time does not exist of course. Things in the museum are being restored, and even if there are photos from that time, they are monochrome, and I don’t know the exact color.

– Well, that’s true …. The idea did not go well. In such a case, how is it defined and reproduced?

Mr. Yamamoto We can only collect documents and materials and look for “Perhaps this color was not like this …”. For example, in Germany, etc., since the color standard of industrial products has been firmly from old times, things like color chips and color swatches remain well understood. Sometimes I refer to something like that.

– Well, that’s where the national character comes out.

Mr. Yamamoto That’s right. Another difficulty is that even if it reproduces the exact same color as the real thing, it is not necessarily the case if it is painted on a 1/72 scale model and it looks like the real thing.

– If it is 1/72 size, it also needs to be a figure pulled out from a very long distance.

Mr. Yamamoto That’s right, it’s also important to do toning based on “reality as a model”. There are other cases where special toning is performed. For example, there is a model of Mazda’s “Roadster” car. This car has a very complex painting, a silver layer on the primer, a red layer, a clear layer … and technology to control the reflection. I am It is deep because it is colored over many layers. Depending on how the light is hit, it looks different red. Therefore, we can not say the same thing as the real thing, but developed a spray paint called “Pure Metallic Red” that reproduced the atmosphere. If you are not satisfied with that, I think that it will become an even closer image if you can overpaint and polish “Clear” as an overcoat.

– Again, I feel the depth of toning and coloring.

Mr. Yamamoto Although it is not written in the manual, if it is combined with this, it will become this color? It is also one of the pleasures of plastic model production to image it.

– Such, Tamiya full of feelings for plastic models, began to be sold the line of “fake sweets” and “sweets decoration”, what was the opportunity?

Mr. Yamamoto This was an interesting thing, and before we proposed “How?”, The artists used plastic model paints, tools, etc., and used them for sweets decoration. We knew that later.

– In fact, I was also making a miniature dollhouse when I was in elementary school, and I often stole Tamiya paint from my father’s room ….

Mr. Yamamoto Oh really! (laughing). Some of our female staff also like sweets decoration. As I listened to ideas and experiences, I heard a lot of stories like that.

– Naming is good.

Mr. Yamamoto Thank you very much. You did not do difficult things, but you know that you are using it, and it is a place where you have started using devices that are easier to use. The acrylic paint “Desert Yellow” for painting tanks is “Milk tea” in the “Tamiya Decoration Series”.

– It’s the same color, but it’s a big difference (laughs).

Mr. Yamamoto Doesn’t it? What used to be an adhesive may be “It looks like a cream when used in sweets decoration”. Paint for expressing “snow” of diorama also becomes “sugar”. The paint used to “stain” the tanks will also make cookies and tarts look delicious. You can make various expressions just by changing your idea. There are many scissors, tweezers, etc. that are necessary for model work because they are accurate, accurate and stress-free. There are many other crafts that are compatible with model tools.

– Products that are exclusively for sweets have also gradually increased as they have become more sought after.

Mr. Yamamoto I think that it has become possible to provide more convenient products such as “I wanted such tools and materials!”.

– Because it is only this lineup, depending on the combination and ingenuity, it seems that you can discover as many ways of enjoying yourself as you like.

Mr. Yamamoto I agree. Every plastic model has an assembly manual, and there is a polite instruction such as “We will assemble No. 1, No. 2 …”. Of course, it is fun to make it that way, but the procedure or process is not the only correct answer. In the extreme, it is not necessary to paint. It is good if you can make the person create it, and it will be interesting if you think that it was fun. It means that we were able to provide a satisfying time.

– It’s all up to you.

Mr. Yamamoto And furthermore, let’s paint different colors, let’s change the form using plastic plates and putty … I think that it is the best taste of models and hobbies to increase the way you enjoy yourself with such ingenuity. At that time, if you have various tools, you can support the fun, I can boost.

Mr. Yamamoto I think that the children’s childhood experiences will last forever without being overwritten. Even if you fail, do not you want to offer the experience of “being done exactly as you imagined”, enjoying the process of making it? Tools and paints are really made with quality. From children to adults, I would like to make every effort to be able to be with such existence, “If the one with the Tamiya mark is attached, I can use it with confidence.”


Source in Japanese language: minne

Tamiya Mini 4WD animal driver models


Mini 4 wheel drive x animal driver, a lot of fun machines to run and decorate!
The easy-to-install Mini 4WD, which does not require adhesive, is a collection of machines with cute animal drivers. Popular characters, including Kumamon, Shirokumako, pandas, wolves, dogs, hawks, owls, pigs, cats, and relaxing koalas. In addition to the open top type with no windows, the machine style operated by the animals also has a GT type with plenty of feeling that the animal driver can be seen from the window. All animal driver dolls are assembled and painted, and they can be made and run together to be enjoyed by parents and children alike

  • Mini 4WD and Pig

    A machine with a chubby humorous pig driver. The tartan plaid pattern and the graphic of the footprints stimulate the cuteness. (Super II chassis)

  • Mini 4WD · Owl

    A machine on which an owl driver with a steady eye is riding. The finish looks like the night sky of the full moon of Halloween, but a little mysterious. (Super II chassis)

  • Mini 4WD · Hawk

    A machine with a sharp eye with a smile, and an empty king Hawk (Taka). The linear wedge shaped body is attractive because it cuts off the air and flies. (Super II chassis)

  • Mini 4WD · Dog

    A machine on which a Shiba Inu driver, a representative of a Japanese dog, rode, as well as special stickers such as “柴” and blue and yellow graphics. (Super II chassis)

TAMIYA CARD new member campaign (Japan only)

“TAMIYA CARD” which becomes a strong friend of model production with full of benefits. We hold new enrollment campaign this time! During the period, a total of 20 people will be given a “Mini 4WD + Tamiya Kincha” by lottery from those newly joined and issued. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Campaign period July 1-September 30, 2019 (Hearing! 10 people for July! 5 people each for August and September)

Notes
・ Applicable during the above period and those who have been issued are eligible.
・ The mini 4WD of the prize will be one of ➀ to ➆ for random lottery. Please note that you can not make a choice.
・ The announcement of the winner will be returned with a prize delivery.
・ The prizes will be shipped out as soon as they are ready after the campaign is over.
・ The prize will be sent to your home address registered with Orient Corporation.
・ If the card is canceled or invalidated at the time of prize delivery, it is not eligible for the present.
・ The prize may change due to circumstances.

■ Contact:
Orient Corporation, Inc. Orico Card Center
TEL 049-271-3330 (Opening hours 9:30 to 17:30, open all year round)

An annual card free special value card that you like more models

・ Order by phone, fax or email!
・ Parts can be obtained quickly.
・ The fee is free, and the shipping cost is over 2,000 yen.
・ A lot of rich benefits including toll free.

■ Details and application method about TAMIYA CARD can be found here

Creator of Mini 4WD – The future of plastic models interview with the president of Tamiya

Author: Akira Kobayashi, ITmedia

What do you think of when you hear the word plastic model? From Showa to the early Heisei period, plastic models were essential items for boys. There will be many people who are excited about Zero Battle, Yamato, Mini 4WD and Gundam. Recently, however, there are few stores selling plastic models in the town, and I do not hear that it is popular among children. Is the content called plastic model already outdated?

I wanted to know that and visited the “58th Shizuoka Hobby Show” held in Shizuoka City from May 8th to 11th. The Shizuoka Model Teaching Material Association is the host of the “Shizuoka Hobby Show”, which is said to be the world’s largest plastic model and radio equipment control model trade fair. Mr. Toshisaku Tamiya (84), who is the president of the union and president of Tamiya Co., Ltd., responded to a solo interview with ITmedia Business Online on May 10.

President Tamiya, the parent of the Mini 4WD, has been leading the Japanese plastic model industry, which is highly regarded in the world, from its inception. The Mini 4WD is currently popular not only in Japan but also in Southeast Asia and other countries. We asked President Tamiya to talk about the current status of plastic models and the future of plastic models in Japan that has reached the era of retiring.

Tamiya Shunsaku (born 1934, Shizuoka City). After graduating from Waseda University for 58 years, he joined Tamiya Trading Company, which is run by his father. I am involved in planning and designing wooden models, but in the crisis of the inflow of plastic models from the West, I made a major transition from wooden models to plastic model models. The company has been exhibiting for the first time at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, where toy manufacturers from around the world gather in 1982, and has been exhibiting for 51 consecutive years since the flagship of Quality World. Efforts have been made to improve model quality control and the Tamiya brand, including instructing the establishment of a customer service department at an early stage. In addition, illustrator representative of the times such as Shigeru Komatsuzaki, Ueha Hachiro, and Yoshiyuki Takahara was appointed. The box drawing that is the face of the plastic model was developed beyond the role of package decoration, and a painting style called box art was established. Shizuoka model teaching materials cooperative president since 1994. The Shizuoka Hobby Show is held every May, contributing to regional revitalization. He has concurrently served as Chairman and President of Tamiya since 17 years. In his book, “The work of the Tamiya model” “The people who made the Tamiya model: The legendary plastic toy shop” (Bunharu Bunko)

70% of children have no plamo experience! ?
― First of all, I will serve as the president of the teaching materials cooperative. It seems that elementary and middle school students and high school students were invited as a new attempt at this hobby show.

It is a plastic model that was once referred to as passing rituals for boys, but it is said that children today have not even touched more than 70% have made it. If so, I invited to a hobby show, saw it all, and thought that I would like to get in touch with it, I planned. This is a proposal of Governor Kawahira of Shizuoka Prefecture.

When Governor Kawakatsu first saw it at the 2018 Hobby Show, he said, “Mr. Tamiya, I have to show it to my students.” However, the space was too small and it was difficult to call students and students in crowded venues, so I decided to extend the session and make an invitation date. It will cost money to extend the session, but the prefecture also supported me.

As a result, I think it was a great success to invite elementary and junior high school students and high school students. I showed how plastic models are made, what raw materials are, how they are injection molded, and how they are assembled and played. The children have already turned their eyes and are eating into plastic models. We’re sorry. It’s been a few years for children to be surrounded by plastic models (laughs). The teachers who led were also looking forward to it.

After all, the invitation date was only one day of May 8th, but 5200 elementary, junior high, and high school students from Shizuoka prefecture gathered. I hope this will continue from next year.

― In recent years, with the spread of the Internet and SNS, such trade fairs have decreased, but the Shizuoka Hobby Show has been a success.

Aside from the invitation day of the newly established elementary, junior high, and high school students, two days of the four days of the exhibition period will be the business meeting for agents and retailers, and the next two days will be open to general customers. This time the number of visitors will be over 80,000. The Spielwaren Messe, which is held every year in Nuremberg, Germany, is famous as an international trade fair for plastic models. However, this is an international toy trade fair, and some of them show plastic models, so the Shizuoka Hobby Show may be the largest in the world as a trade show limited to plastic models and radio control.

In the past, trade shows of plastic models were held in the United States and the United Kingdom, but have already disappeared. I have been in the United States since I was 31 years old, but plastic model makers themselves are gone in the United States.

Tamiya has been exhibiting at Spielwaren Messe for 51 years, but in recent years the number of companies exhibiting at the Messe itself has decreased and the exhibition period has become shorter. Tamiya is the largest at the plastic model booth, but I can not deny the feeling that the Messe itself is in a recession.

Declining Plamo trade fair
― Why is the trade show decreasing?

Although it is influenced by the Internet, I think it is because the organizers of the trade fair lack the wisdom. It is necessary to have a high entrance fee and a device to call more people, and I think it is necessary to reconsider the significance of the Messe itself.

Plastic models are said to have been reduced in retail stores in recent years and mail orders have increased, but I think that there is a desire for customers to want to see and touch the real thing. For that purpose, a fair will be necessary.

In addition, during the business meeting of the hobby show, Tamiya has a lot of retailers coming to Tamiya’s head office to hold a party in the hall. Being able to hear the raw voices of retailers who can not usually touch it is worthwhile to replace it.

― I hear that many customers from overseas are visiting.

This year, buyers from around 20 countries around the world visited the hobby show. Originally, we were eagerly coming from Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, etc. Recently, it looks like negotiations from Germany, the US, France, the UK, etc. All the buyers who have visited say “It’s really good to come.” When I come to the Shizuoka Hobby Show, I think I have something to gain. The “something” is different depending on the person. The Shizuoka Hobby Show is becoming the “World Hobby Show”.

Recently I feel that in the euro area only countries with strong economies survive. In the Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece, as well as in Spain, we have no business partners. All agencies have gone. It means that globalization is progressing so much among plastic model industry. I think it is a failure of globalism. The euro area is different in culture and language, so it will be difficult for all countries to survive.

Heisei is “the time when we lost the game”
― I heard that there is a joint exhibition where plastic model fans from all over Japan bring their works with us as another attraction of the Shizuoka Hobby Show.

This is an event that began 30 years ago, but using a part of the exhibition hall, modelers will exhibit their own plastic models in a circle. This year, about 10,000 works were exhibited in the 293 circle. The good thing about this exhibition is that it is not a contest, but everyone is able to create and exhibit the works they want to make. This exhibition is also an international event, with more and more circles participating from overseas. I’m very passionate.

― I saw the venue, but it did show a big excitement indeed. Until now, Showa, Heisei and plastic models have been essential items for children, but what do you think plastic models are going to be in a new era called Reiwa.

I can not say how big things will happen in the future plastic model, but I said even in the greetings of the beginning of the year, “Heisei is a time when I lost the game”. The second half of Heisei was losing the game.

I think I want plastic model to beat the game by all means in the era of regal. Certainly the game is interesting. But the plastic model has an analog that is not in the game, which is a great attraction. As I always say, I think that Japanese manufacturing starts with plastic models.

Today’s children said that more than 70% had never made plastic models, but by making plastic models, they know the correct usage of cutters and drivers and acquire the ability to read assembly instructions properly . And above all, by making plastic models, you can know the real thing, “Oh, I’m getting rid of four wheels,” and “Automobiles are like this.”

We want you to know that you have learned the basics of manufacturing by making the most analog plastic models. It’s an analog plastic model that competes with virtual games.

Backstage of the “Mini 4WD” birth First of all “do not fly without sounding”

― From here, I will speak as president of model maker Tamiya. Domestic plastic models reached the 60th anniversary in 18 years. Speaking of Tamiya, the MM series tanks, the 1/350 battleship Yamato, and the zero battle of 1/32 are strong, but I hear that the mini 4WD series currently occupies a large part. The Mini 4WD and the radio control also collaborated with a car company.

We also collaborate with Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Mazda Motor Corporation. Remember the name of the car since you were a child. That is the policy of the Japanese automobile industry. Today, Toyota’s car is on display, but I think it would be nice if it helped me to leave the cars of young people.

The toy is complete, but as I mentioned earlier, the plastic model is assembled by hand. If you make a plastic model, you can also imagine the structure of the car.

― In terms of business, the part that mini 4WD occupies is growing.

Certainly, the genre of scale models such as tanks and planes is quite difficult now. But cars are doing well. The Mini 4WD is not a scale model, but a motorized four-wheel drive. Although some designs are deformed from the actual vehicle, most are fictitious designs. Run it on the course and compete for speed.

The first kit of the Mini 4WD was made more than 30 years ago. At that time, there was a four wheel drive boom in the actual car. Audi quattro became a topic, and a magazine specializing in four wheel drive also appeared. I thought, “This is the age of 4WD,” and I thought about the mini 4WD in terms of making a “running 4WD model” that is cheap for children as well.

At the time there were four-wheeled products in the radio controlled car, but the children were too expensive to get out of their way. Because only 10,000 yen or more and 20,000 yen or more were all included in the transmitter alone. That’s why everyone was watching with their fingers. Therefore, the mini 4WD was made by thinking “What is the 4WD that children can afford?” Originally Tamiya had a track record of making slot racing cars around the Showa 40 and selling them around the world, so it was a hand to make a model of a running car.

― You targeted children.

However, when I actually sold it, it did not ring and did not fly. I can not sell enough to be disappointed. I received advice from a famous animator J. Otsuka Yasuo (editorial note: animator who also worked on “Lupin III”) and I made a comical mini 4 wheel drive, but this was also a small hit.

After trial and error, I specialized in speed and sold explosively. There was a collaboration with Shogakkan’s “Corokoro Comic”, but I realized that what children are looking for is speed. So I made a dedicated course and started to have a competition. Then the children devise a lot to speed up. Make the body cover as thin and light as possible, or make the chassis heavier so that stability is achieved at the corners. I thought the child was a play genius. So the big boom came over the end of the Showa era and two times of about 6 and 7 years of Heisei.

In Southeast Asia ‘Dash!
― I remember that well. The children who played with the mini 4WD at that time are now fathers in their 30s and 40s.

The father is doing mini 4WD with the child again. It is now only about this mini-shikakeri that father teaches manufacturing to children. Besides, recently, it is said that mother and daughter are together and they enjoy mini 4WD with family. I am glad to see the whole family coming to the competition.

The Mini 4WD has gone through a few booms and is now in a stable period. The main customers are from elementary school students to fathers in their 30s and 40s. Tamiya holds an All-Japan Championship called “Japan Cup” every year as a mini 4WD competition, but in addition to that, it is carrying out mini 4WD events in cooperation with large shopping malls, electronics retailers and car dealers. You It may be because it is judged that it is an excellent event that gathers children.

Mini 4WD is also strong overseas. Southeast Asia ‘Dash! Some of the animes on the 4th Series have been aired and are popular in Indonesia, Hong Kong, etc. Recently, offers from New Zealand and the United States have come. It is a feeling that the Mini 4WD is taking over the world.

“The ideal teaching materials” programming robot
― This time, I saw an exhibition of “programming robots” for children who learn programming through manufacturing. This is a new attempt.

As you can see from the name Shizuoka Model Teaching Material Association, originally, for the manufacturer of Shizuoka, model teaching materials have been used since ancient times. Tamiya has also been working on a series of educational materials for children called the “Fun Crafting Series”. Solar cars and centipede robots are still selling hit products.

This programming robot was designed in line with the need for programming education in elementary schools from 2020. The latest one is equipped with a microcomputer board for education, and can be controlled and operated from a PC. I think this robot is an ideal teaching material that you can learn programming while having fun. The kit that Tamiya has recently released is a little expensive at around 10,000 yen, but contains an electronic board. I do not know how much it sells, but has received high praise from overseas buyers.

― When listening to the story like this, the direction of the new plastic model can be seen in a vague manner.

As I said earlier, I think that the Japanese manufacturing tradition starts with making plastic models. Mini 4WD is used in school classes in Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. However, in Japan, unfortunately, it is said that things from certain manufacturers can not be used for classes.

The plastic model also helps children’s education and fosters imagination. At the same time, I will teach you the basics of manufacturing and cutting, scraping, and assembling. I will do my best to offer new plastic models in a new era. I would like to make Dewa “the age of plastic model counterattack”.

What image do you want?
― Lastly, Tamiya, who has many unique talented employees, what kind of people are you looking for now?

It doesn’t matter at all which school you are out of. Anyway people who like models and plastic models are good. Recently, people who have changed jobs from other companies such as automobile companies are also active.

I often say to new employees that “I can quit as soon as Tamiya gets tired”. Because if you don’t think that job is interesting, you can not do a good job after all. Right?

I don’t care about my academic background, but I would like to get a university if I can. Education is helpful when teaching your subordinates. General education subjects I studied at university are still useful. Natural science theory. University is not just about taking credits. After all study is good.

Author profile
Noboru Kobayashi
Freelance writer, editor. Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1957. After graduating from university, worked at a publisher. “The work of the Tamiya model” (paperback edition, Shunsaku Tamiya), “The Legendary Plamoya” (the paperback edition, Shunsaku Tamiya), “The Japan plastic model 亡” (Hiroshi Ida), “The 50th History of the Japanese plastic model” (Japan) Involved in editing the plastic model industrial cooperative edition), “Shizuoka model whole history” (Shizuoka model teaching material cooperative edition). A recent book is “Nippon plastic model sixty-year history” (Munharu Shinsho).

Source in Japanese language: ITmedia