For model enthusiasts and design aficionados, the name Masao Tamiya has long been deeply etched in their hearts as the “behind-the-scenes force” behind the beauty of the Tamiya brand. As the younger brother of Chairman Shunsaku, Tamiya oversaw Tamiya’s design for over 30 years and created the iconic Twin Star logo that symbolizes the brand. His passion and craftsmanship exude an unwavering commitment to beauty and unwavering trust.
The Man Behind Packaging That “Conveys” Design
In 1981, the exhibition “Designer and Company Series 20: Masao Tamiya and TAMIYA: Tamiya Model Packaging Design” was held at Design Gallery 1953, showcasing the internationally acclaimed packaging designs he had created over more than 20 years. Tamiya’s white box (the so-called “white package”) was not merely packaging, but a “window” that spoke of its contents and heightened the anticipation of opening it. Above all, the precise and thoughtful design resonated deeply with fans.
Design as Art − The World of “Paper and Color”
After leaving Tamiya in 1998, Tamiya shifted his creative focus to graphic art. In 2005, an exhibition of three-dimensional artworks created by hand using paper was held. Utilizing the unique texture of paper and the warmth of handcrafted work, the pieces featured vibrant flat surfaces and depth reminiscent of paintings. Visitors were likely moved by the subtle variations in coloring and cutting, realizing that this was not merely a print but a living, breathing work of art.
