Tamiya, a comprehensive model manufacturer that sells a wide variety of models, from plastic models, R/C cars to Mini 4WDs, has opened a corporate-owned fracility "TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO" in the Shinbashi/Toranomon area. The facility stocks approximately 6,000 Tamiya products, and also has a cafe and event space. Tamiya's flagship facility promotes model culture to the world under the concept of "Tamiya's Now is Here." We paid them a visit.

TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO, located on the first floor of the Shin-Tora Yasuda Building in Shinbashi 4-chome, had its grand opening on May 24, 2024. It was relocated from the former "Tamiya Plastic Model Factory Shinbashi Store" which stood at the intersection of Shin-Tora-dori and Akarenga-dori. The new location is right next to the previous facility - only about 10 meters away.

The previous facility was decorated in black and brown tones, giving it the feel of a "retreat for adult model lovers", but the new white-toned "TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO" was reborn as a base for a new model culture that can be enjoyed by both existing model fans and those who have never touched a model before. Tamiya's public relations officer Akira Yamamoto says, "We want to make it a place where people can get to know Tamiya's products. The glass walls allow people to see inside, so many customers who happen to pass by just drop in." In fact, the number of families and female customers has increased.

As soon as you enter, you will be greeted by the familiar Tamiya logo. Even if you have never built a model before, just ask the staff at the reception desk and they will kindly teach you everything, from the necessary tools to how to paint the models.

New products that had just been released are most visible. From the latest tanks to old cars, even motorized ducks, Tamiya's extensive lineup is part of its appeal. The plastic model of the Honda Dax 125 leisure bike (photo right) is a 1/12 scale model of the Tamiya Limited Edition that was actually sold in Thailand," says Yamamoto.

The facility has a permanent display of a 1/1 scale "Mini 4WD Aero Avante". With a total length of 4.65m and a width of 2.80m, the Avante has a powerful presence. "The Avante is one of Tamiya's most popular R/C cars and Mini 4WDs, which was originally released as an R/C car in 1988. This 1/1 scale Aero Avante was produced as part of the project to make Mini 4WD into full-scale car in 2015, and there is only one of its kind in the world," says Yamamoto.

The highlight is the zigzag-shaped shelves, about 4m high and 100m long. Enjoy every corner as you walk slowly through the facility. The design allows you to see through each corner, giving you a sense of depth.

The plastic models piled up on the shelves are a model lover's dream come true. It also has the nostalgic atmosphere of a old-fashioned model shop.

Plastic models are Tamiya's staple product and there are assembled ones on display. "The F-14A Tomcat, well-known from the movie 'Top Gun', is one of the top five most popular model airplanes in the world, and Tamiya's 1/48 scale model is said to be the definitive version of Tomcat plastic models," says Yamamoto.

Tamiya's plastic models are rich in variety, ranging from models that have been on the market for over 50 years to new products that were just released this year. "We sometimes use the latest technology to model classic cars from the past, such as the Fairlady 240ZG that was popular in the 1970s. We hope our models are not only easy to assemble, but also provide the precision details that could not be reproduced at the time," says Yamamoto.

The Yamato battleship plastic model also tickles the hearts of model lovers. "Some things you would never be able to get the real thing, but you can get a model. I think that's one of the apeals of scale models," says Yamamoto.

The facility also displays reproductions of the art that decorates plastic model boxes. The reason why paintings are used on plastic model boxes instead of photos is that it is difficult to prepare photos that are suitable for packaging. And by using paintings, the image and impact of the real products can be conveyed.

Dinosaur plastic models, which have been on sale since the 1980s, are one of the staples. With the latest theories being announced, dinosaur research is constantly evolving, but the world of plastic models is without limit. There are no wrong answers. Let your imagination run wild and have fun.

R/C cars are classics. There is a wide variety and you can enjoy assembling and replacing parts by yourself. There is also a full lineup of finished products that can be driven immediately after purchase.

The 73cm-long R/C car Volvo FH16 Globetrotter is powerful and impressive. "In addition to the gimmicks such as recreating the engine sound and turning on the lights, we also paid great attention to the details of the exterior. The 1/14 R/C truck series is a product that can only be found at Tamiya," says Yamamoto.

The Craft series also includes a unique kit that teaches you how programming works. "Models also have an educational element. A major feature of Tamiya models is that they are not just for entertainment, but also for learning. This Craft series, as well as models of cars and airplanes, allow people to learn about the design, mechanics, and history of industrial products," says Yamamoto.

Mini 4WD, which were popular among boys, is still very popular today. Whether it is mini 4WD or R/C cars, the most fun part is not only the process of building the kit, but also the actual driving of the car.

The event space in the back of the facilly, "Modeller's Square", hosts Mini 4WD and R/C car competitions and experience sessions, craft classes, workshops, seminars, talk shows, and more.

There are also original Tamiya goods that can only be purchased here. The most popular items are the T-shirts, which come in two designs for both adults and kids.

You can take a break at the cafe while admiring the 1/1 scale Avante. It looks like a good place to relax or meet up.

"TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO", where you can experience a variety of models, is truly a holy place for Tamiya. If time allowed, it's a place I would like to stay forever. Yamamoto emphasizes that this facility is not a shop, but rather a flagship base for Tamiya. "Of course, you can actually see and purchase the products, but it might be best to think of the whole facility as Tamiya's catalog. I would like you to think of it as a 'starting place' where you can experience models and become interested in them," he said. So, why not step into the deep and fun world of models now?

<TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO>
Location: 1F Shin-Tora Yasuda Building, 4-3-1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 11:00-20:00
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10:00-19:00
*For more information, please see the official website below.
https://www.tamiya-plamodelfactory.co.jp/