An Adieu to Shunsaku Tamiya: The Innovator who Gifted us with Exceptional Building Essentials
Shunsaku Tamiya, the former president and chairman of Tamiya, Inc., left an indelible mark on the world of plastic modeling and radio-controlled (RC) vehicles. His contributions to the company, which began as a lumber supplier and wooden model maker, transformed it into a world-renowned manufacturer of high-precision plastic model kits and RC vehicles.
Joining Tamiya in the late 1950s, Tamiya was instrumental in shifting the company's focus towards plastic model kits. This transition from wooden to plastic models reshaped the industry, and under his leadership, Tamiya established an in-house mold and die department, allowing the production of highly accurate scale models of race cars, aircraft, and military vehicles.
One of Tamiya's most notable achievements was the introduction of innovative battery-powered models, a new trend at the time. He was also responsible for Tamiya's entry into RC cars, marked notably by the 1976 release of a 1:12 scale radio-controlled Porsche 934, which helped usher in a new era of RC car realism and technology.
Beyond product innovation, Tamiya crafted the company's strong branding identity. The signature "twin stars" logo and the distinctive "white box" packaging design helped distinguish Tamiya kits in the market and solidify the brand's reputation for quality and precision.
Tamiya's products have been a common experience for many, with some having built, owned, or lusted after them over the past few decades. They have served as a source of inspiration for engineering curiosity, fostering a lifelong interest in making things. Even today, many children are discovering Tamiya's products for the first time.
Tamiya's model kits, remote controlled cars, and other miniature engineering products are known for their bright colours and well-illustrated designs. They have been a touchstone that crosses multiple decades, and a significant part of the formative experiences of many website readers.
Despite Tamiya's passing at the age of 90, the company is expected to continue producing high-quality plastic modeling products, maintaining the legacy left by its visionary founder. Even the quality of packaging in distant export markets was important to Tamiya, ensuring that every Tamiya product, from its iconic logo to its meticulously designed packaging, represents the highest standards of precision and quality.
The meticulously designed packaging of Tamiya's products, showcasing bright colors and well-illustrated models, has become a hallmark, not just in the home-and-garden sector, but also in the lifestyle category, setting a standard for quality and precision. Tamiya's influence expanded beyond plastic modeling and RC vehicles, inspiring a new generation to appreciate the intricate hardware that goes into creating miniature engineering masterpieces.
