Shunsaku Tamiya, Legendary Model Kit Pioneer And Heart Of Japan’s RC Culture, Dies At 90

Shunsaku Tamiya, the visionary behind Japan’s world-famous plastic model empire, has died at the age of 90. As chairman and CEO of Tamiya Inc., he was not only the face of the company but the driving force behind its global legacy. Over decades, he transformed a modest post-war lumber mill into a powerhouse of creativity, craftsmanship, and engineering that left an indelible mark on generations of hobbyists and children alike.

Born in 1934, Shunsaku Tamiya inherited the family’s woodworking business, Tamiya Shoji & Co., and shifted its focus in the 1960s to the emerging world of scale models. Under his leadership, Tamiya became synonymous with precision, durability, and innovation. His dedication to quality wasn’t just a business strategy—it was a lifelong philosophy. From intricate military models to revolutionary radio-controlled cars and the massively popular Mini 4WD series, everything that bore the Tamiya logo carried his uncompromising standard of excellence.

Tamiya’s contributions weren’t limited to toys and collectibles. His model kits were used in engineering classrooms, military planning, and even film production due to their accuracy and realism. But what truly set him apart was his unwavering passion for spreading the joy of craftsmanship—especially to children. He once said, “The pleasure of building something with your hands is a joy everyone should experience.” He lived by those words until his final days.

A beloved tradition that captured his spirit was the annual “Kids Only Day” at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, held near the company’s headquarters. Every year, schoolchildren from across Shizuoka were bussed in for a special day where adults were barred entry. Before the doors opened, Mr. Tamiya would position himself in front of the entrance—not for publicity, but to witness the pure excitement and happiness on the children’s faces. Those who were there say the joy radiating from him was unforgettable. “He was a child at heart,” one longtime staff member shared. “He built this empire, but he never lost that playful spirit.”

Beyond Japan, Tamiya’s name became legendary among international hobbyists. His RC cars dominated tracks around the globe. His Mini 4WD racers created subcultures in countries from the Philippines to Italy. His scale kits taught patience, discipline, and attention to detail—traits often lost in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Shunsaku Tamiya’s passing is not just the loss of a businessman; it’s the loss of a cultural icon who changed how we play, learn, and create. His legacy lives on in every Tamiya kit ever built, every childhood memory shaped by his creations, and in the thriving community of modelers he helped inspire.

As tributes pour in from around the world, one thing is clear: the world of modeling has lost its greatest builder. But just like the models he made, his memory will endure—piece by piece, generation after generation.