5 replies to this topic

[MG Brown]

 

Japanese media reported on July 22 that Shunsaku Tamiya, the chairman of Tamiya Corporation (TAMIYA, タミヤ), passed away on July 18 at the age of 90.

He served as president from 1977 until 2024 and once handed over the position to his son-in-law Tanaka Masayuki in 2008. However, after Masayuki passed away due to illness in 2017, Tamiya Shunsaku returned to serve as president, until 2024 handed over the position to his 37-year-old grandson-in-law, Tamiya Nobuo.

The name Tamiya is not just a brand—it is a symbol of quality, innovation, and the shared spirit of model builders everywhere. Tamiya, Corp. also was involved in the production of Slot Cars, RC Models, Hobby Tools, Paints and "How to" magazines.

Let us give our very deepest respect to this hero who dedicated his life to the hobby of plastic models. 

RIP Mr. Tamiya

[MG Brown]

(translated from Japanese)

 

Obituary of the Chairman of the Board Tamiya Corporation

22 July 2025

 

Shunsaku Tamiya, Chairman of the Board and Representative Director of Tamiya Corporation, passed away on 18 July 2025 at the age of 90. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your friendship during his lifetime and respectfully inform you of his death.

 

We would like to inform you that, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased, the funeral service was conducted by close relatives only.

The date and time have not yet been decided, but a farewell party will be held at a later date at our company.

We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept any condolences in lieu of flowers, offerings or telegrams of condolence.

 

Shunsaku Tamiya Biography

 

Born on 19 December 1934

 

March 1953 Graduated from Shizuoka High School

March 1958 Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Waseda University

April 1958 Joined Tamiya Shoji Limited Partnership

April 1960 Appointed General Manager of Planning Department, Tamiya Corporation

1 August 1969 Appointed Managing Director of Tamiya Mokei

31 May 1977 Appointed President and Representative Director, Tamiya Corporation 17 Oct. 1978: Appointed Representative Director of Tamiya Plastic Co.

24 Mar. 1984: Appointed Representative Director and President of Tamiya Co.

23 Oct. 1988: Appointed Representative Partner of Tamiya Shoji Limited Partnership

1 Jun. 1994: Appointed President of Shizuoka Models and Materials Cooperative Association

21 Jun. 1995: Appointed President of Tamiya Scholarship Foundation

1 Jun. 2008: Appointed President of Tamiya Scholarship Association (Chairman of Tamiya Corporation

2009 Chairman and President of Tamiya Corporation

1 Jul. 2024 Chairman of Tamiya Corporation

 

[External directors]

President of Shizuoka Model Resource Association

President of Tamiya Scholarship Foundation

President of Shizuoka Industrial and Tourism Strategy Promotion Organisation

 

[Awards]

Shizuoka City Distinguished Service Award Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture Commendation

Japan Media Arts Festival Merit Award

[James Wendel]

Big fan of Tamiya paints and model kits (for hardbody slot racing). Good stuff.

[Alchemist]

Let us give our very deepest respect to this hero who dedicated his life to the hobby of plastic models. 

 

Absolutely!

 

Ernie

[n.elmholt]

Tamiya's model kits changed the world of plastic kit modelling

RIP.

[MSwiss]

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