niponica is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world.
2015 No.17
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Miniature Is Big in Japan
More Than Just Toys
Japan’s scale models: Everything and more
Plastic scale models, figurines, dioramas, model train sets...
when great ideas and technology come together, the result is a fun world of miniature.
This Godzilla hit the stores in 2014, 60 years after his first appearance. He comes with plenty of punch and agility, vividly recreating the moves that are feared on screen. S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla. Total height about 155 mm. Made by BANDAI Co., Ltd.
©TOHO PICTURES, INC. TM&
©1995, 2014 TOHO Co., Ltd.
Total sales of mobile suits and other plastic scale models in the Mobile Suit Gundam animé series have reached about 445 million units since they first went on sale in 1980, indicating their astounding popularity. Shown here: HGUC 1/144 scale models of the RX-78-2 Gundam. Made by BANDAI Co., Ltd.
©SOTSU and SUNRISE
Virtual singer Hatsune Miku. The main visuals for her events are now presented in 3D, and illustrative artwork with great attention to detail makes her come alive. Hatsune Miku Magical Mirai 2015 version. (Max Factory)
©Hoshima/Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net/TOKYO MX
Illustration by Hoshima/Costume design by Shikimi
Remarkably faithful 1/12-scale model of the interior of a sleeping car from Japan’s sleeper train. The actual train was removed from service in 2015. Model of interior of Twilight Express Class B sleeping car, Type 24, Series 25. Made by TOMY TEC Co., Ltd.
©TOMY TEC Product manufactured under license from West Japan Railway Company.
Plastic scale model of a 4-wheel drive racecar with a motor powered by AA batteries. For extra fun, users equip their racecars with upgraded parts and compete using the dedicated speedway track model. Item shown: Mini 4WD Starter Pack AR Speed Type (Aero Avante)
©TAMIYA
Fighter heroes, with masks and armor in matching colors, made famous in a TV drama series crammed with special effects. Ninnin Action Series 01-03. Made by BANDAI Co., Ltd.
©TV Asahi, TOEI AG and TOEI
In the country that brought the world plastic food models for restaurant windows, these replicas are getting smaller as they evolve. The photos show miniature conveyor belt sushi, with a replica of new touch-panel system for ordering (top left). Petit Conveyor Belt Sushi. Made by RE-MENT Co., Ltd.
©2015 RE-MENT
Scale model of parts of the human body are often used for teaching purposes. This heart is realistic right down to the left and right ventricles, as well as the sympathetic nervous system configuration. Scale model of human heart and head. Nature Techni Colour Series, Shinzo to Tobu no Kozo Mokei.
©IKIMON
The triceratops comes with trees, a pond, rocks and other diorama elements. There is a choice of two poses: with the front legs in a walking or running stance. 1/35 Dinosaur World Series. Triceratops Diorama Set. Made by TAMIYA Inc.
©TAMIYA
Capsule toy to hook on the edge of a cup. She can assume a number of different poses, giving fans plenty of variety as they build their collection. Fuchico and Cup. Made by Kitan Club Co., Ltd.
©Tanaka Katsuki/KITAN CLUB
The world of figurines now includes traditional sculpture, like this Buddhist statue. It presents an atmosphere of energy, changing its posture when its moveable joints are rearranged. Eleven-faced Kannon. Made by KAIYODO Co., Ltd.
©KAIYODO
Among the multitude of people who love castles, many of them would like a hands-on experience making one. All kinds of models, especially plastic scale models, are available. 1/700-model of Osaka Castle. Made by FUJIMI.
©FUJIMI MOKEI Co., Ltd.
This magnetically levitated train is available as a scale model, even before the real thing is launched. The model was the first in the world to run levitated, propelled using the repulsive force of magnets. Name of model train set: Linear Liner Superconduction Linear LO Special Set. Made by TOMY Company, Ltd.
©TOMY/Manufactured under permission of Central Japan Railway Company.
A new type of figurine comes with a system that lets you reproduce manga and animé, even with written sound effects like “bam” and “pow,” as well as add ornamentation that was never possible before. Monkey D. Luffy Figuarts Zero Figure, 5th Anniversary Edition. Made by Bandai Co., Ltd.
©Oda Ei’ichiro, SHUEISHA Inc., Fuji Television Network, Inc., and TOEI ANIMATION Co., Ltd.