by As the time spent at home increases due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the plastic model, which is a local product that Shizuoka is proud of, is becoming more popular. Each manufacturer in the prefecture is developing unique products in an attempt to cultivate new fans. (Fumi Kaneshiro)
In ” Hasegawa ” (Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture), the robot ” Mechatronics Wego ” series designed by creator Kazushi Kobayashi is doing well. It is said that sales are about 1.2 times higher than before Corona.
Women and children support the rounded and cute form. Since there are few parts and no adhesive is used, even beginners can quickly assemble. Since its launch in 2015, more than 20 types, such as different colors and limited editions, have been released.
Another feature is that it goes well with SNS. Many enthusiasts use their imagination from basic designs to create their favorite mechatronics we go by coloring and remodeling. There is also a place to post photos on Twitter and interact with them.
Hasegawa is known as a global aircraft plastic model manufacturer. Mechatronics Wego was introduced while attracting fans with the delicacy of sticking to one screw position. President Katsuto Hasegawa emphasizes, “The industry itself is shrinking due to the aging population and diversifying hobbies. We must continue our efforts to find new fans.”
Anime fans too
“Platts” (Shimizu-Ku, Shizuoka City) sells plastic models of tanks that appear in the anime “Girls & Panzer.” Set in Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, this work depicts a high school girl learning the martial arts “tank road” using tanks, and the main character and students from rival schools drive around historical tanks with great force.
The popular product is the German tank “Platz Girls & Panzer 1/35 Panzer IV D-type Kai (H-type specification) Ankou Team Theatrical Version!” (7480 yen including tax) on which the main character rides. The model of the rival Italian tank “P40 heavy tank” (5720 yen including tax), which was unveiled at the hobby show in May, is scheduled to be released in September, and many reservations have been made.
It is said that some people find out the fun of plastic models from the animation and create other tank models. The salesperson feels that the pie is spreading.
Enjoy with parents and children.
RC cars are selling well in ” Tamiya ” (Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka City), and the famous car “1/10 RC Hornet” (17,780 yen including tax) is especially attracting attention. The body is lightweight, strong, and off-road is OK, and the appearance of running with dirt smoke is a masterpiece.
The popularity of ” Mini 4WD ” is also deep-rooted. The “Eleglitter (VZ chassis)” (1320 yen including tax) has a form that imagines the near future, and it is fun to look at and run.
Kazumasa Miwa, a spokeswoman, said, “We are spending more time with parents and children under the corona, and there are more cases where we enjoy RC and Mini 4WD together.” On the other hand, he said that the growing demand for plastic models due to self-restraint from going out is causing a global shortage of products, and he said, “We will work to expand the production system more than ever to ensure a stable supply of products.”
