Shunsaku Tamiya, the long-time president and chairman of Tamiya, passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 90. His influence stretched far beyond the bounds of any single hobby genre—his vision helped shape the imaginations of generations of builders, creators, and RC enthusiasts around the world.
Born in Shizuoka, Japan, in 1934, Mr. Tamiya took over the company’s leadership in May 1977, when he was appointed president of Tamiya Plastic Model Co. The company expanded dramatically under his direction, building a global reputation for quality, precision, and design that stood above its peers. From static scale models to Mini 4WD and educational kits, his leadership helped transform a regional model company into a name recognized by hobbyists across the globe.
For many of us in the RC community,…