Reasons why Hobby Japan has begun to develop full-scale models, and behind-the-scenes development of the superb gimmick mounted on the "Type 74 Tank" plastic model that everyone adores [Inside the Hobby Industry Vol. 86

Ltd., known for publishing the modeling magazine "Monthly Hobby Japan," has produced a 1/35 scale plastic model of the JGSDF's 155mm Ryu bullet FH-70. It is a rather austere item, so one might wonder, "How did a magazine and book publisher suddenly come up with such a plastic model?" But when you actually put it together, you will be amazed at the close to 300 exquisite parts and detailed movable gimmicks. The kit is so enthusiastic that you may think it is a little too elaborate (......).
I heard that the 1/35 scale JGSDF "Type 74 Tank" is being prepared for release next spring as the third model in the HJM Military Series. Mr. Makoto Takahashi of Hobby Japan's Hobby Development Section told us about the epic development story behind this project.

Why the "JGSDF's 155mm Ryu-barrel FH-70" was chosen for the first model, and why the design was so difficult that it was rejected by the designer

─ I knew that Hobby Japan was developing bishojo figures, but I was surprised when they suddenly released a full-scale model.

Takahashi: People tend to think of us as a company that produces magazines, but in fact we are a company that also produces magazines. We started out as a retail store, and our origins date back to the 1960s when we published a pamphlet dealing with miniature cars. Today, we have a department that develops figures and games, and my department mainly makes miniature cars. Because we have a divisional structure, our business is no different from that of a regular manufacturer. I transferred from another company and have been developing products in genres other than miniature cars, such as plastic models, for three or four years now.

───Did you work for a model manufacturer before, Mr. Takahashi?

Takahashi: Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Sha (Aoshima) in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Planning" is not just a matter of coming up with an idea; you have to consider the cost down to the penny, and plan and arrange everything from which wholesaler to wholesale and at what price (......) to a single plastic bag, a single screw, and a single sheet of paper. We could not use all of the suppliers that we had worked with when I was in Shizuoka, and when I was at Aoshima, I was only involved in planning and development, not purchasing. We would ask molders to make the molds and molding companies to mold the models, but we could not find the infrastructure in Tokyo to set up the appearance of the plastic models, such as product sets, printing of boxes and instruction manuals, etc., so we were in a bind. In the end, I was able to somehow put it into product form by relying on contacts I had made while in Shizuoka.

─ By the way, the first product was the "155mm FH-70", wasn't it? For Hobby Japan's first scale model, doesn't it seem a bit too maniacal?

Takahashi: Certainly, people who are not familiar with military affairs say that it is "plain," but people who like the equipment of the Self-Defense Forces ask, "When is it going to be released? I wonder if it will be released yet?" They have been looking forward to the FH-70. Also, although Hobby Japan's Development Division is recognized in the miniature car world, it is not widely known as a model manufacturer. I personally believe that only when you can develop solid scale models can you be recognized as a manufacturer. Even major model makers who now mainly focus on character models released military models and car models in the past. Those of us who have been involved in planning and development know firsthand that it is not good to release something simple in the first phase. We also knew that the FH-70 would never be released by any other manufacturer. The reason is that it is extremely difficult to design a plastic model of an ammunition gun, especially one that can be changed like the FH-70. Also, they are very expensive. At first, the designers refused to accept our request, saying, "This is impossible. We asked a designer we had known for a long time, and we managed to make it happen.


─ ─ Was it really that difficult?

Takahashi: Unlike vehicles, there is no place to hide a Ryu-barrel gun. If we simplified it, the image would be different. Also, this kit is designed to be variable even after completion.