Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called "First in Quality Around the World."
Now Tamiya is offering more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, South East Asia, and to many other parts of the world. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies.
History of Tamiya (Japan)
Headquarters Shizuoka City Reception Area Museum
| 1946 | Mr. Yoshio Tamiya founded a saw mill/lumber factory in Shizuoka-City. |
| 1947 | A wooden model department was organized within the lumber company. |
| 1953 | Sawmill was closed and Tamiya became a specialized wooden model kit maker. |
| 1960 | Tamiya began producing model kits. |
| 1968 | Tamiya became the first Japanese model kit manufacturer to exhibit at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in Germany. The 1/35 scale Military Miniature Series was started. |
| 1976 | Tamiya released the 1/12 scale electric powered R/C Porsche 934 Turbo that triggered radio control cars' booming popularity. |
| 1977 | Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya became the president and Chief Executive for Tamiya Plastic Model, Co. The 1/24 scale Sports Car Series was started. |
| 1981 | The 1/12 scale Motorcycle Series was started. |
| 1984 | Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya became the president and Chief Executive for Tamiya, Inc. |
| 1987 | 1/32 scale motorized "Racing Mini 4WD" cars, which were first introduced in the previous year, recorded a total production of quantity exceeding 10 million units. |
| 1988 | Founder Mr. Yoshio Tamiya died at the age of 83. |
| 1989 | Tamiya America, Inc. was established in Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. Tamiya Europe was established in Germany. |
| 1995 | Tamiya Philippines, Inc. was established and started model kit production. |
| 1996 | The Tamiya Kakegawa R/C Circuit was opened in Kakegawa-City, Shizuoka, Japan. |
Tamiya America, Inc.
Created to offer premium quality hobby products to the U.S. market, Tamiya America, Inc. was established in 1989 in Los Angeles, California. In 1992 it relocated to a 14-acre site in Aliso Viejo, California and in 2007 relocated once more to Irvine, California. From here all administrative functions are coordinated; this includes general administration, sales, marketing and customer service.
Tamiya America, Inc. sponsors the annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Tamiya/Con model contest and the Tamiya Championship Series races (TCS). TCS races are held monthly at venues around the country and culminate in the National Championship Event which is held once a year at the Tamiya America raceway that resides immediately adjacent to the distribution and administrative center.
In addition to technical support for all Tamiya products, Tamiya America offers a variety of customer and dealer support programs including trade shows, hobby shop races and Tamiya Mini 4WD Challenge races.
History of Tamiya America, Inc.
| 1989 | Established in Los Angeles, CA, as U.S. fully owned subsidiary of Tamiya, Inc. |
| 1992 | Grand Opening of 73,742 sq. ft. Aliso Viejo facility and warehouse. Began shipping throughout the U.S. |
| 1994 | Kicked off new Tamiya Championship Series Racing Program (TCS). Opening of Tamiya America Raceway. |
| 1995 | First Tamiya/Con model contest. First group of TCS Nationals winners visit Japan and compete in the World Championship. |
| 1996 | First Tamiya/Con winners visit Japan. |
| 2007 | Tamiya America, Inc. relocated the executive offices to Irvine, CA (7/23/07) and their warehouse to Carson, CA. |
