Shizuoka: The World Capital of Model Buildings

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"Plastic models" is a local industry that Shizuoka City is proud of around the world. Shizuoka City accounts for over 80% of the total shipment value of plastic model manufacturing in Japan. Due to its overwhelming share and long history, Shizuoka has established a solid position as a mecca for plas...

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Suruga Planning Tourism Bureau, a public interest incorporated foundation

With a view of Mt. Fuji, Suruga region is blessed with nature from the majestic Southern Alps to Suruga Bay, the deepest bay in Japan. The most eye-catching features throughout the region are the beautiful tea plantations. Suruga serves as an internationally renowned hub for tea production and features a local culture steeped in tea harvesting. Your curiosity will be piqued by the "tea terroir" that gives each region its own character, and you will be entertained by the scenery of Suruga and its teas. We are committed to helping you to organize your travel and MICE experiences. Suruga is located between Tokyo and Nagoya and is extremely accessible, taking only about 1 hour by Shinkansen bullet train and 1 hour 40 minutes from Osaka, making it possible to combine visits with other major cities. It is also conveniently accessible with Mt. Fuji Shimizu Port, one of Japan's leading cruise ports and Mt. Fuji Shizuoka airport. 【Authentic travel experience】 There are adventure travel programs such as Suruga sustainability E-Bike tour around tea farms　and Suruga tea experience tour feeling the climate in a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also learn about traditional tea ceremony and tea utensils. Shimizu Port, which flourished with tea export business, is called the world's best port for viewing Mt. Fuji from Suruga Bay, which attracts many cruise ships and marine activities such as yachting and swimming. Mineral-rich waters from several rivers flow into Suruga Bay, making it an ideal place for fishery. Visitors can taste fresh local fish such as horse mackerel, skipjack tuna, whitebait, golden eye snapper and cherry color shrimp which can only be caught in Suruga Bay in Japan. 【MICE】 Suruga is suitable destination hosting MICE events. We would like to propose to you four styles of "MICE" depending on your purpose and/or request. “MICE in scenic resort” is one. “Urban MICE” at a city hotel by Shinkansen station is another idea. The third recommendation is “Large-scale MICE event” in a convention center. And last but not least, “Trade fair/Exhibition” at the largest event hall outside Tokyo can be something unique to your clients. In particular, "Resort MICE" is highly recommended for use at award ceremonies because of the wonderful view of Mt. Fuji in the backdrop. We have many unique venue options associated to Mt. Fuji such as the "Chartered Ship" and "Garden Parties at Hotels with Mt. Fuji view, as well as our highly recommended excursions to Shizuoka’s unique "Green Tea Industry", "Suruga Bay, Japan's deepest bay" and "sightseeing around the Mt. Fuji area ". As Japan’s No.1 green tea producing destination, participants are sure to experience something special through visiting tea plantations, factories, and stepping into Suruga’s local authenticity.

Table of Contents
Shizuoka City and the History of Models
Pra Monument

Shizuoka City and the History of Models

Shizuoka City, with its abundant forest resources, has long been a thriving woodworking industry. The history of plastic models dates back to the era of wooden models. Aoshima Jiro, Shizuoka City's first aviator, established the Aoshima Aircraft Research Institute (now the founder of Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Co., Ltd.) in 1924. In 1932, the company began manufacturing and selling wooden airplane models, marking the beginning of wooden models and the first step towards Shizuoka becoming the "world capital of models."

In the late 1950s, as foreign plastic models began to be imported, wooden model molds were gradually overwhelmed, and the mainstream of models began to shift from wood to plastic. The change in material from wood to plastic had a major impact on the manufacturing process. New money, manpower, and knowledge were required for mold making, handling plastic resin, etc.

It was through passion, knowledge, and hard work that we made it through such turbulent times, and the plastic model manufacturer we are today was born. This is why we are able to continue to supply the market with products that are loved all over the world.

The world capital of models made using traditional crafts

Pra Monument

The "Plamonument" was created to resemble an unassembled plastic model, and is a playful monument in that you can fit into it as if you were a part of the plastic model, and even though the mailbox is a part of the plastic model, you can actually post letters and postcards into it.

The "Plastic Monument," a symbol of the Shizuoka City Plastic Model Project and loved by many people both inside and outside the city, will be welcoming you at various locations.

Shizuoka City Plastic Model Project

*The contents are taken from the Shizuoka City website.

Written by

Suruga Planning Tourism Bureau, a public interest incorporated foundation

Shizuoka

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