Artistic representation of the new Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute (BHCPDII) Museum.
Bandai Spirits, Bandai's collectibles division, is preparing for a milestone in the world of plastic modeling with the inauguration of the Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute (BHCPDII) Museum. Scheduled for September 2, 2025, this new facility in Shizuoka city not only celebrates the 45th anniversary of Gunpla (Gundam Plastic Models) but also redefines public interaction with the art of Plamo (plastic modeling).
Plamo and Gunpla: The Art of Japanese Plastic Modeling
Plamo, or plastic models, are detailed kits designed to be assembled, covering a vast range of themes. A prominent place in this field is occupied by Gunpla, plastic models from the iconic anime franchise "Mobile Suit Gundam." Since their appearance in 1980 by Bandai, Gunpla have undergone a remarkable transformation. Early kits, often monochromatic and requiring adhesive and paint, have given way to sophisticated designs employing snap-fit technology and the innovative multi-color injection technique in a single runner of parts. This evolution has made Gunpla more accessible and appealing. They are characterized by a wide variety of scales and complexity "Grades"—such as High Grade (HG), Master Grade (MG), Perfect Grade (PG), and Real Grade (RG)—offering different levels of detail and construction challenge. This diversification caters to both beginner and experienced modelers, consolidating Gunpla as a global cultural phenomenon that merges collecting, creativity, and manual skill.
The Innovative Concept of the BHCPDII Museum and its Strategic Location
The choice of Shizuoka as the location for the BHCPDII Museum is deeply significant, as this prefecture is recognized as the "world capital of plastic modeling" and the cradle of this industry in Japan. The museum is built on the concept of "Attractive Factory" (Miseru Kojo), a trend in Japanese industrial tourism that transforms production centers into interactive and educational spaces. Bandai aims to offer unprecedented transparency, allowing visitors to observe manufacturing processes and the evolution of Plamo. The main objectives are to make plastic models more accessible and familiar, and for visitors to enjoy and thoroughly understand the design and manufacturing process, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for this art of model kit assembly.
An Immersive Experience in Plamo Design
The BHCPDII Museum will offer a multifaceted tour:
In the Study Area, visitors will acquire knowledge about plastic models, their manufacturing processes, and the technologies employed. It includes the PLAMO Theater for an audiovisual introduction, the Study Room to delve into history and the creative process, and the Study Road detailing the technological process of the Bandai Hobby Center. From here, one can observe the factory's interior.
The heart of the interactive experience will be the Laboratory Area. Here, visitors can "become Plamo designers for a day" through the "Plamo designer test." After receiving an identification card (DESIGNER ID), they will participate in simulations of key development phases: modeling design (MODELING), coloring design (COLORING), mold design (MOLD), observation of parts injection (Injection), and package design (PACKAGE). Upon completion, they will receive an original package designed by themselves and a runner plate as a souvenir.
The visit continues in the Plastic Model Gallery, where models designed by professionals and various creations showcasing the artistic potential of modeling will be exhibited, serving as inspiration for future Gunpla builders.
Shizuoka: Birthplace of Japanese Modeling
Shizuoka prefecture boasts a rich heritage in the modeling industry. It was here, in 1961, that Aoshima Co., Ltd. launched Japan's first plastic model. Shortly thereafter, Tamiya established its company, initially a lumber business, which would evolve into a plastic modeling giant. The presence of these pioneering companies, along with Bandai's own Hobby Center, has consolidated Shizuoka as the epicenter of modeling in Japan, fostering an ecosystem of innovation, specialized talent, and an industrial culture geared towards precision. Events like the Shizuoka Hobby Show reinforce this position, attracting fans of robot modeling and other figures.
Bandai: Legacy of Continuous Innovation
Bandai's journey in plastic modeling is distinguished by constant evolution and innovation since its founding in 1950. With Gunpla, it introduced revolutionary advancements such as the multi-color injection system, which reduced the need for painting, and the snap-fit system, which eliminated the use of glue, making the hobby more accessible. The development of polyethylene parts for joints (polycaps) improved posability. More recently, Bandai has incorporated technologies like computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing for prototypes, integration of LEDs without visible wires, and metallic finishes (plating) in high-end kits. The Bandai Hobby Center in Shizuoka is the nucleus of this innovation, where engineers, designers, and modelers collaborate on research and development of new products and technologies for Gundam kits.
The Cultural Impact of Gunpla and the Future of Plamo
Gunpla has transcended its product status to become a global cultural phenomenon, intrinsically linked to otaku culture. The international expansion of anime has boosted Gunpla's popularity, forming communities of fans worldwide, evidenced by events like the Gunpla Builders World Cup. The new museum aims to attract both veterans of the modeling hobby and new enthusiasts.
The BHCPDII Museum represents a strategic investment in the future of this hobby. By showcasing the manufacturing process and the technology involved, Bandai educates on the value and complexity of Plamo. The interactive design experience seeks to inspire new generations, fostering creativity, patience, and attention to detail. In a digital world, plastic modeling offers a valuable tactile and creative activity. Bandai thus aspires to cultivate a new wave of enthusiasts, ensuring the future relevance of Plamo and potentially sparking interest in STEM disciplines.
Key Information for Visiting the BHCPDII Museum
Opening Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Location: Inside the new Bandai Hobby Center factory, 500-15 Nagamuma, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka 420-0813, Japan.
Access: A 3-minute walk from Nagamuma Station (Shizuoka Railway) and an 8-minute walk from Higashi-Shizuoka Station (JR Tokaido Line).
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Estimated Visit Duration: Approximately 90 minutes.
Closing Days: Sundays, Mondays, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, and other days designated by the company.
Tickets:
Adults (13 years and older): ¥2,860.
Children (up to 12 years old): ¥1,100.
Preschoolers (under 5 years old): Free (conditions apply; each adult can accompany up to two preschoolers; children 12 years old or younger must be accompanied by a guardian 18 years or older).
Reservations: Advance reservation is mandatory. Lottery applications for September 2025 tickets will begin on June 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM (JST).
Official Website: https://bhcpdii.bandai-hobby.net/
Sources:
- BHCPDII MUSEUM | バンダイホビーセンター プラモデザイン ... BHCPDII Museum Official Website. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://bhcpdii.bandai-hobby.net/
- Enter the World of Plamo Design — Bandai's New BHCPDII Museum Opens September 2! | Gundam Kits Collection. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://www.gundamkitscollection.com/2025/05/enter-world-of-plamo-design-bandais-new.html
- Gundam, un legado en maquetas | cooljapan.es. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://cooljapan.es/gundam-legado-maquetas-gunpla/
- GunPla - How It's Made? | Gundam Kits Collection. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://www.gundamkitscollection.com/2023/12/how-was-gunpla-made.html
- Unleash Your Creativity: Dive into Animaga's Gunpla & Plamo Workshop | Animaga. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://animaga.com.au/craft-your-masterpiece-enter-animagas-gunpla-plamo-workshop/