BANDAI's "PDII Model Museum" opens on September 2 as a new highlight of Shizuoka's "Model City"!

Shizuoka City, known as the "Model City," is once again bringing a new attraction to the city! On September 2, 2025, the new "BHC PDII Model Experience Museum (バンダイホビーセンター PDII MUSEUM)," created by Bandai Spirits, will be officially opened to the public. This museum, which combines "watching, learning and experiencing," allows visitors to experience the top technology and creativity of Japan's modeling industry up close and personal, and allows everyone from children to adults to enjoy the fun of making models.

Shizuoka = The heart of Japan's modeling industry

Shizuoka City is home to many famous model manufacturers, including Tamiya, Hasegawa, Aoshima, and Bandai. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in 2023, Shizuoka's shipment of plastic models accounted for more than 80% of Japan's total shipments, making it a true "model city".

Highlights of the BHC PDII Model Experience Center

Location:500-15 Naganuma, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City (inside the Barndale Hobby Center PDII)
Business Hours:09:00-17:30 (by appointment only, closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Fares:Adults 2,860 yen / Children 1,100 yen / Free for preschoolers

• "Watch":Through the transparent window, you can see the real production process of plastic molding and packaging.
• "Learning":The exhibition will demonstrate the complete engineering and technical evolution of modeling such as Gainpla.
• "Experience":Become a "Model Designer" and participate in the whole process from designing, coloring to packaging, and bring back the exclusive boxed set of your own design!

Shizuoka City Modeling Project" for urban marketing

Since 2020, Shizuoka City has been promoting the "Plamo Monument Project", whereby street scenes are transformed into "Plamo Monument", which are modeled parts, and are located in 15 places in the city, allowing visitors to touch and interact with them while taking photos. For example, visitors can take photos with the Plamo Monument as if it were a model, or take photos with the Plamo Monument as if it were a mailbox or a public phone, which is a fun way to play.

Concurrent Events

In addition to the opening of the new museum, Shizuoka has a wealth of related events:

• Shimizu Hobby Show (Shimizu Hobby Show)(August 30-31, 2025): A gathering of seven major model brands (Tamiya, Aosima, Hasegawa, Batanga, etc.), with hands-on workshops for parents and children and free introductory classes.
• The 2nd National Collegiate Modeler's Rights Conference(December 13-14, 2025): Japan's first modeling competition for high school students, with about 50 schools across the country competing to demonstrate youth and creativity.

A must-see for modeling fans in Shizuoka!

A trip to Shizuoka is not just about buying a model, it's about experiencing it in depth:

• Shizuoka Hobby Square: Showcasing the works of five major model brands and Shizuoka crafts.
• SUNBURU Kobo TAKUMI SHIRUKUBamboo crafting, ceramics, and the Tamiya Modeling Workshop, where you can assemble a miniature four-wheel drive or paint a dinosaur, are some of the activities on offer.
• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (くのうざん とうしょうぐう)Shizuoka Shrine: A national treasure shrine that showcases the works of major modelers and testifies to the historical origins of Shizuoka's model culture.

Conclusion

Shizuoka is not only a city of nature and history, but also a paradise for modeling enthusiasts. The newly opened "BHC PDII Model Museum", the "Plamonics" that dot the streets, and the lively contests and exhibitions are all part of the city's unique charm. On your next visit to Japan, why not add "Shizuoka, the model city" to your itinerary and enjoy a trip full of creativity and surprises?