Bandai Spirits Launches New Plastic Model Brand "FUNPORTER"
On January 15, Bandai Spirits launched "FUNPORTER," a new umbrella brand for its plastic model products and services under the Hobby Division. The brand embodies the catchphrase "The joy of making. The joy of discovery."
The naming embodies the desire for the brand to be an entity that brings the essential value of plastic models—the joy of creating and the joy of learning more about the subject through that creation—to all people, regardless of nationality, gender, or age.
The launch of this new brand appears influenced by the plastic model kit market both domestically and internationally.
While overseas shipments of plastic models have been strong in recent years, particularly for Gundam plastic models (Gundam Plastic Models), the domestic market has remained largely flat, making the acquisition of new customers a challenge for manufacturers.
Following the new brand's announcement event at Tokyo Dome City Gallery AaMo in Bunkyo Ward on February 14, the company held an event embodying the brand, titled "Do You Know the Truth About 'Making'? Exhibition," from the following day until the 17th.
The venue featured displays of prototype and upcoming plastic models, with various sections offering opportunities for "discovery" and "experience."
The plastic models of the Sega Saturn game console, Kakinotane snacks, and Tamagotchi were so highly detailed they could be mistaken for the real thing. The chocolate plastic model even reproduced the sensation of breaking it.
The plastic model displays for "Dr. Slump: Arale-chan" and "Gundam" showed the assembly sequence, revealing how even parts that become invisible once assembled were meticulously recreated.
The new product "30 MINUTES MISSIONS" corner showcased its benefits—intuitive assembly and the ability to enjoy various variations by rearranging parts—using large figures and projection mapping.
An experience booth allowed visitors to see footage of the Star Wars plastic model "1/5000 Star Destroyer" captured by a live camera, confirming the model's precision rivaling the movie. There was also a corner for building plastic models on-site and the "PLAMO LABO" workshop introducing the company's technical capabilities. The event was bustling daily with families and others.
Official Website: https://bandai-hobby.net/site/funporter/
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