Tomytec's Building Collection is a series of highly detailed model kits that bring urban scenes to life in miniature scale. These kits, typically in 1/150 scale, are perfect for model railroaders and diorama enthusiasts who want to construct realistic cityscapes with authentic, pre-assembled structures.
What Is A Showa-Era Shopping District?
(Sign marking the entrance to Showa no Machi's shopping streets, image: wikipedia)
The Showa-Era (1926-1989) in Japan was a period of great transformation. During this time, bustling shopping streets, known as shotengai, became vibrant community hubs. These areas were characterized by small, family-owned shops, distinct architectural styles, and a lively atmosphere that served as the heart of neighborhood life.
Bringing The Era To Life
The Tomytec Coffee Shop/Bicycle Shop kit perfectly captures a classic urban scene. This duo features an old-fashioned coffee house with a quaint look and a neighboring bicycle shop, complete with a detailed repair area. It is a fundamental set for any nostalgic diorama, evoking the distinct feel of a past time.
TOMYTEC 1/150 Building Collection 188 Coffee Shop/Bicycle Shop
A Cultural Touchstone
This secondhand bookstore and electronics store kit adds to the cultural richness of the scene. The bookstore, with its vintage aesthetic, and the electronics shop, representing the era's rapid technological advancement, reflect the varied businesses that defined these shopping arcades. They provide a sense of visual storytelling for your layout.
TOMYTEC 1/150 Building Collection 189 Secondhand Bookstore/Electronics Store
Essential Everyday Commerce
The Rice Cracker Shop and Pickle Shop kit provides the authentic feel of a Japanese market street. These stores, central to daily life, are a visual treat for any layout, and their distinct designs highlight the diverse commerce of the period. Adding these kits is a great way to showcase a nostalgic and lively atmosphere.
TOMYTEC 1/150 Building Collection 190 Rice Cracker Shop/Pickle Shop
Fresh Goods for Your Miniature Town
No shopping district is complete without fresh food vendors. The Tomytec Fish Shop and Vegetable Shop kit represents the quintessential neighborhood merchants who were the heart of a community. These kits add the distinct charm and realism of a local market, completing your miniature cityscape with the lively feel of everyday life.
TOMYTEC 1/150 Building Collection 191 Fish Shop/Vegetable Shop 1R
Finishing Details
To complete the urban scenery, the Shopping Street Accessories Set provides the finishing touches. This collection of street lamps, utility poles, and entrance gates adds depth and realism. These pre-colored components are designed to perfectly complement the building kits, creating a truly immersive and authentic miniature world.
TOMYTEC 1/150 Scenery Accessories 124-2 Shopping Street Accessories Set 2
The Spirit of the Shotengai
The Japanese shotengai serves as a great inspiration for the scale modeling world. They offer a unique blend of history and human connection, making them a compelling subject for miniature recreation. Rebuilding these districts allows enthusiasts to preserve a piece of a bygone era and share the beauty of their detailed craftsmanship.
