SHOP 3: BLOCKHEAD MOTORS TOKYO
I have a feeling model kits are going to become my new hobby.
—Next up is “Blockhead Motors Tokyo,” owned by designer JUN WATANABE. The shop specializes in Tamiya radio-controlled cars, as well as plastic models and original apparel. Today, the owner, JUN, will be showing us around. Have either of you ever played with radio-controlled cars?
Kato: I remember playing with toy cars like Tomica, but I don’t think I ever had a remote-controlled car. I have this image of people from the generation just above mine being really into them.
Tamaki: I’m not really an expert on this either, but just being inside this store has me all excited. It feels like “adults rediscovering their childhood dreams,” and the atmosphere is just amazing.
JUN: The RC cars in the display case are part of a non-sale exhibition area. I think there are quite a few rare ones there.
Tamaki: Wow, that's so cool. It's just full of boyhood dreams.
JUN: This is the remote control. You steer it using the round part that looks like a steering wheel, and moving the part where you rest your fingers makes it go forward or backward.
Tamaki: It didn't look like the remote control I had imagined. It looks like it'll take some getting used to.
Have you ever built a plastic model kit?
Kato: I don’t have any experience with that. I like anime, but I haven’t really collected figures or anything like that. Zhou Qi probably has a better knack for making these kinds of detailed items than I do.
Tamaki: I love getting completely absorbed in things like drawing, writing, or composing music. So, you’re right—model kits might be right up my alley. I just haven’t tried them yet, but if I did, I’d probably get totally hooked.
JUN: It’s the perfect hobby for when you want to stay home, which is why model kits have become so popular during the pandemic. When you’re focused on building them, time just flies by.
Tamaki: Of everything I saw today, this "Honda S600" really caught my eye. The box has such a cool design that I almost want to keep it as is without opening it.
Kato: Since you're at it, why don't you just make it? (lol)
Honda S600 Plastic Model Kit ¥3,300
Tamaki: I see, so I have to paint it after I put it together. Painting seems like the harder part—I’m not confident I can do it as well as they did on the box…
JUN: It’s totally fine to do whatever you want. You don’t have to paint exactly like the sample, and you can even doodle all you like.
Tamaki: That’s going to be a real test of my taste… (lol). But I’ve found a great new hobby! I’m going to give it a try whenever I have some free time.
SHOP INFORMATION
BLOCKHEAD MOTORS TOKYO
Business hours: 11:00 - 21:00
Official Site