Shizuoka’s Famous Model Installations Become Gashapon Keychains! 🧰📞📮
GENCO has announced a new capsule toy series celebrating the “Model Capital of the World”—Shizuoka City, with its Model Art Miniature Keychains, turning iconic model-inspired public structures into detailed collectibles!
These charming figures will be sold via capsule machines nationwide later in 2025, with early sales at the 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show from May 14–18, 2025.
Shizuoka – Japan’s Model Industry Mecca
Home to legendary model kit makers like Tamiya, Aoshima, Bandai, and Fujimi, Shizuoka is more than scenic—it’s the beating heart of Japan’s plastic model culture.
Since 2020, the Shizuoka City Government has been working with Hakuhodo Inc. on the “Shizuoka City Assembly Model Project,” aiming to blend tourism and model manufacturing pride. The city installed life-sized sprue-style monuments such as:
✔ Postal boxes shaped like plastic kit parts
✔ Public phones inside model frame shells
✔ Giant “Model Capital” signs around JR Shizuoka Station and Twin Messe Exhibition Center
And now—these quirky, eye-catching installations have been downsized for your keyring!
Gashapon Miniature Series Details
🧱 Keychain Lineup Includes:
1️⃣ Public Phone Booth Monument – complete with model sprue frame and keypad details
2️⃣ Postbox Monument – rendered in classic red with sprue-style support base
3️⃣ Model Capital Sign (JR Shizuoka Station) – featuring official embossed lettering
4️⃣ Model Capital Sign (Twin Messe Center) – capturing the bold text on realistic signage plates
Each figure stands approximately 5 cm (Approximately 2 inches) tall and comes pre-assembled with an attached keyring. The designs are faithful miniatures of real Shizuoka landmarks—perfect for those who’ve visited or hope to make a future model pilgrimage.
🎯 Highlights:
✔ Ultra-detailed sculpting based on real-life model art installations
✔ Official collaboration with Shizuoka Model Cooperative and city officials
✔ Lightweight and durable—made from ABS and metal
✔ Ideal for model fans, local supporters, and Japan souvenir seekers
From my experience with regional capsule toys, it’s rare to see such niche local pride turned into collectibles. These aren’t just keychains—they’re tiny tokens of Shizuoka’s identity as the model-maker’s hometown.
Product Details
Series: Shizuoka Model Art Miniature Keychain
Manufacturer: GENCO
Theme: Model Capital of the World – Shizuoka
Material: ABS & Metal
Height: Approx. 5 cm (Approximately 2 inches)
Type: Capsule Toy / Gashapon
Price: 400 yen per capsule (Approximately $2.60 USD)
Release Date: 2025 (Early sales at Shizuoka Hobby Show, May 14–18)
Conclusion
With their clever designs and heartfelt connection to Shizuoka’s modeling culture, these Model Art Miniature Keychains are more than novelties—they’re souvenirs of craftsmanship, community, and creativity.
Whether you’re a fan of plastic models, regional capsule figures, or just love quirky urban art, these are must-haves for your keychain or collection shelf.
If you can’t make it to the Shizuoka Hobby Show, be sure to keep an eye on capsule machines across Japan this year—you just might snag a little piece of the model world capital. 🧩🏙️
