BANDAI SPIRITS
STORY

Experiencing our dedication to manufacturing and the evolution of plastic models

The concept of the BHC PDII Museum is to “change how factories and plastic models are seen.” Due to a persisting old-fashioned image, factory work is not exactly considered a popular job. Furthermore, despite the growing number of users, plastic models continue to be seen as a niche hobby.

The aim of the BHC PDII Museum is to change these stereotypes regarding factories and plastic models. It is a facility where you can experience Bandai Spirits’ dedication to manufacturing, the evolution of plastic models, and the challenges behind them.

Creating a place to provide a more in-depth perspective on plastic models

If the goal is to have visitors see the conditions of the factory, a simple factory tour would probably suffice. However, this will not change the way factories and plastic models are seen.

For example, though it might seem like a complete product, even Gunpla is still evolving. We pour extraordinary passion into our ongoing endeavor to refine the series and achieve the ultimate Gunpla. These products are packed with the pride and passion behind not works of art but mass-produced products, as well as the craftsmanship and aspirations of BHC. Even the slightest recognition of this helps reveal the true essence of our plastic models and makes their appeal shine through all the more.

As such, the BHC PDII Museum is designed to give visitors a more in-depth perspective on plastic models through profound learning and discovery.

A unique hands-on program for aspiring Plamo Designers

To enhance the experience with a clear purpose, we framed it as a story in which visitors take on the role of aspiring “Plamo Designers” (employees who work in the factory). This concept ties in with our desire to turn factory work into a dream occupation, which we touched on in the first part of the feature. By calling those who create the value of our plastic models Plamo Designers, we connect the visitor experience with the work carried out here. This also allows us to brand the work as a profession by giving it a name. Of course, it is hard to spread the word about a profession that no one has ever heard of, but we believe that our passion will resonate with more than a few museum visitors.

To give visitors a more in-depth perspective on plastic models, the facility is divided into two areas: a study area and a laboratory area. First, in the study area, students learn about the manufacturing process of plastic models and BHC’s dedication to manufacturing. Then, they move to the laboratory area for a hands-on experience as a Plamo Designer, engaging in a series of processes, including design, coloring, mold design, molding, package design, and more. Between each experience, visitors are able to see the factory in actual operation, giving them an even deeper understanding of how plastic models are made. Through this series of experiences, we hope that visitors will come to appreciate both the impressiveness of Plamo Designers and the depth of plastic model manufacturing.

Tricky games that highlight the reality of manufacturing

What’s interesting about the Plamo Designer experience is that it’s not just a matter of making whatever you want. Visitors can experience purposeful manufacturing, where they can balance their goals with productivity, just like the workers at BHC.

Our plastic models are not works of art, but mass-produced products that we deliver to customers around the world. Therefore, in manufacturing, we must consider whether a product is profitable. To manufacture a plastic model to completion, the work is divided among various employees, who take on roles like planning and design. While each employee may have their own view, they try their best to coordinate with each other. The program was designed so that visitors can experience the reality of manufacturing and the satisfaction of each role, presented in a game format where they aim for high scores.

We want children who visit to come away wanting to work here when they grow up. To help them truly discover the fun of manufacturing, we created this hands-on space that offers authentic job experiences.

An experience for all to enjoy, from children to adults

Although one of our aims is to make BHC a dream workplace for children, the BHC PDII Museum is a facility geared toward people of all ages. We aimed to create content that everyone can enjoy, from children to adults. In some parts, we intentionally used terms that are a little difficult to understand.

We are targeting all generations because we believe that to fulfill the concept of “changing how factories and plastic models are seen,” it is essential to appeal to not only children but also parents. If a child now says that they want to work at a factory, we want their guardians to support and encourage them. To that end, we hope to attract visitors from a wide range of generations.

Manufacturing in Japan is Still Very Much Alive

We at Bandai Spirits put such special attention into the factory and museum because we want to activate the power of manufacturing in Japan. We believe that finding new ways to convey the appeal of manufacturing and new trajectories for its evolution will help energize Japan’s manufacturing industry. Moreover, we want to be the ones to create such success stories.

This is why we value the concept of “changing how factories and plastic models are seen” above all else. Given the abstract nature of the theme, we expect it will take many years to fully realize. Still, we believe that the concept is packed with reasons why we should try.

It would be the ultimate joy if, a decade or so from now, we were to learn that someone who discovered manufacturing through their experience at BHC PDII ended up creating the invention of the century.