There was something for everyone at Bandai's booth this year, with new Gunpla, Figure-rise Standard kits, and more! What caught our eye first was, of course, the impressive HGUC Penelope from "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash"! The Odysseus Gundam is great on its own, but with its massive flight unit equipped, it easily stands out above the rest and we can't wait to see it in color!

Another exciting anouncement was the long-awaited HG kit of the Gundam Sandrock, appropriately displayed with a swarm of HGAC Maganacs around him! We've been hoping to see new kits of the "Gundam Wing" mobile suits for years, so we hope that Bandai keeps these beauties coming! And speaking of "Gundam Wing," we're getting a new SD Gundam Cross Silhouette kits of the iconic Wing Gundam Zero EW, complete with its wings which can be displayed enveloping its mini body.

From Bandai's Figure-rise Standard series comes the amazing Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker, which has been specially equipped with a slide gimick to allow you to show his body splitting into two! They've also got plenty of new anime characters on the way as well, including Asuna from the newly announced "Sword Art Online" lineup, and a new "Dragon Ball" kit in the form of SSJ4 Gogeta. Other new additions included a new SD Cross Silhouette Gaogaiger, a new Puchirittsu series of chibi "Fate/Grand Order" figure kits, and so much more!

We've been a little lonely for Transformers in recent months, so we were glad to see Takara Tomy at the show with their newest eye candy! Not only did they show off their previously announced Masterpiece MP-46 Beast Wars Blackwidow / Blackarachnia in full color this time, but we also got to see the incredible Masterpiece Movie MPM-08 Megatron! There were plenty of other Transformers as well, from SG-37 Leader Class Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime to SG-35 Voyager Class Thundercracker, and much more.

Transfomers weren't the only surprises at the show, however, as Takara Tomy announced a new lineup of their "Trivers" series of action figures, with the very impressive looking Tri-Dasher, which can transform into three different forms. They also showed off a new Strike Buffalo from the Diaclone series, and more!

Kotobukiya didn't show us much in the way of sneak peeks, so we knew we were in for plenty of surprises at the show, and they did not disappoint! First up is their new kit of Rockman X (or Mega Man X) in his Max Armor, looking even cooler than their previously announced kit of X with its mix of colors and impressive level of detail.

They've also announced a ton of new additions to their popular female figure kit series, including the lovely Jene (Stella Innocent Ver.) from "Phantasy Star Online 2 es," the original character Ludens from Kojima Productions, as well as figures from Megami Device, "Alice Gear Aegis," and more! We're also excited to get our hands on the new M.S.G Dress Up Parts to add a new look to the Frame Arms Girls and other Kotobukiya kits!

Last but certainly not least was a huge new lineup of "Zoids"! There were unfortunately no prototyes on display, but we were excited enough to just see images of the upcoming 1/35 Wild Liger and other suits from the series.

From four-wheeled wonders to science-fiction stars, Hasegawa was a hot spot at this year's show! Leading the way was the starship Minerva, featured in Japan's long-running "Crusher Joe" franchise of novels, manga, and anime productions. This 1/400-scale beauty features pre-colored parts and a snap-fit design to build into an end result you'll be proud of! In-scale versions of other iconic crafts in the series, the Galeon and Fighter 1 and 2, are included. A gray prototype was on display at the show, so we look forward to seeing the kit in color this July!

From Hasegawa's lineup of Japanese speed machines came the 1/24-scale kit of the Toyota Starlet EP71 Turbo S (3-Door) Late Production Type! The third-generation Starlet's sporty 1988 version has been precisely reproduced in this all-new kit, which was shown off completed at the booth. Meanwhile, from the latest in Japan's rice-farming technology came the 1/35-scale Yanmar Combine YH6115. Easy to build, and with no need of paint thanks to pre-colored parts, this kit features an array of movable parts as well as a male operator, modeled from a prototype by Satoshi Tsujimura. This one was also shown off in its gray prototype form, but it's sure to look beautiful when built!

Satoshi Tsujimura is doing quite a favor for your own model cars, too, sculpting the prototypes for shapely 1/24-scale ladies to show off your vehicles as if they were at a car show! With each standing about 73mm upon completion, these easily assembled kits of fashion models are sure to spice up your car display.

Arriving with June's summer heat will be a 1/24-scale kit of a hero from the 1992 All Japan Sports Prototype Car Endurance Championship (JSPC) season, the YHP Nissan R92CP! Featuring new rear cowl, rear panel, side panel, and wheel parts, and Cartograph decal markings for the NISMO team's car 24, this one really shone at the Hasegawa booth!

Aoshima came up with a number of impressive surprises at this year's Shizuoka Hobby Show! Bringing along a wide range of new reveals and upcoming releases, from highly detailed kits to amazing hobby tools, there was a lot to enjoy at their booth!

We were especially excited to see a prototype of the 1/48 Grim Reaper 'Edelstein' from Titanomachia, a collaboration between Aoshima, Kotobukiya, GodHand, and a number of other big-names in the industry which impressed all in attendance. Teased with nothing but two impressive looking mechs and a poster, we can't wait to find out more about this new series produced by Naoki!

Also on display were new and upcoming additions to Aoshima's affordable and easy-to-build snap-kit series, including the new-mold Toyota C-HR which is available soon in black mica or white pearl crystal shine, as well as prototypes of the Nissan GT-R and the Suzuki Jimny, slated for release this fall!

Prototypes from their Anime Character Kit Selection (ACKS) series were also on display, including the long-awaited Aigis from the popular series "Persona," along with the next addition to the ACKS Variable Fighter Girls kit, Messiah! Posed with her alternative headgear, the highly detailed Aigis kit is expected this year in Fall! A superbly detailed color prototype of the Future Boy Conan Flying Machine I and II was also on display, showing off its vibrant coloring scheme. This incredible addition to the "Future Boy Conan" line-up is a must-have!

Aoshima also brought along their amazing Artisan's Club Portable compressor and airbrush kit. Available in May, this tool is bound to be a great addition to any hobbyist's kit!

Good Smile Company returned to Shizuoka Hobby Show with a new lineup of kits from their "MODEROID" series, among other exciting items! Our favorite had to be the upcoming MODEROID Escaflowne, which hit us right in the nostalgia, as many of the HLJ staff saw the series during their high school days. The kit was still in its gray prototype form and no release date was revealed, so we look forward to seeing more information on this item soon.

Also on the way from the MODEROID line is the N700A Nozomi from the "Shinkalion" series, the Blassty from the classic 1980's video game "Cruise Chaser Blassty," and a new MODEROID of Ariel with her flight unit equipment!

Last but not least were new entries to the Good Smile Racing lineup, including the recently announced Hatsune Miku AMG: 2019 Ver. in 1/18 and 1/43 scale, as well as a new 1/43 bus from JR Kanto.

Max Factory came prepared to blow our minds this year at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, introducing a completely new line of collectible models to their PLAMAX family: The nose collection, featuring the noses of select PLAMAX plane models! In particular we were amazed by the VF-31 Siegfried noses available in special designs for all 6 Walküre members from "Macross Delta"!

Also on display was the upcoming Japan release of Warhammer 40,000's Space Marine Heroes Series 3, featuring the chosen disciples of Nurgle, the Death Guard. With each death guard representing a distinct named hero, they're great not only for your Warhammer army but also for you collection!

A highly detailed Abitate F44A Crab Gunner from the 1980's classic mecha manga, "Fang of the Sun Dougram" was also present, alongside an Abitate F35C Blizzard Gunner. Additionally, the VF-1 Super Strike Fighter Valkyrie which is available this fall was on display in all of its 1/20 scale Max Factory PLAMAX glory, matched only by the VF-1 Super Strike Gerwalk Valkyrie on display next to it. Last but not least, Max Factory featured a fun minimum factory model of Hisone and Masotan on display alongside their other detailed works of art.

Tomytec gave an impressive show this year, showing off their collaboration with "Desktop Army" for their Little Armory series. These small, highly poseable figures will be an excellent collectible for any fan of the Little Armory franchise. They confirmed production of Asato Miyo, Shiina Rikka, and Raino Miharu.

Speaking of Little Armory, figma fans rejoice! The Shirane Rin figma prototype was on full display. We don't get to have a look at her full included accessories or paint job yet, but the unpainted prototype got us excited about what more we'll see of her in the future. The figma hype-train continued at the show as they showed off their upcoming separately sold additions for figma displays, including a shooting house diorama scene set and a Montague Paratrooper which is sized perfectly for the figma of your choice to take a ride on.

Finally, let's talk about one of their many upcoming car collectibles coming up. They displayed a duo of Tomica Limited Vintage Neo LV-N192a/b Mazda Savanna RX-7 in 1/64 scale. These should be exciting for the collectors who prefer the smaller variety of replicas.

Platz was back with another great showing this year! Starting off with the JASDF T-1A, the fuselage is made from entirely new molds, is easy to assemble, and features precise reproduction of all the T-1A's intricate parts. They're also bringing us 3 kits straight out of the 2019 anime series, "The Magnificent Kotobuki." Each comes with 2 complete kits that feature decals to recreate the characters' beloved aircraft!

For a more unique showing, Platz brought their 1/50 Putzmeister M38-5 Concrete Pump "Yamakon" from "Shin Godzilla." Seeing how the concrete pump parts could extend so far in person was really something! Definitely eye-catching, to say the least.

We saw a few collaborations from Platz this year, as well. They teamed up with Hobby NuNu to put together a 1/24 BMW M8 GTE plastic kit. The sculpt looked incredibly sleek and we can't wait until they release more details about the new cars in their racing series. Platz also showed off a collaboration with Dragon, giving us a glimpse into their new 1/35 WW.II German Army Panther Ausf.F Anti-air Additional Armor Type plastic kit.

Fine Molds was ready to impress with their new kit celebrating the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Zero-class Fighter on display! The kit includes parts to build two Zero Fighters, the Prototype 12-shi and Model 11, both featuring newly molded parts to accurately recreate these historical fighters. They're a must-have for any fan of the Zero, and looked great back-to-back at the Fine Molds booth.

Their second new kit hails from the comic, "Girls und Panzer: Ribbon no Musha," and recreates Team Oni's Type 94 Tankette Super Kai and unmanned turret. The unique equipment has been captured in precise detail, including a newly molded automatic gun and parts for the tracks. The kit will also include photo-etched parts for the muffler cover and fender stay. In addition to their armor, Fine Molds also announced a new line of 1/35 scale figures, "Rekisou Wotome," which captures women in historical millitary uniforms.

Along with their new kits, Fine Molds also showcased their earlier releases, such as the 1/35 Type 97 Light AFV Teke, the 1/35 Type 41 75mm Mountain Gun Mountain artillery, and the 1/72 IJA 150t Super Heavy Tank O-I!

It should come as no surprise that Tamiya's line-up at the Shizuoka Hobby Show this year was something to behold! We were especially excited to check out the 1/10 Mazda 3 RC Car, which was displayed magnificently next to a teased Supra with its real-life counterpart. The surface of this Mazda 3 RC was sleek beyond belief, featuring a smooth finish with a polycarbonate body. We could tell this new creation boasts stability, having a shaft-driven 4WD TT-02 chassis that employs a functional layout. It was definitely an incredible display at the Shizuoka Hobby Show!

Speaking of cars, the RC HKS Nissan Skyline GT-R Gr.A was another pleasant sight on the showroom floor. This is a replica of the same vehicle that raced in the 1993 Japanese Touring Car Championship and possesses many victories. We were charmed by the design of this racing car kit and the sheets of marking stickers to recreate the famous logos. It looks like the wheel arches are pre-cut for a simpler body assembly experience as well.

From their 1/35 Military Miniature Series came the British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles. Originally a modified U.S. M10 tank destroyer with a fitted 17 PDR gun, this tank has been rendered as accurately as possible, created after careful and extensive examination of the original machine. In addition, four figures are included in the assembly kit, so you'll be able to set up a display with an extra boost of realism!

And we can't forget about Tamiya's 1/12 Motorcycle Series! Rev your engines for a scale of the popular and eccentric-looking Honda Monkey 125 that we saw on the showroom floor! There's no doubt that this model assembly kit captures the charming adaptability of the original compact form. With a realistic depiction of the single-cylinder engine, metal-plated parts, and an authentic tread pattern on the synthetic rubber tires, you'll definitely want to make this a part of your collection!

On the military side of Tamiya's booth we saw the IJN Destroyer Yukikaze detail-up set. This kit includes parts for even the tiniest of details, such as the handrails and skid beams. Sleek and sharp textures from etching parts made the torpedo transport rails, brass masts, and gun barrels feel like an incredibly precise replica of the original. We were also charmed by the inclusion of a small lifebuoy on the side. This kit had an incredibly realistic feeling to it for sure.

Revell hit the showroom floor with two brand new kits for us to goggle at this year! First off, we have the Deutz D30 Tractor plastic kit. This kit features Revell's popular easy-click system, providing support to beginners. It features a 100% new mold and pre-painted parts. Speaking of new molds, the A320 Neo "Lufthansa" plastic kit was revealed, as well. It featured a dark gray mold color and also clear plastic parts. Finally, we got a look at Revell's upcoming 1/25 Shelby GT-H; looking sleek and glossy on display.

Doyusha had a little of everything this year, from aircraft, to nostalgia, to robots, to tools, and even educational kits of the human body!

First up is a model for all you big-scale aircraft fans out there, a 1/32nd scale Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero Type 21, which comes in three versions to choose from. And for the more advanced modelers, they brought out a new engraving tool so you can bring out the most detail in your project.

Science Ninja Team Gatchaman II New God Phoenix had an excellent display, giving an in-depth looking into each and every little detail and part included in the to-be-released kit. It's molded in color so you'll have a great-looking result without the need for paint, and it'll be a big 39.5cm long with a wingspan of 31cm when completed. You also get unpainted figures of the Gatchaman team members and their individual vehicles! The New God Phoenix can be assembled in flight mode or landed mode, and the position of its wings can be changed. Translucent flame parts are even included to reproduce its Phoenix Mode!

For a bit of a nostalgia kit, Doyusha surprised our team by bringing out some Ronin Warriors' collectibles. They displayed both the figures and packaging, giving us one heck of a throwback at the vintage-like box art.

And last but not least is their series of human body models which took up tons of space at their display, with everything from the full human skeleton, to the ear, mouth, and heart ready to build and enjoy for a bit of educational modeling.

Meng continues to offer an amazing selection of kits in different genres, as evidenced by their display at the show! First up was their new kit of the U.S. Medium Tank M4A3 [76] W, featuring two kinds of suspensions and road wheels, which had the same spring shape as the real vehicle. They also showed off their recently released British RR Armoured Car 1914/1920.

Next up was their new Harbor in the Industrial Age, a stylized harbor kit that fits perfectly with their "Warship Builder" series of mini ships! They also showed off their "World War Toons" A12 Matilda II, which was nicely completed and painted for the show. And last up was their hot 1/9 Kawasaki Ninja H2R motorcycle, which features a realistic vinyl seat, as well as pre-painted air intake screen meshes, carbon fiber texture decals, and plenty more to make this beauty shine.

We've covered many of the biggest booths above, but there's plenty more where those came from!

We headed over to Takom's booth to check out their 1/35 Jagdpanther G1 Early Production kit, which featured Zimmerit coating along with a full interior we we finally got to see in person, and the detail was really worth a closer look! Rye Field Model was also there to show off their latest selection for armor fans, and had their upcoming 1/35 M4A3E8 Sherman Easy Eight on display. The kit featured a periscope loader that can be rotated at any angle, and a rotatable command tower, too! Last up from the armor roundup was ICM, with plenty of their recent military kits on display, from tanks to aircraft, including their impressive 1/32 Bucker Bu131D German Training Aircraft, and other kits in 1/48 and 1/72 scale to choose from.

Wingnut Wings showed us their plans and parts for their upcoming Avro Lancaster B.MK.III "Dambusters" in 1/32 scale, and over at Yamashita Hobby we saw their Japanese Destroyer Shikinami 1944, along with other finely detailed ships in 1/700 scale. We also met up with new manufacturer Vic Hobby, who showed off their amazing water-color paints in action with impressive finesse.

Modelium was also there showing off their highly detailed GeoElementalVessel series miniatures, with a whole range of 3D printed purposed vessels that fit perfectly with the Geocraper series items! Studio Yuwa gave us a sneak peek of what's in the works with their Plamo Block collaboration of their Plamosal line, and last up was Marui, who displayed a high quality "Gun Gale Online" themed gas blowback airsoft pistol which they appropriately named Vorpal Bunny after the pink P90 wielding LLENN. This item unfortunately can't be shipped overseas, but we just had to show it off in all its pink glory!