Tazou Kobayashi (nickname Tanio) is considered the father of modelgun industry in Japan. He designed the first modelguns, worked and continues to work on modelgun and airsoft design. His career began as the first employee of MGC, later he became a vice-president. Since 1992 under his own mark he manufactures airsoft after-market accesories (for example twist barrels), but he also designed his own modelgun: GM7 (Colt 1911). In 1994 he designed the first airsoft gas blowback mechanism for Tokyo Marui.
After 2000 he decided to spend more time with manufacturers outside Japan to spread his knowledge. In 2003 he started to work with French company Cybergun, and later with Taiwanese airsoft manufacturer KJW. He created a new blowback engine for large airsoft assault rifles (used in KJW M4).
Tanio Koba company consists of Mr Kobayashi, his son, and three former MGC employees.