Shoei Factory

Post by ChenKenichi

Well, after seeing some cool posts from Jim with photos from many modelgun shops, I decided to find some pictures of my own that I took when I was studying in Tokyo. The day I went to UNCLE (and spent maybe 2 hours inside!) I forgot my camera . Nonetheless I snapped a few photos of some other places.

Because I happen to be friends with one of Tomio's friends (Tomio-Shoei president), I was very lucky and received the offer to go over to the Shoei workshop in Asahi-kawaguchi.

Prior to going over to Suidobashi station to meet my friend, I had a few hours to kill, so I went over a station or two to Akihabara. While going up the steps in the store, I saw a sign that read "moderu gan 6 kai" and immediately headed for the 6th floor. Upon entering I was very excited to see my favorite SMG of all time....



These Marushin MP40s were only about $145 that day. I forgot if it was a sale or not, nonetheless I'm ashamed I did not grab one.

Eventually we headed out to the factory. Since it was still "tsuyu", the rainy season, it was, well, very rainy. The streets surrounding the Shoei factory were filled with 2 to 4 inches of water! However, when we arrived, I was greeted by Tomio and the rest of the staff, given some drinks, and a blow-dryer to dry my pants and shoes.

After some introductions and chit chat they were kind enough to show me around and, though not 'model' guns, fire the MG42 and STG44 airsoft rifles.

This is Tomio and me, sorry...the camera flash made me blink.


MG42


I then, was shown some very cool model guns...including the FG42 series, G43, MKB42, and the STG44.



Tomio began to tell me his father, who unfortunately passed away recently, started CMC and used the same workshop that Shoei does today. This came as a surprise to me. I did not know CMC and Shoei were related manufacturers. Tomio has a one-of-a-kind CMC Mauser 98k that he also let me see. It was not only made by his dad, but also personalized with Kanji inscriptions.



I asked Tomio about the rumored MP40 model gun and airsoft blowback guns. He replied that due to the new Marushin blowback airsoft gun, they are not necessarily considering it anymore.

Tomio was kind enough to give us a lift back to the train station so we wouldn't have to walk through the rain and take the bus. During this time he brought up the possibility of making an STG45, the very late war STG44 replacement for Volksgrenadiers and the like. This was only chit-chat, not set in stone according to my understanding.

Cheers
Thomas

Post by figaro

Those are terrific photo's Thomas, thanks for sharing.
Jesse.
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www.thebutcher-movie.com

Post by Mark

Thanks for the pictures as well as the story Thomas! I would love to visit Japan in the future and see as many of the "gun" shops as i could see in a week. (as that's all the time that my employer will let me have i am sure ) I think that visiting the UNCLE shop might be dangerous to my wallet! Not to mention the shops employees would have to clean the drool off of the displays!
_________________
Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Post by ChenKenichi



Ha! Don't worry, they're already used to cleaning my drool off the displays.

Fantastic, you're a lucky man!

Wouldn't it be great if there was a shop here in the UK we could walk into too browse and drool over our next purchase!

Cerwyn
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Hobby collector of mainly WW2 era uniforms, headgear, field equipment and replica weapons.

Post by shazhib

Great photo.
It was quite an experience to visit one of modelgun factory.

I heard Shoei undertook some of CMC model even in when CMC was very active. Tanaka have done many wood work for CMC.

Anyway, thanks for sharing.

cheers,

S

Post by Jim

Now I'm jealous ChenKenichi - you'd the chance to visit Shoei...I'll take photos with the shopkeepers next time...

Yes unfortunately not only Tomio's dad - with his mother and his only long-time worker all passed away around the same time it's a huge blow to the brothers and the factory - and their production's behind schedule...

I respect Shoei making high quality replicas but unfortunately I don't like the models that they focus on - but if they make a deluxe version of the M1 Carbine (as well as other CMC models) I think I'll go for it for sure no matter how much they cost...oh wait, there's CAW - but shame they don't remake the Carbine as well as the Rugers...

Post by Jim



And hey Shazhib...can I just walk into the reception desk/lobby of huge makers such as Western Arms and Marui and then taking photos as to show that I've been there...? Also is there any visiting tour going on just like what the museums does - I reckon Marui attempted before.

Post by shazhib

Jim,

I've never tried, but I doubt it.
As you pointed out, maybe maybe Marui or Marushin as they are not only toy gun manufacturer, but also other type of toys or outside toy matters. Other smalls one, unless otherwise you know somebody, it is very difficult.

However, maybe it could be easier for somebody outside the country. Why, just imagine if somebody wants to visit you, which of whom you would meet with, somebody inside or outside the country. But really, don't know.

S

Post by Jim

Shazhib,

I think it only applies to Westerners - if they found out that I'm Chinese then I'll get kicked out immediately (especially Marui - the Chinese are hurting their AEG business).

Seriously, if I've the chance I'll definitely pay a visit to Craft Apple Shop and give them more advices/recommendations in foreigner's POV...will urge them to make a MP5 as well...

Post by shazhib

Jim,

This is not 1940's, that should not happen. If somebody treats you like that now here, I will kick his ass.

I've never been to CAW store, I heard it is pretty good. Only draw back is, bit far (between my home and Narita Air Port).

cheers,

Post by Jim

I haven't thought about the history - I just thought that the Marui staff might regard me as a spy from some Chinese AEG makers (be it from Taiwan/HK or even China) - but if it was wartime I think I'll be thrown into a gas chamber or to another biological experiment instead...(don't get me wrong - no hard feeling here. More Chinese were killed during the unnecessarily self-inflicted Cultural Revolution generated by Chairman Mao...).

Instead of kicking their ass I think it's more effective to kick them in the balls face-to-face...

OK enough...apart from UNCLE is there any other gun shops worth visiting around the Tokyo Metropolitan area? And ChenKenichi, any more photos & experience to share ?

I'll try to tell my experience in Taiwan gun shops (pre-modelgun ban era) as well soon...

Post by ChenKenichi



HI Jim,
Unfortunately the only other pictures I have are from airsoft stores. Not too many model guns, and like I said, I forgot my camera when I went to UNCLE.

I think because Shoei is a family business and my friend knows Tomio I was allowed to go. I am not sure if they always allow anyone to come to the factory. My friend told me he had never heard about people taking tours of Marushin, MGC, and other manufacturer's when I asked if we could go there too

I wanted to go to the Craft Apple Works place. I think it's in Chiba, which is where I was staying...too bad though. Maybe take some pictures and videos with the MP18?