It all started in 1946, when Mr. Yoshio Tamiya, the founder, opened a saw mill and lumber business in Shizuoka. Tamiya ventured into modeling in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has continued to grow, producing models known as "First in Quality Around the World".
- 1946 May: A sawmill/lumber company is founded in Oshika, Shizuoka-City, Japan and named Tamiya Shoji & Co.
- 1948 Apr: A wooden model department is organized within the lumber company.
- 1953 Jun: Sawmill is closed, and Tamiya becomes a specialized wooden model kit maker.
