The key highlights of this year Tomica Event

Tomica Event Model (TEM) is no stranger to every local and serious collector. Every year they will usually have a couple of small scale events around Japan followed by 1 or 2 bigger scale. Unlike past events with the usual repeat castings, they surprise many this year for the Osaka Event held from 27 April to 5 May.

The 3 highlights out of the 8 event models are, The Suzuki Carry Pig Truck, Toyota MR2 and the Honda Civic Type R (FK2). I almost purchase the Nissan Fairlady but for now I will just feature these. 

Some background on getting these TEM. Before the event open, hundreds of passionate local collectors will queue up early in the morning to get their hands on these TEM which starts from 800 yen (USD 7) with a certain purchase limit. I learn from my friend that just after an hour the Honda Civic Type R is limit to now one per visitor. 

There are resellers in the event as well, but in the Japan scene the collectors outshine resellers which I will cover in my later posts. Anyway I’m grateful to get these for a decent price as only very limited numbers will be available on the secondary market.

The made in Japan Suzuki Carry Pig Truck in those days is a highly collectible item for today collectors which no one sees it coming. More are produced over the years as well with variations such as cow trucks and even Snoopy which all now command a high secondary price. Below are just some examples I come across in Japan last year for a near mint casting. 

Hence the reissue No.4 TEM is a god send for many who can’t have one. The colour scheme and mould of the diecast is almost identical with the exception of the 4 pigs which now come with black variation. Maybe it’s the adorable piggies that seem to be a bonus along with the truck that drive up the prices. They look cute on camera too! 

Many welcome the No.6 TEM Toyota MR-2 release as a “new” casting and is a hit among collectors. In fact in the early days, it is released as a No.24 MR-2 (Prototype) with different variation. Along the way Tomica release the Special Event Model and a museum exclusive as well.

Overall the MR-2 looks sleek and street race ready. What makes it looks unique among the TEM is the sunroof as well as the spoiler with black hood. It will most probably be released later in the Dream Tomica line as part of the Initial D Legends series.

Now comes the star of the TEM. The highly desirable No.1 TEM Honda Civic Type R (FK2). This is the cult casting for the Tomica community and a must have for many. Just like the 2016 No.76 mainline pair, the TEM Type R comes in Milano red body with the usual TEM logo.

It cause a stir among the community when many saw the event preview photo and a guarantee sold out model. I will cover more of the Type R in my upcoming post.