If you're into model kits, you know it's not just Gundam or robots anymore. We're talking everything from anime girls and historical figures to cars, planes, warships, and even monsters! The sheer variety, coupled with the joy of assembly, keeps countless hobbyists hooked.
Recently, Japanese X (formerly Twitter) user naka (@hutchbopapa) shared a hilarious transformation in his model kit collecting journey. He's now quietly snapping up the very toys he once scoffed at, openly admitting he's "slapped his younger self in the face."
The kit naka showcased is Tamiya's "1/35 Chushingura Oishi Kuranosuke (Four Figures)," based on the historical tale of "Chushingura." It features four key characters from the story: Oishi Kuranosuke, Horibe Yasubei, Fuwa Kazuemon, and Hayami Tozaemon.
Back in elementary school, he'd famously trash-talk these kinds of historical models, asking, "Who would even buy this, LOL?" Fast forward about 40 years, and guess who's forking over the cash and bringing them home? Yep, him. The answer to "Who would buy this?" is apparently: "Me."
For his elementary school self, these historical figure models were just too hard to grasp and, frankly, not cool enough. Little did he know, he'd eventually grow up to appreciate their charm and start collecting them.
Other netizens totally got it, chiming in with comments like, "So relatable, you just get interested in these things when you hit a certain age," "I only loved Gundam when I was young, but now I'm collecting old-school teahouse models, haha," and "I actually bought these models after getting hooked on a Shinsengumi historical drama!"
Now in his middle age, naka also enjoys crafting Japanese history-themed models. He's recreated a cannon used by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Siege of Osaka with a realistic bronze texture, and even armored samurai from the Kamakura period. His works are incredibly detailed.
It just goes to show how our interests and hobbies evolve as we get older. Have any of you fellow pop culture fans experienced a similar shift? What's a hobby or toy you once overlooked as a kid but now absolutely love?