Tsukuda Hobby
Tsukuda Hobby, a division of the Tsukuda Group, was a Tokyo, Japan-based toy, gaming, and modeling company that produced Japan-exclusive games, dolls, and other collectibles based on licensing from a number of television, comic book, anime, and video game properties. The company folded in 2003, while other divisions of its parent were acquired by Bandai.



Star Trek releases

Games
In 1982 and 1983, the company produced two "tabletop battle" games set within the Star Trek universe:
 Star Trek: The Invasion of Klingon Empire
 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

The company also produced the Enterprise: Role Play Game In Star Trek game in 1983 as part of its Hobby Role Play Game Series.

Gaming miniatures and model kits

In 1984, Tsukuda released two 1:3788-scale gaming miniature box sets as expansions to its Star Trek: The Invasion of Klingon Empire role-playing game. The five plastic miniatures contained within were the Japanese versions derived from their GameScience counterpart miniatures, all based on Franz Joseph's designs from the Star Fleet Technical Manual, and which also included (in the instruction sheets) the ship names and corresponding registries of the various ship-classes listed therein.

A number of Galoob's Star Trek Micro Machines starships were also retailed by Namco in Japan and carried its brand logo on the windowbox packaging. The ships' packaging also bore the Galoob and Tsukuda Hobby logos.

During the early 1990s, Tsukuda very briefly ventured into the Star Trek model kit market with its release of two vinyl model kits in the wake of the theatrical premiere of .

The choice of vinyl rather than harder plastic for these starship kits was considered surprising, as vinyl is typically used when the softer and more malleable characteristics of the material is most highly valued, such as when incorporated into carpets and clothing. Although highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity, the models have reportedly had material-related problems associated with them, particularly with assembly and the sagging of parts over time. Vinyl, nonetheless, is widely considered to be the material of choice for figurine models.

See also
 Star Trek: The Role Playing Game
 Star Trek starship miniatures
 Star Trek model kits
Game companies
Collectible companies