Kyosho
Japanese RC pioneer known for Inferno buggies and Mini-Z series.
Kyosho Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of radio-controlled models, established in October 1963 and based in Tokyo. It is one of the oldest RC makers in Japan, having produced its first trademark RC car in 1970, and is known for a wide range of products including cars, airplanes, helicopters, boats, and die-cast models.
- Founded
- October 1963
- Headquarters
- Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
- Production headquarters
- Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
- First rc car
- 1970 (DASH 1)
- Die-cast production started
- 1992
- Major competitor
- Tamiya
- Notable product lines
- Inferno, Mini-Z, RC helicopters
Lore & Background
Kyosho created its first trademark radio-controlled model car, the DASH 1, in 1970, which is widely accepted as the first RC car made in Japan. The DASH 1 offered three body styles (Porsche 917, Lola T70, McLaren Elva) with vacuum-molded bodies, a new innovation at the time, priced at 23,000 yen without engine. The company followed with the DASH 2 in 1971 for beginners and the DASH 3 and DUNE BUGGY in 1972, starting the buggy racing phenomenon. Kyosho's early electric off-road cars include the Eleck Peanuts (first electric off-road car), Rally-sports, and the highly successful Scorpion series, which was a miniaturized version of the 1/8 scale engine buggy Circuit 20. The Scorpion's light weight (1680g) gave it an advantage over rivals like Tamiya's Rough Rider. Kyosho also produced the Progress series (first electric 4WD off-road racer) and the Optima series of 4WD off-road racers, which gained widespread popularity. The company has avoided direct competition with Tamiya in hobby-grade RC cars since the 80s and 90s, focusing instead on professional 1/8 scale racing buggies, Mini-Z series, and RC helicopters.
Reader's Guide
Kyosho's significance in the RC industry stems from its pioneering role as one of the oldest Japanese RC makers, producing the first Japanese RC car in 1970. The company is best known for the Inferno 1:8 scale competition buggies, which have won multiple IFMAR World Championships (1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2010), and the Mini-Z series. Kyosho also achieved IFMAR World Championship wins with the Ultima (1/10 Electric Off Road 2WD in 1987 and 2013), PureTen V-One RRR (1/10 IC Track in 2004 and 2008), and Evolva series (1/8 IC Track in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009). The company produces a wider range of RC products than any other manufacturer, including racing and ready-to-run cars, trucks, excavators, helicopters, planes, and boats. With the acquisition of Team Orion, Kyosho now offers category-leading electric motors, batteries, and chargers. Notable past models include the Scorpion, Optima, and Lazer ZX series, while current models include the Inferno neo 3.0, Evolva series, and Mini-Z MR-03. The company's legacy includes re-releasing classic models like the Scorpion in 2014 with modern upgrades.
Did You Know?
- Kyosho's first trademark RC car, the DASH 1 (1970), is widely accepted as the first RC car made in Japan.
- The Scorpion (1982) weighed only 1680g with full equipment, giving it a huge advantage over rival models.
- Kyosho has won IFMAR World Championships with the Inferno series in 1/8 IC Off Road in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kyosho?
Kyosho is a Japanese radio-controlled model company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, that has been building RC products since 1963. It is widely regarded as one of the longest-running RC manufacturers in Japan.
What does Kyosho actually make?
Beyond its famous RC cars, Kyosho also produces radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters, and boats, along with a die-cast model line that began in 1992. Their RC car range spans everything from buggies to on-road touring cars.
When did Kyosho release its first RC car?
Kyosho put out its first trademarked RC vehicle, the DASH 1, back in 1970. That put them ahead of many competitors who entered the RC hobby later in the 1970s and 1980s.
What is the Mini-Z line?
Mini-Z is Kyosho's popular micro-scale RC car series that lets hobbyists build and race tiny, detailed vehicles. It has become one of the most recognizable entry points into the RC hobby for both newcomers and seasoned fans.
Who is Kyosho's biggest rival in the RC world?
Tamiya is generally considered Kyosho's primary competitor in both the Japanese and global RC markets. The two companies have been head-to-head rivals for decades across cars, trucks, and other scale models.
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