Two Magazines, Two Modeling Worlds

If you're into plastic modeling, you've probably seen both Hobby Japan and Model Graphix on the shelf. Both are monthly Japanese magazines with decades of history, but they serve different corners of the hobby. Hobby Japan leans heavily into Gunpla and pop-culture mecha, while Model Graphix has a broader focus that includes military vehicles, ships, and sci-fi subjects. Choosing the right one depends on what you build and what techniques you want to learn.

Hobby Japan Magazine Highlights

  • Gunpla-focused features: Recent issues like Hobby Japan 2025.09 center on Gunpla techniques, such as brush painting, with step-by-step examples from professional modelers. The magazine has been covering Gunpla for over 45 years.
  • Pop-culture tie-ins: Issues often align with new anime or film releases. For example, the 2025.10 issue features Jurassic World: Resurrection and includes a special section on the destroyer Yukikaze.
  • Technique deep dives: Each issue typically includes a featured technique, like brush painting, with detailed guides on paint selection, brush types, and blending methods.

Model Graphix Magazine Highlights

  • Broad subject range: Model Graphix covers tanks, aircraft, ships, sci-fi, and figure modeling. The 2026.07 issue, for instance, features a cover story on tank modeling basics.
  • Emphasis on dioramas and realism: The magazine frequently includes diorama tutorials, weathering techniques, and historical context for military subjects.
  • Less mecha, more variety: While it does cover some mecha, Model Graphix is not as Gunpla-centric as Hobby Japan. It's a better fit if you build armor, aircraft, or ships.

What the Latest Issues Offer

  • Monthly Magazine Hobby Japan 2025.09: Hobby Japan 2025.09 features 'Mastering Gunpla with Brush Painting' with three professional modelers demonstrating their techniques on the MG Dom. If you want to improve your brush painting skills on Gunpla, this issue provides direct, expert guidance.

    Monthly Magazine Hobby Japan 2025.09

    Monthly Magazine Hobby Japan 2025.09

  • Monthly Magazine Hobby Japan 2025.10: Hobby Japan 2025.10 includes a 'Jurassic World' cover feature and a second feature looking back at 45 years of Gunpla history. This issue combines a pop-culture theme with a historical retrospective, offering both entertainment and modeling inspiration.

    Monthly Magazine Hobby Japan 2025.10

    Monthly Magazine Hobby Japan 2025.10

  • Monthly Magazine Model Graphix 2026.07: Model Graphix 2026.07 has a cover feature titled 'Tank Models: Is That Common Knowledge?' For armor modelers, this issue tackles common tank modeling questions and techniques, making it a practical resource.

Which One Should You Read First?

If you primarily build Gundam kits and want to refine your painting and detailing skills, start with Hobby Japan. Its regular Gunpla features and technique guides are hard to beat. If your interests are wider—tanks, aircraft, ships, or dioramas—Model Graphix offers more variety per issue. Both magazines are sold out at Argama Hobby as of this writing, so you may need to check restock dates or consider a subscription to secure future issues.