When and How We Started

Wood model kits of sailing ships were first imported to Japan in 1970. At that time, there was few who engaged in wood model ship building as hobby. Ginza ITOYA, one of the prestigious general stationery stores in Tokyo, started sales of these kits at its shop floor around 1971. 

In 1975, two men met at Ginza ITOYA, a famous store in Tokyo that sells stationery. They quickly became friends and started talking about creating a club for people who enjoy building model ships. With the help of Ginza ITOYA, they found seven other interested individuals, and they began meeting regularly at the store. Together, these original seven members decided to name their club The Rope.

The name was chosen because ropes are important on sailing ships and it also represents the strong friendship among the members. Additionally, one of the original members designed a logo for the club, which features a coiled-up rope.