Argama Hobby is a model hobby store that focuses on model kits, hobby tools, and paints. They also offer a variety of toys and collectibles, such as Japanese hobby magazines and stationery items!
The owner and the staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable about their products, so don’t be afraid to ask them any questions!
Bandai, a prominent Japanese toy and hobby company, was established in 1950 as Bandai-Ya by the founder Naoharu Yamashina. It started off as a distributor of metallic toys and rubber swimming rings, which later transitioned into creating its own metal cars and airplane models. In 1961, it was rebranded as Bandai Co., Ltd and the company’s growth continued, further creating more subsidiaries such as Bandai Models in 1971 and Bandai America Inc. in 1978. Bandai flourished in the 19080s and became a dominant force in the Japanese toy market due to holding key licensed properties such as the Gundam franchise, Ultraman, Super Sentai and many more. In 2005, Bandai merged with another Japanese company called Namco (a game developer and amusement facility operator) thus forming the current company Bandai Namco Holdings.
Canada Computers is a Canadian retailer of PC hardware, home electronics and tech services that offers people a vast array of products and services, perfect for individuals and businesses alike. Founded by Gordon Chan in 1991 with humble beginnings in a single store in Kingston, the company has expanded to multiple locations across southern Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec, growing to be one of the largest Canadian-owned computer and electronics retailers in the country. The company specializes in various ways to help its customers, such as custom-built PCs, PC troubleshooting, smartphone repairs and home theater installations. For its business customers, they offer tech support for office workspaces and employee equipment! Here’s a surprise for everyone: Canada Computers also sell gunpla at their local and online stores!!
We are happy to have Canada Computers as a sponsor for our Anime North Model Competition and thankful for their support!
The GUNPLA Builders World Cup (or GBWC for short) is a yearly world tournament for GUNPLA (Gundam plastic) models, sponsored and hosted by Bandai Spirits. Beginning in 2012, it entered its 13th year in 2025 (GBWC was affected by COVID, only resuming in 2022). This competition pits GUNPLA builders of all ages to demonstrate their creativity in GUNPLA and compete regionals and the world finals, held in Japan. The tournament has three age-based courses: U-14, U-20, and Over-21. Canada was officially granted to have its own division in the GBWC tournament in 2017, previously being under the North America/U.S.A regional block. The first Canadian World Champion outside of Asia is Simon Lam, winning the 2023 Championship title.
Simon will be returning again this year as a judge for the Anime North Model Contest!
Good Smile Company is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of figurines, with their iconic brand of figurines such as the Nendoroid and Figma products lines, amongst the recognizable. The company was founded in 2001 by Takanori Aki, whose primary focus at the time was as an event management and talent agency; the company quickly shifted its focus on hobby-related products and figurines. Currently, the company primarily involves itself in planning, production, manufacturing and sales of figures, toys and hobby related merchandise, making it a titan in the Japanese and the world market.
IG: @_gundam_hangar_
Searching for a particular gunpla kit, but can’t find it in a local hobby store? Don’t worry, Gundam Hangar might be able to help you!!
Gundam Hangar is an online-based webstore that centers around model kits, tools, paints, and figures. They also carry other model kit series such as Infinity Nova, Super Nova, Moshow, Eastern Model, and many more!
Gundam Hangar has one goal: to reverse the trend of spiking prices of Premium Bandai and Gundam Base products in Canada. They believe that having great service doesn’t mean having higher mark-ups, believing in fair prices for everyone, and enacting that motto into practice.
We are happy to have Gundam Hangar back as a returning sponsor for this year’s Anime North Model Contest!
Hokkaido Style Gundam, your premier destination for Gunpla enthusiasts in Toronto. Inspired both by hilarious circumstance and the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship, we offer a fantastically curated selection of Gundam model kits. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or new to the world of Gunpla, our store provides all the kits your heart desires. Join our community and experience the fusion of Japanese tradition and modern hobby culture.
Looking for a certain tabletop game or miniature? Check out Meeplemart!
Located in downtown Toronto Chinatown, Meeplemart offers a wide variety of merchandise for many types of customers. They offer various tabletop wargames, paints, trading card games, anime figures and even model kits!
We are happy to have Meeplemart back as a returning sponsor for our Model Contest!
IG: @plamod_official
Since 2005, PLAMOD has been supplying hobby stores across Canada with a diverse range of products. From the numerous gundam model kits of Bandai Spirits and mecha girls of Kotobukiya, to the finest nippers of GodHands and the wide scope of paints from Mr.Hobby, PLAMOD is the official distributor of these products in Canada and many more.
PLAMOD will have a booth at this year’s Anime North, with many exclusive kits and Gundam Base exclusives that will be on sale at their booth 507-509 in the Vendor’s Hall. Check out their full convention list of merchandise at events.plamod.com
We are very thankful to PLAMOD for sponsoring us, the Model and Gunpla crew, again this year. Their support allowed us to run our many workshops, panels and showcasing the return of the Gundam Statues! We are also thankful that PLAMOD is bringing a large variety of merchandise for sale at this year’s Anime North 2025 for con attendees to purchase.
Visiting Anime North, but you live in the Montreal-area and want a gunpla store near you? Look no further than Masamune Gunpla Studio!! Masamune Gunpla Studio is a gunpla/model kit-focused store that specializes in tools and paint and a vast selection of model kits from different franchises and series. Their number one motto: help and guide fellow builders, new or old, in choosing the right kits, tools and advice for the job ahead. Their team is composed of knowledgeable and experienced builders that will guide you along the building process journey!
We are happy to have Masamune Studios as a sponsor for the Anime North 2025 Model Contest and we are very grateful for their support!
Tamashii Nations, a sub-brand under the newly created subsidiary, Bandai Spirits, was created in 2007 as a brand that targeted adult fans with high-quality collectible figures. The brand wanted to focus on bringing the “tamashii” or “the soul” to figures, which primarily focuses on distinctive designs, character representation and figure articulation. The brand has developed new lines under its brand including Figuarts Zero, The Robot Spirits and the infamous line under its belt, the S.H.Figuarts. Today, Tamashii Nations is a globally recognized brand for high-quality collectibles and figures, with products sold in over 26 countries.
Visit the Model + Gunpla area at Anime North to purchase Tamashii Nations products!
Do you live in the Burlington-Hamilton area but it’s too much of a drive to Toronto to get your gunpla fix? Fret not, since Torchlight is here to rescue you!
Located in their new store location (near the 403/ QEW) in Burlington, Torchlight offers a large variety of products that caters to many individuals. They offer various model kits, anime figures and statues, tools and paints, Pokemon TCG, board and tabletop games and a huge swath of miniatures. They even have local events and workshops for those interested, such as Warhammer.
Check out their vendor booth at this year’s Anime North!
Located at The Danforth, Wheels and Wings is one of the oldest hobby stores in Toronto, spanning over 35 years of service. It is a distinct store that prides itself with selling plastic model kit-only related products, something they excel at.
Wheels and Wings is also an official retailer for Iwata and Paasche airbrushes and Games Workshop merchandise.
Anime North Model & Gunpla 