Japanese Video Game Figure Thread

lilman

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This thread is dedicated to Japanese produced video game figures. In the past, Japanese figures were mostly used for manga and anime characters, but lately they have started making figures from video game franchises. This is more of an awareness announcement than a deal thread since figures can easily sell out long before they are available and the second hand market can be crazy expensive. Pre-ordering is usually the cheapest way to get a popular figure.

Released Figures:

To give you an idea of what Japanese figures look like, the following are some that have been released over the years:

Majora's Mask Link Nendoroid (April 21, 2016):
cB1FifX.jpg


Kirby Nendoroid (January 27, 2016):
ud0Oq0h.jpg


Rockman Nendoroid (January 14, 2016):
7KVFZ4K.jpg


Metal Gear Solid Snake Nendoroid (January 21, 2015):
Cu9jSHm.jpg


Luigi Nendoroid (June 24, 2014):
MUcku2k.jpg


Samus Varia Suit Figma (October 27, 2014) (re-release):
CVRU4tK.jpg


Wind Waker Link Nendoroid (June 2015) (re-release):
J8LMIup.jpg


Sonic Nendoroid (October 8, 2013) (re-release):
mc7o15.jpg


Skyward Sword Link Figma (September 2015) (re-release):
2ymehx1.jpg


Shizue (Isabelle) Nendoroid (April 2016) (re-release):
Mr7WyAS.jpg


Marth Nendoroid (May 10, 2016):
5vFuwLa.jpg


Zero Suit Samus (May 2016) (re-release) (exclusive):
NbL16GM.jpg


A Link Between Worlds Link Figma (August 2016):
SQ9YprG.jpg

DX ver includes additional accessories: hookshot, bomb, tornado rod, clay pot, rupee, baby Maiamai

Figma Fire Emblem Awakening Lucina (August 2016) (re-release):
cdL4RAu.jpg


Wind Waker Zelda Nendoroid (October 2016):
DQXupxZ.jpg


GSC 1/7 Skyward Sword Link (November 2016) (exclusive):
nHhJ8VW.jpg

 

Figma Zero Suit Samus (December 2016):

iVukTJr.jpg


Breath of the Wild Link Nendoroid DX Edition (June 2017):

2s69e1g.jpg


Pit Figma (April 27, 2013):

lq9Ox.jpg


Dark Pit Figma (April 27, 2013):
fBALb.jpg


Kongiku (May 8, 2013):
6mPGP.jpg


Momohime (January 18, 2013):

bTkVzCN.jpg


About Japanese Figures:
 

Scale figures, like Zero Suit Samus, are statues made of ABS and PVC. Scale are bigger than Figma, more detailed, and again for display rather than play. Scale figures are not posable and may not come with accessories or alternate facial expressions.

Figma is like an action figure but higher quality. Figma are very posable and come with accessories, alternate faces, and alternate hands to recreate poses from the source material (as well as make up your own scenarios). Check out all the different display poses they show off in pics. While they are designed with posability in mind, these are still meant for display rather than play. These aren't like action figures you would give a kid. Many Figma parts are compatible with other Figmas, allowing you to create interesting combinations of outfits and expressions.

Nendoroid are cutesy interpretations of characters. Each is about 4" tall and, like Figma, usually comes with various faces/hands/accessories to reproduce poses/scenes from the source material. Also like Figma, many Nendo parts are compatible with other Nendos. Faces, hair, hands, and outfits can often be swapped between characters.

Real Action Heroes (RAH) are like a blend of scale figure, Figma, and doll. They are still made of ABS and PVC, but the clothes are made of fabric, giving them a more realistic look. RAH are posable like Figma and typically include accessories and alternate faces. They are bigger than your average scale figure and very high quality. Accordingly, they are also exceedingly expensive.

Shipping:

Don't forget about shipping cost. SAL small packet registered should cost $10-20 and takes about 2-3 weeks to reach me in Florida. SAL may also be available unregistered for 410 JPY less, but you lose tracking and insurance (so if your package goes missing, you are sol). EMS is the best shipping and only takes about 2 days to arrive but is considerably more expensive. There is also SAL Parcel, but it is worth spending a little extra for EMS. You may have to use EMS if your item is too big to fit in a SAL box. I always use SAL registered when I can. If you pre-order multiple figures, you can combine shipping if they come out in the same month (assuming no delays) and save some money.

Shipping cost is based on weight. If you are ordering multiple figures at once, it is cheaper to request two SAL shipments than one EMS. It is also cheaper to combine items than do separate shipments for each. From my experience, 3-4 Nendoroid/Figma will fit in a single SAL box. A scale figure may fit with 1-2 Nendoroid/Figma boxes, depending on the scale and size of figure box used. Some figures come in larger boxes than expected. There is no way to know how large/heavy your figure will be before ordering. Some stores may offer an estimate at time of order or indicate that an item should be compatible with SAL.

SAL unregistered (no tracking or insurance) does not require a signature upon delivery. All other shipping methods do, so try to be home on delivery day. If you miss the delivery, you can stop by your local post office for pickup starting the next day.

Payment:

For most Japanese shops, you don't pay until the figure(s) is ready to ship. The exceptions are some limited edition items (which you'll have to pay for in full at time of purchase, including shipping) and certain stores that require a % deposit. Payment is best done through PayPal.

The current exchange rate can be viewed in PayPal -> Profile -> My Money -> Currencies (disclosure arrow of PayPal balance). The PP rate is always a little more expensive than the current rate since they charge a fee for the exchange (I believe 2.5%, the rate you see is already calculated with that fee). You can also opt to pay directly from your PP tied bank account or cc when checking out with PP.. You will have to check your bank and cc websites for their rate info, including whatever % fee they use for the exchange. Best case scenario would be to use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

You will usually receive an invoice the day after an item is released. Shipping usually occurs the day after payment is sent, depending on the store.

Japanese Shops I've Used and Recommend:

AmiAmi: http://www.amiami.com/
My favorite store. Among the best prices. Easily combine orders by month. Amazing pre-owned section. Shipping is usually a little more than other stores since they use lots of packing materials.

Hobby Link Japan: http://www.hlj.com/
My second favorite store. Usually a bit more expensive than the store listed here. In exchange for higher prices, you can cancel orders at any time. Private warehouse feature lets you hold items for up to 60 days to combine shipping, though you still pay for the figure at time of release. Excellent customer service.

Hobby Search: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
Can combine orders of the same month but not as nicely as AmiAmi. Can cancel a pre-order within the first week of placing.

Big in Japan: http://biginjap.com/
Prices usually a little lower than the rest. Good selection of prize figures. Can pay for pre-orders upfront. Can combine orders by month if you send them a message through your order history page. Can act as proxy or forwarder. Not good at responding to emails, so I don't use them now as much as I used to.

Tokyo Otaku Mode: http://otakumode.com/
Charges in USD $, pay upfront at time of placing order. Regularly offers coupons and bonus point campaigns. Has a Premium membership that is well worth getting since it pays for itself ($15 for 3 months gives you $16.50 in points), 5% off everything, slightly cheaper shipping, and better coupons. You get $5 in points when you register your account, plus another $5 if you signup through a referral link (referrer also gets $5), making your first order $10 off. Excellent customer service.

Amazon Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/

Thanks to their Global program, many of their figures are now eligible to be shipped directly to your house rather than having to go through a proxy/forwarder. This is only available on figures fulfilled by Amazon, including those sold by third-party and fulfilled by Amazon. Not all Amazon fulfilled items are eligible for Global shipping. Shipping cost is very good (around RSAL cost) and very fast (3-6 days). Japanese consumption tax (8%) is removed from the advertised price at checkout.

Plamoya: http://www.plamoya.com
Check for sales, otherwise usually overpriced.

Secondhand Japanese Shops I've Used and Recommend:

I buy a lot secondhand. The items are usually in great condition and, for most of my orders, have never been opened before. This lets me get figures I missed out on before I started collecting or couldn't budget at time of release.

AmiAmi Pre-owned: http://www.amiami.com/top/page/c/preowned.html
My favorite store for secondhand figures thanks to a daily updated selection, cheap shipping options, and combining pre-owned items with my pre-orders for that month. Items are rated by separate figure and box conditions. "A" condition means it looks brand new, "B" means there is some normal ware but should still be good, "C" or lower you should probably avoid (at least for figure condition, I personally don't care too much about secondhand box condition). Pricing is hit or miss, but usually good compared to other stores. Their selection is good and updated daily (except Sundays). Stock status is accurate when ordering.

Mandarake: http://ekizo.mandarake.co.jp/shop/en/
Excellent source for secondhand figures. Mandarake is a web front for a collection of B&M hobby stores in Japan. Their selection is huge, pricing is great, and new items are added daily. Many of their secondhand items have never been opened. The condition is commonly something like "not opened/box damaged" which translates to it will look brand new when you get it :3 Each order can only be from a single store since it will be shipping from that one location. Because these are B&M stores, an item you ordered may sell out that same day in store (this has happened to me a few times). In that case, the item is removed from your order, or if your order is just one item, the order is cancelled. You can check boxes for "cancel order if this item is oos". You'll receive an email the following day with the items they were able to secure (hopefully everything in your order), the total including shipping, and a link to payment.

Suruga-ya: http://www.suruga-ya.jp/
Warning: Suruga-ya is in Japanese and requires a proxy or forwarder to get your items (see below for details).
Huge selection and low prices. Sales on items can randomly start at any time. Adding more items to your cart can give you a % discount. Stock system is accurate, at least from my experiences. As the website is only available in Japanese, use MFC to find the Japanese name of the character you are interested in so that you can perform a search.

Recommended US Shops:

Big Bad Toy Store (BBTS): http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/ (allows cancellations, no money down required on pre-orders, warehouse feature, $4 shipping)
Crunchyroll: http://www.crunchyroll.com/store/ (check for weekly deals, free shipping at $75)
Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM): http://www.otakumode.com/ (I also count them as a US shop since some of their items are fulfilled by US warehouse, free shipping at $150)
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ (occasionally has some figures at good prices)

My Figure Collection:

MFC is an amazing (and free) community of figure collectors. It has info on all Japanese figures including release dates, pics, user ratings, reviews, etc. If you are interested in Japanese figure collecting, I highly recommend joining to keep track of your collection and follow the latest news on upcoming releases. Here's my MFC profile as an example: http://myfigurecollection.net/profile/Cantisama

CAG has an MFC club that you can join here: http://myfigurecollection.net/club/1219

Proxy and Forwarding:

There are two services when buying an item that cannot be shipped directly to your country, a proxy and a forwarder. A proxy is a business or person located in the host country (Japan in our case) that places an order on your behalf and then ships it to you.

With a forwarder, you are the one who places the order. You set the shipping address to that of the forwarder who is located in the host country. The forwarder then ships the package to you upon receipt.

Forwarding is typically cheaper than using a proxy since a proxy will charge a % fee based on order total that includes the cost of the item(s). Since with forwarding you are the one paying for the items directly, any % fee is only applied to the cost of shipping + a small forwarding fee. Using a proxy can be easier though since you don't have to place the order yourself on a website that may be only available in a foreign language.

There are many proxy and forwarding service providers. For Nendo Red from Amazon.co.jp, I used Big in Japan as a forwarder and the transaction went perfectly. Fees were also very reasonable.

My first proxy experience: http://myfigurecollection.net/blog/15573
My first forwarding experience: http://myfigurecollection.net/blog/16415

Sites offering proxy and/or forwarding services:
Big in Japan (proxy + forward): http://www.biginjap.com
dv8cag (proxy + forward): http://dv8cag.com/
 
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It seems even if stock remains, some of these sales are ending early. While this Summer Sale lasts until end of September, I think they have a quota for each item at that sale price. Hobby Search does the same thing during bargain bin sales (a bargain item will sell out, then be available again the next day at full price).

Cordelia is still in stock but back up to 15k. I hope those who wanted her got in on time.

 
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Does anyone know if the Anthy (Utena) statue from Megahouse is ever going to be released?

It seems as if they just gave up on it. :(

 
Does anyone know if the Anthy (Utena) statue from Megahouse is ever going to be released?
Probably not :(

A MFC member contacted MegaHouse recently and got this reply:

Regarding the Anthy figure, we have checked with our R&D team and have learned that there is no plan to re-release of the Anthy figure in near future regretfully.
 
Crunchyroll has 20% off this weekend with code FALL2016


I spent too much at HLJ so I'm out...probably...
Whoa... thanks for the heads up.
Got the ThreeZero Fallout T45 1/6th scale figure marked down $30 for a new premium account and with your code it was $295 shipped! If only they carried Macross Hi Metal R or Chocogins
 
LoZ Twilight Princess Link DX Figma (May 2017):

21mdwmp.jpg


Pre-order TP Link DX Figma from AmiAmi (5120 JPY): http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIGURE-022978

LoZ Twilight Princess Zelda Figma (May 2017):

w8xo43.jpg


Pre-order TP Zelda Figma from AmiAmi (4750 JPY): http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIGURE-022980

Link also comes in a regular edition, but the DX only costs $8 more and is well worth it for the extras (Ordon Sword, Hero's Bow and Arrow, Ball and Chain, Hawkeye and the Clawshot with open and closed claws).

 
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Siiiighhhh *pulls out wallet*

edit: Actually, I might hang out for a minute. Zelda's a no-brainer for me, but I'm still not sure I need three Links. Might at least wait for a preorder from someone who doesn't treat cancellations as treason. 

 
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Might at least wait for a preorder from someone who doesn't treat cancellations as treason.
HLJ and BBTS have no hassle cancellations at any time before invoices are sent out. You'll pay a little more compared to other stores, but being able to cancel is awesome.

Amazon should get these as well.

 
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Also their shipping is cheaper than amiami so it evens out.
I just got a huge box from HLJ. At under 4kg, the EMS label shows a cost of 7300 yen, but HLJ only charged me 5940 yen :)

On that note though, when I opened the giant box I noticed quite a few damaged figure boxes. Cordelia's window has a crack, and Mercedes had a dent in one corner. While AmiAmi is more expensive for shipping, they definitely do a better job of packaging than this.

 
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Figma Saber 2.0 is getting a re-release and is up for pre-order now at the usual places. It's widely hailed as one of the best Figmas ever produced, and the previous aftermarket prices were a little insane.
 
I just got a huge box from HLJ. At under 4kg, the EMS label shows a cost of 7300 yen, but HLJ only charged me 5940 yen :)

On that note though, when I opened the giant box I noticed quite a few damaged figure boxes. Cordelia's window has a crack, and Mercedes had a dent in one corner. While AmiAmi is more expensive for shipping, they definitely do a better job of packaging than this.
I've never had a damaged box from HLJ and I use them almost exclusively aside from the occasional TOM order.

Guess it's just luck. I have a huge box on the way with 4 pretty large figures in it. I'll see how that worked out soon...

 
Biohazard Chris Redfield Nendoroid (March 2017):

103uzgm.jpg


Chris Redfield Nendo from AmiAmi (4000 JPY): http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIGURE-023218

Naruto Shippuden Naruto Nendoroid (April 2017) (limited/exclusive):

242ubm0.jpg


Shippuden Naruto Nendo from AmiAmi (4500 JPY): http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIGURE-023195

Shippuden Naruto Nendo from TOM ($41.39): https://otakumode.com/shop/57f5c5e805b715804e90e0fe/Nendoroid-Naruto-Shippuden-Uzumaki-Naruto

Shippuden Naruto Nendo from GSC (4500 JPY + 1000 JPY EMS): http://goodsmileshop.com/en/CATEGORY-ROOT/Nendoroid/Nendoroid-Naruto-Uzumaki/p/GSC_NEN_WD_00682

Due to licensing, Naruto will not be available at most Japanese shops. AmiAmi has him for international customers but no discount. GSC is offering him with half off shipping. I'm going to go with a GSC partner shop... probably TOM since I have points there.

Also Nendo Vader and Nendo Storm Trooper Ep 4 ver re-releases are up for pre-order. Nendo Vader supposedly had some issues, but Storm Trooper is supposed to be good.

 
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Nendoroid Play Set #01 School Life A and B Sets re-release are up for pre-order! Hopefully they re-release the other ones as well. I want Japanese Life set the most.

 
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Nendoroid Play Set #01 School Life A and B Sets re-release are up for pre-order! Hopefully they re-release the other ones as well. I want Japanese Life set the most.
Oh, nice! I have both Culture Festival sets already, so I'm not sure that I need these (plus I don't have a lot of Nendos who wear school uniforms ;)). However, I really, really hope they rerelease the Japanese and Western Room sets :pray:

Looking at the rereleases now, they've jacked up the price, but it has been a long time since they last came out...

 
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Mega Man X Nendoroid (April 2017):
nohl4n.jpg

Mega Man X Nendo from AmiAmi (3840 JPY): http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIGURE-023517

I feel a dash effect would have been a nice inclusion. Maybe a Z-Saber as well, though to be fair he only gets that in X3.

From the front page of CAG, GS has some figures on clearance:
Fox McCloud statue ($30): http://www.gamestop.com/collectibles/toys/star-fox-limited-edition-fox-mccloud-stone-statue-only-at-gamestop/126573
Figma SS Link ($25): http://www.gamestop.com/collectibles/toys/legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-link-figma-action-figure-by-thinkgeek/109601
Nendo WW Link ($15): http://www.gamestop.com/collectibles/toys/the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker-link-nendoroid-figure/122138

The Fox statue doesn't have good reviews on MFC, but at $30 (down from $80) he may be worth it to fans.
 
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I grabbed the last Nendoroid WW Link at a local store today, which was the only one within 100 miles of me according to the inventory tracker. VERY happy to have gotten that, I've had my eye on it ever since they got it in. Now for the MM version to drop. :)

FYI, a LOT of other figures have dropped pretty significantly this week today. I noticed Garden Warfare 2 Mech statue down to $20, the giant Groot and Rocket vinyl figures are $15/each, and the Skylanders R/C cars are $7/each. There were lots others, but those are the ones I saw at my store that stood out to me. 

 
I know pushes usually aren't talked about here, but Nintendo is releasing a new line of pushes and TCG cards of Pikachu dressed as Mario & Luigi. Complete with mustache.

https://twitter.com/MACDuke170/status/789333224442986496
 
Got the payment request for my WW Zelda nendoroid from Amiami.

I know we've covered it a billion times, but I've only ever done EMS shipping with them. Anyone have experience with DHL or Air Small Packet? I don't feel the need to get these things as soon as I used to, so I don't mind waiting a bit. Would like to save a few bucks where I could.

 
I have shipped all ten or so products from Amiami via the SAL.  Always been gutsy/cheap enough to do SAL unregistered.  I've never had a single problem with any of my orders arriving damaged or the like.  All the boxes are great.  Order usually shows up between 2-3 weeks, and I live in IL.

 
I know we've covered it a billion times, but I've only ever done EMS shipping with them. Anyone have experience with DHL or Air Small Packet? I don't feel the need to get these things as soon as I used to, so I don't mind waiting a bit. Would like to save a few bucks where I could.
My orders are always large so I'm forced to use EMS, but I always use Air Small Packet where I can. It typically shows up 2-4 days later than EMS so I recommend it.

As for RSAL or SAL, I had two orders delivered at different times of the year that showed up with beaten sides or water damage. Luckily, the contents where safe, but I have never used it since then.

 
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Does anyone have or plan to get a Saber Bride figure. I'm trying to decide which one I want and would like some opinions.
I have Nendo Saber Bride and a Sega Prize Saber Bride. The Nendo is cute and the prize is ok for the price.

I'm not familiar with Fate/Extra so I never invested in a scale, but I would go with GSC ver. Alpha Max's is popular on MFC if you like the unzip.

And if you simply want Saber in a wedding dress, I have the Aniplex/Stronger ver and she is stunning!

 
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c7a1f2ffa2e846419fd6ddbd5c956f65.jpg


So this Saber won the contest over at TOM and she gives ~$78 in bonus points. I pre-ordered it while using my remaining points and the 10% off, but I feel kinda dirty using TOM though... 

 
It's $165, but I had $11 in points and there's a 10% coupon. So subtotal was $145.
What's the 10% off coupon code? I only got the $5 off coupon email from them.

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on Momohime and Yuzuruha with their $66 TOM cash back, if I can find a 10% off coupon too.

 
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