The Complete Guide to Figures for Beginners | Recommended Series and How to Choose
Complete Guide to Figures for Beginners | Thorough Explanation of Recommended Series and How to Choose
"I want to display figures of my favorite anime or game characters," but with so many types available, it can be hard to know what to choose... Are you facing such a dilemma? In this article, we will comprehensively explain everything from the basic knowledge beginners should know about figures, recommended series, how to choose, and how to display them. Let's grasp the key points when selecting your first figure and start a fulfilling figure life without regrets.
What is a Figure? Basic Knowledge Beginners Should Know
A figure is a three-dimensional model of characters from anime, games, manga, etc. It is not just a "toy" but a collection item made with precise sculpting techniques, loved by many fans.
In recent years, the figure market has been expanding year by year, and high-quality products are now available at reasonable prices. As a result, an environment has been established where even beginners can easily start a figure collection.
The Appeal of Figures
The greatest appeal of figures lies in the joy of placing your favorite character right in front of you and being able to admire them anytime. When anime or manga characters are turned into three-dimensional forms, they create a presence that cannot be experienced on screen or paper.
The beauty of the detailed sculpting allows you to discover different expressions and charms depending on the angle you view them from, which is one of the joys of collecting. Additionally, you can enjoy the collection aspect by gathering multiple figures or creatively arranging displays to create your own unique space.
Current State of the Figure Market
Japan's figure market has grown to a scale of approximately 80 billion yen, boasting high popularity both domestically and internationally. The popular genres are mainly anime and games, with figures from works like "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," "Jujutsu Kaisen," and "Genshin Impact" particularly drawing attention recently.
What is great for beginners is the wide range of price points. From capsule toys costing a few hundred yen to high-end scale figures costing tens of thousands of yen, there are plenty of options to choose from according to your budget, allowing you to enjoy your hobby at your own pace.
Benefits of Starting Figures as a Beginner
Figures are a hobby that can be started with a small amount of money. You can start with prize figures around 1,000 yen or Nendoroids priced between 3,000 and 5,000 yen. Moreover, there are various purchasing methods available, such as specialty figure shops, online shopping, and game centers, so you can choose the method that suits you best.
Furthermore, with the richness of social media and online communities, you can also enjoy interacting with others who share the same hobby. By sharing photography techniques and display ideas, your hobby can become deeper and more enriching.
Types and Differences of Figures | 6 Classifications Beginners Should Remember
There are various types of figures, each differing in price range, quality, and availability. The main classifications beginners should first remember are scale figures, Nendoroids, figma, prize figures, Ichiban Kuji, and gashapon. Choosing a type that fits your budget and preferences is the first step in your figure life.
- Scale Figures | For Quality Seekers
- Nendoroids | The Most Recommended Series for Beginners
- Figma | The Representative of Articulated Figures
- Prize Figures | The Best Cost-Performance Entry Level
- Ichiban Kuji Figures | Easy-to-Enjoy Lottery Type
Scale Figures | For Quality Seekers
Scale figures are high-quality figures that reproduce characters at a certain scale, such as 1/7 or 1/8. The price range is broad, from 8,000 yen to over 30,000 yen, characterized by precise sculpting, beautiful painting, and impressive size.
The overwhelming quality is appealing, with poses that recreate famous scenes from anime and the texture of costumes crafted down to the finest details. When displayed in a room, they have a strong presence and create a visually stunning display. However, due to their larger size (approximately 20 to 30 cm tall), you will need to secure space for display.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Scale Figures
Advantages:
- The quality of sculpting and painting is very high
- Posing that maximizes the character's charm
- High aesthetic value, providing long-term enjoyment
Disadvantages:
- High price (the market price is over 10,000 yen per figure)
- Requires a large display space due to size
- May feel daunting for beginners
It is recommended to challenge scale figures after becoming somewhat accustomed to figures. Start with lower-priced items and, once the hobby is established, invest in more serious scale figures.
Nendoroid | The Most Recommended Series for Beginners
Nendoroid is a deformed style figure series developed by Good Smile Company. It features a cute design that is deformed to about two heads tall, with a price range of around 4,000 to 6,000 yen, making it affordable.
It comes with a wealth of interchangeable parts (facial parts, hand parts, accessories, etc.), allowing for various poses and expressions, which is a major attraction. With a compact size of about 10 cm in height, it can be easily displayed on desks or bookshelves. Additionally, the lineup of characters is very rich, covering almost all popular anime and game characters.
【Related Article】: Complete Guide to Nendoroid | Thorough Explanation of Reasons and Selection for Beginners
Reasons Why Nendoroid is Recommended for Beginners
- Affordable Price: Can be purchased for around 5,000 yen per figure, making it easy to start with for first-time figure buyers.
- Compact Size: Does not require much display space, and multiple figures can be lined up without taking up too much room.
- Rich Character Variety: There is a very high chance of finding a favorite character.
- Playful Nature: Enjoy various expressions and poses by swapping parts.
Since it has a deformed design, it may not appeal to those who prefer realistic styles, but as a series that balances cuteness and ease of access, it is the most recommended figure for beginners.
figma | Representative of Articulated Figures
Figma is a series of articulated figures developed by Max Factory. The price range is around 6,000 to 8,000 yen, and its biggest feature is that joints can move freely while maintaining realistic proportions.
It has the charm of being a "playable figure", allowing you to recreate action scenes or change poses for photography. Many models come with a wealth of weapons and effect parts, making the recreation of battle scenes highly detailed, which is also a reason for its popularity. It is suitable for those who prefer more realistic designs than Nendoroid or want to enjoy action poses.
Prize Figures | The Best Cost-Performance Entry Level
Prize figures are figures provided as prizes in crane games at game centers. They are very reasonable, with a retail price of around 1,000 to 2,000 yen, making it the easiest category for figure beginners to start with.
In the past, there was an image of "quality being just okay because they are prizes," but now, due to technological advancements, the quality has significantly improved. In particular, Bandai Spirits' "Chokonose" series and Sega Prize's "SPM" series are popular for their sculptural beauty that exceeds their price.
You can directly win them at game centers, or purchase them through online crane games and shopping sites. Due to the low price, it is also recommended to collect multiple characters and enjoy the collection.
【Related Article】: Complete Guide to Prize Figures | Thorough Explanation of the Best Cost-Performance Entry Level
Ichiban Kuji Figures | Easy-to-Enjoy Lottery Type
Ichiban Kuji is a lottery-type character goods sold at convenience stores and bookstores, often including figures as prizes from A to H. You draw a lottery for about 700 to 1,000 yen and receive the prize you win.
The thrill of "not knowing what you will get" and the possibility of obtaining limited design figures is appealing. Popular Ichiban Kuji products often sell out on the release day, enticing collectors. However, since you cannot guarantee that you will get the figure you want, it has a strong element of entertainment value in trying your luck.
Recommended Figure Manufacturers for Beginners | 5 Trustworthy Brands
When choosing figures, it is very important to know the manufacturers. By selecting products from reliable manufacturers, you can avoid failures in terms of quality. Here, we introduce 5 representative manufacturers that beginners should keep in mind.
- Good Smile Company | The Creator of Nendoroid
- Bandai Spirits | The Largest Prize Figure Manufacturer
- Kotobukiya | The Standard for Anime Figures
- Alter | A Brand Boasting Top-Notch Quality
- Max Factory | Famous for the figma Series
Good Smile Company | The Creator of Nendoroid
Good Smile Company (commonly known as GSC) is one of Japan's largest figure manufacturers, developing the Nendoroid series. In addition to Nendoroids, they handle a wide range of products, including 1/7 scale figures and the "POP UP PARADE" series, across various price ranges.
The appeal for beginners is that the quality is stable and there are few misses. The price range is also varied, from affordable to high-end, making it easy to choose according to your budget. The official website is rich in reservation information and new product announcements, so you can check the figures you want without missing out.
Especially, Nendoroids are the perfect series for beginners, so it is recommended to choose your first figure from Good Smile Company's products.
Bandai Spirits | The Largest Prize Figure Manufacturer
Bandai Spirits is a manufacturer with overwhelming market share in prize figures and Ichiban Kuji. Many of the prize figures in game centers are made by Bandai Spirits, characterized by high-quality products at low prices.
They offer a variety of brands such as "Chokonose," "Figuarts ZERO," and "Figuarts mini," allowing you to choose according to your budget. In particular, they have a rich lineup of popular works like "Dragon Ball," "One Piece," and "Demon Slayer," providing highly collectible products.
Kotobukiya | The Standard for Anime Figures
Kotobukiya is a manufacturer well-known for its scale figures based on anime and games. The "ARTFX J" series is popular for its high-quality sculpting that brings out the charm of the characters.
The price range is around 10,000 to 20,000 yen, which is slightly higher than Good Smile Company, but the attention to detail and beauty of the paintwork are appealing. Additionally, they offer the fun of building your own with assembly model kits like the "Frame Arms Girl" series.
Alter | A Brand Boasting Top-Notch Quality
Alter is a manufacturer that boasts the highest quality in the figure industry. The price is high, ranging from 20,000 to over 40,000 yen per figure, but there is no compromise in sculptural beauty, painting precision, and material texture.
It may be a bit daunting for beginners, but it is an aspirational presence as a goal of "I want to own an Alter figure someday." It is recommended to challenge yourself after your figure hobby becomes more serious.
Max Factory | Famous for the figma Series
Max Factory is a manufacturer known for its articulated figures "figma". The figma series features a design that allows joints to move freely while maintaining realistic proportions, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy action poses.
The price is around 6,000 to 8,000 yen, which is slightly higher than Nendoroids, but considering the wide range of motion and the abundance of included parts, the cost performance is high. Many characters from popular works like "Attack on Titan" and "Persona" are lined up.
Recommended Figures by Budget | Choose from 1,000 to 10,000 Yen
An important aspect of choosing figures is to achieve satisfaction that matches your budget. Here, we will introduce recommended figures by price range, so please find options that fit your budget.
- Under 1,000 yen | Gashapon & Mini Figures
- 1,000 to 3,000 yen | Prize Figures & Ichiban Kuji
- 3,000 to 6,000 yen | Nendoroid & Figma
- 6,000 to 10,000 yen | Scale Figures (Entry Models)
Under 1,000 yen | Gashapon & Mini Figures
If your budget is under 1,000 yen, Gashapon (capsule toys) and trading figures are recommended. They can be purchased for about 300 to 500 yen each and are easily available at convenience stores and electronics retailers.
Features include many cute deformed designs, such as Bandai's "Ichiban Kuji Chibikyun Characters" series and Megahouse's "Look Up" series. The size is compact, around 5 to 8 cm, making them perfect for displaying on desks or around PC monitors.
For those who want to "try buying a figure for the first time" or "want to purchase as a trial," starting in this price range is safe. Even if you make a mistake, the loss is minimal, allowing for a casual challenge.
1,000 to 3,000 yen | Prize Figures & Ichiban Kuji
If you prioritize cost performance, prize figures are the best choice. They can be obtained at game centers or purchased online for about 1,000 to 2,000 yen.
Particularly recommended are Sega Prize's "SPM (Super Premium Figure)" series and Bandai Spirits' "Chokonose Premium" series. They offer quality that exceeds the price, fully bringing out the charm of the characters. The size is about 15 to 20 cm, making them impactful when displayed in a room.
Additionally, lower-tier figures won in Ichiban Kuji (700 to 1,000 yen per try) are also included in this price range. It's a matter of luck, but the chance to obtain limited design figures is also appealing.
3,000 to 6,000 yen | Nendoroid & Figma
The most recommended for beginners is this price range of 3,000 to 6,000 yen. Products like Nendoroids (about 5,000 yen) and figma (about 7,000 yen) offer a good balance of quality and price.
Nendoroids come with plenty of interchangeable parts, allowing for changes in expressions and poses, making them enjoyable for a long time with just one figure. Figma is attractive for its realistic proportions and mobility, suitable for those who want to recreate action scenes.
Moreover, Good Smile Company's "POP UP PARADE" series (about 4,000 yen) is also popular as an entry-level scale figure. With a unified size, it's easy to display multiple figures together, enhancing collectibility.
6,000 to 10,000 yen | Scale Figures (Entry Models)
For those who want to challenge themselves with serious scale figures, entry models in the 6,000 to 10,000 yen range are recommended. In this price range, the quality of sculpting and painting significantly improves, allowing you to obtain figures with high aesthetic value.
Products like Kotobukiya's "ARTFX J" series (about 10,000 yen) and Good Smile Company's 1/7 scale figures (about 8,000 to 12,000 yen) are available, maximizing the charm of the characters.
When choosing your first scale figure, it's essential to select one of your favorite characters. Although the price is higher, if you choose a figure you can love for a long time, your satisfaction will be very high.
How to Choose Your First Figure | 5 Points to Avoid Regret
To avoid regret when choosing a figure, it's important to keep a few points in mind before purchasing. To avoid impulsive buying mistakes, check the following five points.
- Point 1: Choose from your favorite characters
- Point 2: Consider the display space
- Point 3: Assess the balance between budget and quality
- Point 4: Check reviews and testimonials
- Point 5: How to distinguish between genuine and non-genuine products
Point 1: Choose from your favorite characters
The most important thing when choosing a figure is to select a character that you truly love. If you choose based solely on reasons like "it's popular" or "it's trending," you may find that your attachment fades over time.
To keep it displayed for a long time, love for the character is essential. Prioritize characters you fell in love with from anime or games, or those you have a personal connection to. The joy of displaying your "favorite character" in your room is irreplaceable.
Point 2: Consider the Display Space
Before purchasing a figure, make sure to check the display location and space. Scale figures are about 20 to 30 cm tall, so you need to check in advance whether they will fit on your shelves or in your cases.
Size information is listed on the product page, so it's recommended to measure your actual display area with a tape measure before purchasing. Additionally, considering whether it harmonizes with your room's interior and atmosphere will enhance your display satisfaction.
Compact Nendoroids (about 10 cm tall) can be easily displayed on desks or bookshelves, making them suitable for those with space constraints.
Point 3: Assess the Balance Between Budget and Quality
While higher-priced figures generally offer better quality, it is important for beginners to assess the balance between budget and quality. Instead of jumping straight into expensive scale figures, start with affordable options like Nendoroids or prize figures in the price range of 3,000 to 6,000 yen.
If you feel that the figure hobby suits you, gradually increase your budget and challenge yourself with scale figures. Taking your time and stepping up at your own pace is the key to enjoying this hobby for a long time.
Point 4: Check Reviews and Feedback
Before purchasing, check reviews and feedback on social media, YouTube, and blogs. By looking at the impressions and photos from people who have actually purchased the item, you can gain detailed information that may not be available on the product page.
Key points to check include:
- Actual size and presence
- Quality of the paint (check for unevenness or peeling)
- Ease of assembly of parts (if it's a model kit)
- Contents and quality of included accessories
Searching Twitter hashtags (e.g., #Nendoroid #FigureReview) or watching unboxing review videos on YouTube can be helpful.
Point 5: How to Distinguish Between Genuine and Counterfeit Products
Unfortunately, the figure market has pirated versions (counterfeits and copies) circulating. Special care is needed, especially when shopping on overseas sites or through personal sales.
Points to distinguish genuine products include:
- Presence of the official manufacturer's logo or seal
- Price is not excessively low (be cautious if it's less than half the market price)
- Purchase from reliable retailers (official shops, major online stores, specialty shops)
- Product description clearly states "genuine product" or "domestically distributed genuine product"
For safe purchases, it is recommended to use reliable shops on Amazon (official store), Rakuten, or specialty stores like AmiAmi and Surugaya.
How to Obtain Figures | Thorough Comparison of Online Shopping, Stores, Game Centers, and Online Crane Games
The methods for purchasing figures have diversified, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the optimal method for obtaining figures based on your lifestyle and priorities (price, convenience, checking the actual item, etc.).
- Online shopping on Amazon, Rakuten, etc.
- Specialty stores and hobby shops
- Game centers (prizes)
- Online crane games
- Used shops and flea market apps
Online Shopping on Amazon, Rakuten, etc.
The biggest advantage of online shopping is the convenience of purchasing from home. Major online shopping sites like Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping offer a wide selection and price comparisons, allowing you to choose based on reviews.
Especially for Amazon Prime members, there are benefits like next-day delivery and free shipping. Additionally, by utilizing point rewards and sales, you may be able to purchase items cheaper than in physical stores.
However, be cautious of the risks of counterfeits and pirated versions. Pay special attention to overseas sellers or products that are extremely cheap. By choosing official stores, direct sales from manufacturers, and reliable shops (like AmiAmi and Surugaya), you can make safe purchases.
Specialty Stores and Hobby Shops
If you want to check the actual item before purchasing, specialty stores and hobby shops are recommended. Stores like Animate, Hobby Stock, and Rasinban are supportive for beginners as you can consult with staff while choosing.
A major advantage is that you can actually see the boxes and sample items in-store, allowing you to confirm the size and color. Additionally, there may be reservation benefits or limited edition goods available.
As a disadvantage, the prices are slightly higher than online shopping, and the selection can depend on the size of the store. However, when purchasing a figure for the first time, buying from a specialty store where you can check the actual item is reassuring.
Game Centers (Prize)
If you want to obtain figures at a low cost, crane games at game centers are one option. Prize figures can potentially be obtained with a play cost of 100 to 200 yen per try, and if you're lucky, you can get them for just a few hundred yen.
The charm of obtaining prizes at game centers is that you can enjoy the gaming aspect. By honing your crane game techniques, you can efficiently get figures.
However, there is a risk that it could cost thousands of yen if you can't get them. For beginners, asking the staff for
- Acrylic Cases (1,000 to 3,000 yen): High transparency allows for viewing figures from 360 degrees. There are a wide range of sizes available, from small cases for Nendoroid-sized figures to large cases for scale figures.
- Glass Cases (5,000 to 20,000 yen): Offers a luxurious feel and enhances the beauty of the collection. Popular options include IKEA's "Detolf," which can display multiple figures together.
- Collection Boards (10,000 to 30,000 yen): Some come with lighting, allowing figures to be illuminated for display. Ideal for those who want to enjoy a serious display.
For beginners, starting with an affordable acrylic case is recommended. Searching for "figure case" on Amazon or Rakuten will yield a variety of options.
Display Goods from 100 Yen Shops
For those on a budget, display goods from 100 yen shops are very useful. Daiso and Seria offer convenient items for displaying figures.
- Acrylic Stands: Can hold and display Nendoroid-sized figures.
- Transparent Cases: Perfect for protecting small or mini figures.
- LED Lights: Illuminate figures to create atmosphere.
- Collection Cases: Can be stacked vertically for space-saving display.
By combining 100 yen items, you can create a simple display environment for under 1,000 yen.
Displaying for Photography and Social Media
If you want to post figures on social media, be mindful of how you display them for photography. By being creative with lighting, background, and composition, you can take professional-quality photos.
Lighting Tips:
Utilize natural light (soft light from a window) or illuminate from the front with LED lights to clearly capture the figure's expression and details. If shadows are too strong, reflect light with a reflector (white paper or board works).
Choosing a Background:
Using a simple solid background (white, black, gray) makes the figure stand out. Just using 100 yen art paper or fabric as a background can give a professional finish.
Composition Points:
Align the camera with the figure's eye level for a more immersive photo. Additionally, shooting from an angle increases dimensionality, resulting in a more attractive shot.
Figure Storage Methods | Maintenance Techniques to Prevent Deterioration
To keep figures beautiful for a long time, proper storage and maintenance are essential. By understanding the causes of deterioration and practicing correct care, you can protect your valuable collection.
Top 5 Causes of Figure Deterioration
The main causes of figure deterioration are the following five. Understanding these allows for effective countermeasures.
1. Ultraviolet Rays (Sunlight, Lighting)
Ultraviolet rays can cause paint to fade or discolor. Especially when displayed near windows, noticeable fading can occur within a few months.
2. Dust Accumulation
Dust on the painted surface can lead to dirt and discoloration. If left for a long time, it can become difficult to remove.
3. Humidity and High Temperatures
High humidity can lead to mold growth or deterioration of adhesives. Additionally, in high-temperature environments, resin parts may deform.
4. Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature changes can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to paint cracking or peeling.
5. Aging (Stickiness)
Some figures may become sticky over time due to the plastic material. This is caused by the leaching of plasticizers, which accelerates in poor storage conditions.
UV Protection | Methods to Prevent Sun Damage
The most effective way to protect against UV rays is to use display cases with UV-cut features. Using UV-cut acrylic or glass cases can cut UV rays by 80 to 99%.
Additionally, the following measures are also effective:
- Apply UV-cut film to windows (available at home improvement stores)
- Use blackout curtains (keep them closed during the day)
- Switch to LED lighting (which emits less UV than fluorescent lights)
Especially white or light-colored figures are prone to discoloration, so thorough UV protection is essential.
Correct Care Methods
Regular maintenance can keep figures in good condition. Practice the following methods once or twice a month.
Dust Removal:
Use an air duster (compressed air spray) to blow away dust from fine parts. For delicate parts, it's safer to use a soft brush or makeup brush. Avoid wiping with tissues or cloths, as they may scratch the paint.
Wiping Off Dirt:
For light dirt, gently wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth lightly dampened with water, but be careful not to chip the paint. Avoid using alcohol or detergents, as they may dissolve the paint.
Regular Inspections:
Check for loose parts and the condition of adhesive areas, and address any issues promptly. Especially for movable figures, joints can become stiff or loose, so regularly move them to check their condition.
For Long-Term Storage:
For figures that won't be displayed for a while, it's best to store them in their original boxes. If you don't have the box, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in a sealed case to avoid moisture.
Expanding the Enjoyment of Figures | Customization, Photography, Community
Figures are not just for "displaying and looking at." By expanding your enjoyment through photography, customization, and community participation, your hobby can become even more fulfilling.
- Enjoying Figure Photography
- Trying Simple Customization and Modifications
- Joining a Community of Figure Enthusiasts
Enjoying Figure Photography
Figure photography is one of the enjoyable activities that beginners can start right away. With a smartphone camera, anyone can easily give it a try. Posting your photos on social media can also be a great way to connect with others who share the same hobby.
The key to good photography is to focus on lighting and background. Utilizing natural light or illuminating with a 100-yen store LED light can significantly improve quality. Additionally, creating a diorama (miniature background) can make it seem like your figures are in the world of anime.
Using hashtags like "#フィギュア撮影" and "#フィギュア好きと繋がりたい" on Twitter and Instagram allows you to reference the works of other collectors.
Trying Simple Customization and Modifications
For those who are handy or want to enjoy figures even more, customization and modifications are also recommended. Here are some simple customizations suitable for beginners:
- Painting Parts: You can add originality by repainting details with a fine brush and acrylic paint.
- Exchanging Parts: For figures like Nendoroids and figmas that allow part exchanges, you can mix and match parts from other figures for fun.
- Adding Effect Parts: Using commercially available effect parts (like flames or lightning) can enhance action scenes.
However, since customization can be irreversible if you make a mistake, it's safer to practice on inexpensive figures at first.
Joining a Community of Figure Enthusiasts
To further enjoy the figure hobby, interaction with others who share the same interest is essential. By participating in communities on social media, forums, and events, you can exchange information and discover new things.
By following accounts of figure enthusiasts on Twitter and Instagram, you can share new product information and display ideas. Additionally, participating in figure events like "Wonder Festival" and "Treasure Festa" allows you to search for rare items and interact directly with others who share your hobby.
Joining a community can make your figure hobby more enjoyable and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Addressing Concerns of Figure Beginners
We will answer common questions that beginners often have. Let's resolve any anxieties or concerns before purchasing, so you can start your figure life with confidence.
- Q1: What figure should a beginner buy first?
- Q2: Where is the cheapest place to buy figures?
- Q3: Is it okay to throw away the figure box?
- Q4: Is it okay to buy used figures?
- Q5: What is the proper way to dispose of figures?
Q1: What figure should a beginner buy first?
A: Nendoroid (4,000 to 6,000 yen) or prize figures (1,000 to 2,000 yen) are recommended.
Nendoroids are affordable and compact in size. They come with plenty of interchangeable parts, allowing for long-term enjoyment. Prize figures are low-cost, so even if you make a mistake, the loss is minimal, making them perfect for trial purchases. Start with these two and see if the figure hobby suits you.
Q2: Where is the cheapest place to buy figures?
A: It depends on the case, but prize figures from game centers or online crane games offer the best cost performance.
Prize figures can be obtained for a few hundred yen to about 2,000 yen. For online shopping, you can buy cheaply by taking advantage of Amazon sales or Rakuten point returns. Second-hand shops and flea market apps are also options, but be sure to check the condition carefully before purchasing.
Q3: Is it okay to throw away the figure box?
A: If possible, it is recommended to keep it.
The box not only protects the figure but also helps maintain its value when selling in the future. Especially for expensive scale figures, the presence or absence of the box can significantly affect the buyback price. If you lack space, consider folding the box for storage or taking a photo to keep a record.
Q4: Is it safe to buy second-hand figures?
A: There is no problem if you purchase from a reliable store or seller.
Major second-hand shops like Surugaya and Mandarake carefully check the condition before selling, so they are trustworthy. When buying from flea market apps, be sure to carefully check the photos, descriptions, and seller ratings. It’s also important to ask in advance if there are any scratches or missing parts.
Q5: What are the disposal methods for figures?
A: There are three options: selling, donating, or disposing.
If selling, consider selling to buyback stores like Surugaya or Mandarake, or listing on Mercari or Rakuma. If the condition is good, you might be able to sell it for a decent price. If donating, consult with children's facilities or welfare organizations. If disposing, follow your local municipality's sorting rules and dispose of it as plastic waste.
Summary: What Beginners Should Do First in the Figure Hobby | 3 Action Steps
So far, we have broadly explained the basics of figures, how to choose, display, and store them. Finally, here are three action steps to help beginners smoothly start their figure hobby.
Step 1: Start by trying Nendoroids or prize figures with a budget of 3,000 yen
Instead of jumping straight into expensive scale figures, start with a more affordable price range. Nendoroids (4,000 to 6,000 yen) or prize figures (1,000 to 2,000 yen) allow for a low-risk trial, making it easy to challenge yourself.
Choose one character you like and try displaying it in your room. You can enjoy the joy of looking at the figure and confirm your suitability for the hobby. If you like it, gradually increase your collection.
Step 2: Secure a display space and enjoy showcasing
Once you purchase figures, prepare a display space and enjoy showcasing them. By avoiding direct sunlight and displaying them on stable shelves or cases, you can keep the figures beautiful for a long time.
Utilizing items from 100 yen shops can help you create a display environment at a low cost. Additionally, taking photos with your smartphone and posting them on social media can further expand your enjoyment of the hobby. The process of creating your own display space is also one of the joys of the figure hobby.
Step 3: Start gathering information on social media and communities
To continue enjoying the figure hobby, gathering information and participating in communities is important. Search for hashtags like "#フィギュア" and "#ねんどろいど" on Twitter and Instagram to reference posts from other collectors.
Useful information such as new releases, sale information, and display ideas is shared daily. Additionally, interacting with others who share the same hobby will make your figure hobby more enjoyable and sustainable.
Figures are a wonderful hobby that allows you to feel close to your favorite characters. Use the knowledge shared in this article to pick up your first figure. I hope your figure life becomes fulfilling.
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