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Beginner's Guide to Choosing figma | 2025 Popular Rankings and Recommended Purchase Methods

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Beginner's Guide to Choosing figma | 2025 Popular Rankings and Recommended Purchase Methods

Guide to Choosing figma for Beginners | 2025 Popular Rankings and Recommended Purchase Methods

What is figma? Clearly Understand the Difference from Design Tools

When you search for "figma", you may find information about UI design tools mixed with information about action figures. This article explains the action figure "figma". It is a completely different product from design tools, so let's clarify the differences first.

Completely Different from the Design Tool "Figma"

The design tool "Figma" is a collaborative design software for web design and UI design. It competes with products like Adobe XD and Sketch, primarily used by designers and engineers. On the other hand, the action figure "figma" introduced in this article is a movable anime and game character figure manufactured and sold by Japan's Max Factory.

Due to the same name, it is easy to confuse the search results, but they are completely different products in different fields. What you are looking for while reading this article is likely the "movable figure figma" that you can hold and pose. Below, we will explain in detail about figma as an action figure.

Basic Information about the Action Figure "figma"

The action figure "figma" is a movable figure brand developed by Max Factory Co., Ltd. since 2008. It primarily brings to life characters from Japanese anime, games, and Vtubers, boasting a lineup of over 700 as of 2025.

The biggest feature of figma is its ability to balance "beauty" and "mobility". It maintains the beauty of the sculpt while being equipped with a joint mechanism that allows for free posing, enabling you to recreate iconic scenes of your favorite characters or display them in original poses. The price range is around 7,000 to 12,000 yen, making it accessible for beginners.

History and Concept of figma | Balancing Beauty and Mobility

The background of figma's birth lies in a clear "competitive awareness" in the action figure market. By understanding the thoughts behind Max Factory's establishment of figma and how it has evolved, you can grasp the essential charm of figma.

Born as a "Counter" to Revoltech

In 2008, the "Revoltech" series by Kaiyodo gained immense popularity in the action figure market. Revoltech adopted a unique "Revolver Joint" rotating joint, achieving high mobility; however, it also faced the challenge of joints being too prominent, detracting from the aesthetic beauty of the figures.

In response to this situation, Max Factory launched the figma brand as a "counter". While acknowledging the mobility of Revoltech, the challenge was to create figures that could move freely while maintaining a more beautiful sculpt. The development involved sculptor Maki Asai, who advanced research on a unique joint mechanism.

The Challenge of Balancing "Beauty" and "Mobility"

The concept of figma is to "balance beauty and mobility". Traditional action figures often sacrificed sculpt for a wider range of motion, while prioritizing sculpt limited mobility, creating a trade-off relationship.

figma aimed to overcome this trade-off by developing unique technologies such as pull-out shoulder joints and ultra-small ball joints. For example, by pulling out the shoulder joint, the arms can be raised significantly, and by incorporating ultra-small ball joints in the wrists, natural hand angles can be achieved, showcasing ingenuity down to the details. As a result, an ideal balance was created where figures are "beautiful when displayed and fun to pose".

A History of Evolution with Over 700 Lineups

Since the release of the first figma, "Lucky Star - Konata Izumi" in 2008, figma has steadily expanded its lineup. Initially focused on beautiful girl characters, it gradually expanded into a wide range of genres, including male characters, mechs, and creatures.

As of 2025, over 700 products have been released, offering a diverse selection from popular series like "Persona", "Fate", and "Sword Art Online" to Vtubers and original characters. The technology continues to evolve, with improvements in joint retention, advancements in painting techniques, and an abundance of accessory parts, resulting in higher quality year after year. Today, it has established a solid position as one of the representative brands of action figures.

Technical Features of figma | Understanding the Unique Joint System

When choosing figma, it is important to understand its technical features. By knowing the points where figma excels compared to other brands or its unique design philosophy, you can determine if it is the right figure for you.

Expansion of Range of Motion with Pull-Out Shoulder Joints

The most distinctive mechanism of figma is the "pull-out shoulder joint". In regular figures, when trying to raise the arms straight up, the sculpt of the shoulder restricts the range of motion. To solve this problem, figma adopted a structure that allows the shoulder joint to be pulled forward.

Specifically, when you lightly pull the shoulder parts to raise the arm, the joints come forward. By raising the arm in this state, it becomes possible to perform large movements that are usually difficult, such as the Banzai pose and throwing actions. Even after being pulled out, the integrity of the sculpt is minimized, so the aesthetic appearance is not compromised. This mechanism allows figma to express arm movements with overwhelming freedom compared to other brands.

Tiny Ball Joint Wrist Parts

The mobility of the wrist is also a significant strength of figma. In many articulated figures, the wrist is a simple rotating joint, but figma employs tiny ball joints. This ball joint allows the wrist to move freely not only up and down and side to side but also diagonally.

This technology is particularly effective for delicate expressions such as poses holding weapons or placing hands near the face. Since the angle of the wrist can be adjusted naturally, it is less likely to feel "somehow unnatural," making it easier to create poses that are characteristic of the character. Numerous interchangeable wrist parts are included, allowing for variations such as gripping hands, open hands, and pointing hands, depending on the scene.

"Smooth Movement and Firm Stop" Joint Design

A common saying among figma users is that the joints have a feeling of "smooth movement and firm stop". This is because figma's joints are designed to have moderate friction resistance. They move smoothly when manipulated and hold firmly at the desired position; this balance is a major appeal of figma.

If the joints are too loose, they cannot hold poses and will collapse under their own weight, while if they are too tight, they become difficult to move and the risk of breakage increases. figma achieves this "just right" hardness through careful selection of resin materials and joint design. The reason even beginners can enjoy posing with confidence lies in this exquisite joint design. However, it is recommended to change poses regularly to enjoy them, as joints may loosen if left in the same pose for an extended period.

As of 2025, we will introduce the most popular figma that are particularly recommended for beginners in a ranking format. The ranking is based on a comprehensive assessment of sales numbers, review ratings, and community buzz.

Detailed introduction of ranks 1 to 3

1st Place: figma Sakura Matou (Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel])

The figma of Sakura Matou, a popular character from the Fate series, takes the first place. Its charm lies in the delicate sculpt and rich expression parts (5 types), allowing for the recreation of impressive scenes from the series. The price is approximately 9,500 yen, making it a well-balanced product that is easy for beginners to handle. It is popular not only among Fate fans but also among those new to figma.

2nd Place: figma Mitsuha Miyamizu (Your Name.)

This is a figma of Mitsuha Miyamizu, the protagonist of Makoto Shinkai's blockbuster film "Your Name." The design in her school uniform is beautiful, and it comes with accessories like a braided cord and a school bag. There are four types of facial expression parts, allowing you to recreate famous scenes from the movie. Priced at around 8,800 yen, it is a relatively affordable product that has strong support from movie fans.

3rd Place: figma Suisei Hoshimachi (Hololive Production)

The figma of Suisei Hoshimachi, a popular member of the Vtuber group Hololive, ranks in 3rd place. The figma of Vtubers is a relatively new trend but has gained high popularity. It comes with plenty of accessories like a microphone and guitar, making it fun to recreate live scenes. Priced at around 10,500 yen, it is especially recommended for Hololive fans.

Detailed Introduction of 4th to 7th Places

4th Place: figma Joker (Persona 5)

This is a figma of Joker, the protagonist of Persona 5. The design of the phantom thief outfit is excellent, and it comes with a rich variety of weapon parts like knives and guns. The cool facial expression parts and high actionability are reasons for its popularity, with a price of around 9,800 yen.

5th Place: figma Kirito (Sword Art Online)

The figma of Kirito, the protagonist of the SAO series, boasts a strong popularity. The black swordsman outfit is precisely recreated, and it is possible to recreate the dual-wielding of Elucidator and Dark Repulser. Priced at around 9,200 yen, it is perfect for those new to male character figmas.

6th Place: figma Asuna (Sword Art Online)

Asuna's figma is popular alongside Kirito. The Blood Oath Knights uniform is beautiful, and posing with the rapier looks great. There is also the enjoyment of displaying it alongside Kirito, with a price of around 8,900 yen.

7th Place: figma Hatsune Miku (V4X)

The figma of Hatsune Miku, a representative of Vocaloid, has multiple versions released, but the latest V4X version is particularly popular. It comes with items like leeks and a microphone, priced at around 9,500 yen.

Detailed Introduction of 8th to 10th Places

8th Place: figma Rem (Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World) - The design of the maid outfit is charming, and it comes with a morning star. Priced at around 9,300 yen.

9th Place: figma Emilia (Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World) - A popular character often paired with Rem. The white-based outfit is beautiful, priced at around 9,400 yen.

10th Place: figma Table Museum (various) - Not a character, but a museum-style display stand in figma size. Convenient for photography and display, priced at around 7,500 yen.

Apart from the rankings, there is also a method to choose based on your preferred genre. By searching for figmas from areas of interest such as anime, games, and Vtubers, you can enjoy them with more affection.

The figma figures from anime works are particularly highly accurate in character representation, allowing for the enjoyment of recreating scenes from the series. The most popular ones are from the "Fate" series, featuring main characters like Saber, Rin Tohsaka, and Sakura Matou. Additionally, works from Kyoto Animation such as "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" and "Lucky Star" have also been developed since the early days and enjoy enduring popularity.

Recently, figma figures of the latest hit works like "Jujutsu Kaisen," "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," and "SPY×FAMILY" are also being produced, with particular attention on Anya and Yor in 2025. Anime fans should look for characters from their favorite works. The price range is primarily 8,500 yen to 10,000 yen.

Choose from Game Works | Classic Characters

In game works, the "Persona" series is particularly well-represented. Many main characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5 have been made into figma figures, allowing for the fun of assembling party members. Nintendo titles such as "Fire Emblem," "Xenoblade," and "The Legend of Zelda" are also popular.

"Sword Art Online" is originally a light novel, but it has also seen active game adaptations, with many characters including Kirito and Asuna being made into figma figures. They are great for dynamic action poses, making them recommended for those who enjoy photography. The typical price is around 9,000 yen to 11,000 yen.

Choose from Vtubers and Original Characters

Recently, there has been a rapid increase in Vtuber figma. Popular figures include Hoshimachi Suisei, Sakura Miko, and Houshou Marine from Hololive Production, characterized by the inclusion of live costumes and props for streaming. Several Vtubers from Nijisanji have also been made into figma figures, so check if your favorite Vtuber has a figma version.

Additionally, there is the "figma archetype" series for original characters, which are simple figma figures close to the base model, suitable for practicing customization and part swapping. The price for Vtubers is 10,000 yen to 11,500 yen, while archetypes are around 7,000 yen.

For a first figure, especially recommended are female characters like "Mitsuha Miyamizu (Your Name)", "Sakura Matou (Fate)", and "Asuna (SAO)". These figures have smooth joint movements and are easy to handle, with plenty of parts available, and are relatively affordable. For male characters, "Kirito (SAO)" and "Joker (Persona 5)" are suitable for beginners.

Choosing a figma for the first time should ideally be based on a character you love, but selecting products that have high review ratings, plenty of parts, and are priced around 9,000 yen will likely lead to fewer disappointments.

Choose by Price Range | Selecting figma According to Budget

It is also important to choose figma based on your budget. The price of figma is mainly determined by the amount of included parts, the complexity of the sculpt, and licensing fees. Choose from the price range that fits your budget.

Entry Price Range (7,000 yen - 9,000 yen)

This price range mainly features relatively simple-shaped characters and products released early. The "figma archetype" series and some anime characters (such as those in simple costumes like school uniforms) fall into this category.

While the included parts are fewer, you can still enjoy the basic fun of figma. This price range is recommended for those purchasing figma for the first time or those who want to collect multiple figures. In the second-hand market, older products from popular works can sometimes be found in this price range.

Standard Price Range (9,000 yen - 11,000 yen)

This is the most common price range, where the majority of figma figures fall. The standard specifications typically include 3 to 5 types of facial parts, around 10 interchangeable wrist parts, and multiple weapons and accessories.

Popular series such as "Your Name.", "Fate", and "Sword Art Online" have most of their main characters in this price range. It can be said that this price range offers the best balance of quality and price, making it recommended for both beginners and experienced collectors.

Premium Price Range (11,000 yen and above)

This is a high-end line that includes complex costumes, abundant accessories, large weapons, and effect parts. Products like Vtuber figma and special edition limited versions fall into this price range. Additionally, there are products available as DX versions (Deluxe versions), which include extra parts compared to the standard versions.

Products in this price range are aimed at those who already know the charm of figma or have a strong attachment to specific characters. Beginners do not need to start from this price range, but if it’s a favorite character, it is definitely worth considering.

Comparison of figma Purchase Locations | Where is the Best Place to Buy?

figma can be purchased from various places, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Compare prices, stock stability, point rewards, and choose a purchase location that suits you.

Good Smile Company Official Online Shop

Max Factory is one of the brands of Good Smile Company, and you can purchase figma from the official online shop. The biggest advantage is that you can definitely get reservation-only items and limited editions. Additionally, there is quality assurance unique to the official shop, and support for initial defects is also reliable.

The disadvantages are that there are no discounts due to fixed pricing and that shipping costs are incurred (free shipping for orders over a certain amount). For those who want to ensure they get it on the release date or want to purchase limited items, the official shop is the best option. You can accumulate points by registering as a member, which can be used for your next purchase.

EC Sites like Amazon and Rakuten

Many retailers handle figma on Amazon and Rakuten. The advantages are that you can often purchase at a lower price due to price competition, free and fast shipping for Prime members, and the ability to accumulate points on each site.

The disadvantages are that popular items can easily become scarce and may be sold at a premium price (above the fixed price). Additionally, it is important to check the review ratings as the quality of packaging varies by retailer. This is recommended for those who regularly use Amazon or Rakuten and prioritize point returns.

Electronics Retailers like Yodobashi and Bic Camera

In physical stores, Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Sofmap handle figma. A major advantage is the peace of mind of being able to see the actual product before purchasing and being able to take it home immediately. Additionally, the point return rate at electronics retailers is relatively high at around 10%.

The disadvantages are that stock is limited depending on the store and there are fewer retailers in rural areas. This is suitable for those living in urban areas who want to confirm the actual product before purchasing. Using online stores in conjunction can make stock checks smoother.

How to Use Price Comparison Sites

By using price comparison sites like Kakaku.com, you can compare prices from multiple retailers at once. This is very convenient for those looking for the lowest price. However, it is necessary to also consider shipping costs and shipping times. Additionally, if the price is too low, check whether it is a genuine product (while there are few counterfeit figma products, there may be used items or items without boxes). It is recommended to always check the retailer's ratings and reviews before purchasing.

Comparing figma with Other Brands | Understanding Differences to Choose

In the articulated figure market, there are several other prominent brands besides figma. By understanding the characteristics of each and using different brands according to the character or purpose, you can enjoy a more fulfilling collection.

Differences with Revoltech | Historical Rivalry

Kaiyodo's Revoltech is the brand that inspired the birth of figma. The characteristic of Revoltech is its unique rotating joint called Revolver Joint, which allows for even bolder poses than figma. It is particularly strong in robot and mechanical figures.

On the other hand, figma emphasizes beauty, making the character designs natural and visually appealing when displayed. As for the selection, for mecha and action figures, Revoltech is suitable, while for beautiful girl and boy characters, figma is the way to go. The price range is almost the same, but Revoltech tends to have a slightly more articulated design.

Comparison with S.H.Figuarts | Sculpt vs. Articulation

Bandai's S.H.Figuarts is well-known for its three-dimensional representations of special effects heroes and Kamen Riders. Compared to figma, S.H.Figuarts excels in the accuracy of the sculpt and the precision of the paint, and the price is slightly higher (10,000 yen to 15,000 yen).

figma is good at showcasing joints, balancing articulation and beauty, while S.H.Figuarts prioritizes sculpting, making joints less noticeable. For anime and game characters, figma is preferred, while for special effects and American comic heroes, S.H.Figuarts is the common choice. However, both brands have recently expanded their lineups, and the same character may be released by both.

Comparison with Mafex | Differences in Premium Line

Medicom Toy's Mafex is a brand of high-end articulated figures. The price is 12,000 yen to 18,000 yen, which is on the higher side, but it boasts high quality in sculpting, painting, and articulation. It particularly excels in American comic heroes and movie characters.

The main difference from figma is the target demographic and price range. While figma aims for "affordable high quality" for a wide audience, Mafex pursues "the highest quality". It is natural for beginners to start with figma and then consider Mafex as they seek higher quality.

Suggestions for Brand Differentiation

Actual collectors use multiple brands. For example, anime characters are from figma, robots from Revoltech, and special effects heroes from S.H.Figuarts. If the same character is released by multiple brands, compare reviews and choose the one that suits your preferences. Beginners are recommended to first purchase one figure from a brand that has their favorite character and experience the differences with other brands.

Things Beginners Should Know Before Purchasing figma

When purchasing figma for the first time, there are important points to know in advance to avoid mistakes. To ensure you don't end up thinking, "This isn't what I expected," check the following points.

Check Accessories and Optional Parts

figma comes standard with multiple accessories. Facial parts (face parts) are available in 3 to 5 types, and interchangeable wrist parts are 8 to 12 pieces for both hands. Weapons, small items, and dedicated bases are common contents. Before purchasing, check the accessory list on the official website or sales page to ensure that the parts needed for the scene you want to recreate are included.

Additionally, optional parts sold separately are also available. For example, additional costume parts, special effect parts, and background parts. Understanding whether the main body is sufficient or if additional purchases are necessary in advance will make budgeting easier.

Compatibility of Parts and Possibility of Exchange

One of the great attractions of figma is that parts can be exchanged between different figma. Parts such as faces, wrists, and hairstyles are generally compatible with other figma (with some exceptions). This allows you to enjoy original combinations or repurpose damaged parts from other figma.

Particularly useful are the "figma body" and "figma archetype" generic bodies, as purchasing these will expand the range of part exchanges. However, keep in mind that the size of parts may differ depending on the character, so they may not be completely interchangeable.

Basics of Storage and Maintenance

To keep figma beautiful for a long time, proper storage and maintenance are necessary. The most important thing to be cautious of is direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause discoloration and deterioration. Choose a display location that does not receive direct sunlight.

Additionally, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) parts may develop "stickiness" if left in a sealed environment for a long time. It is advisable to regularly place them in a well-ventilated area or, if displayed in a glass case, to open it regularly. If joints become loose, you can use commercial joint reinforcement agents or wrap tissue thinly to adjust. To prevent the loss of parts, it is recommended to organize parts in small bags or containers.

Summary: Find and Enjoy the figma That Suits You

So far, we have explained how to choose figma for beginners from various angles, including history, technology, popularity rankings, genres, price ranges, and purchasing sources, as well as comparisons with other brands. Finally, let's summarize the important points.

Key Points Learned in This Article

  • Difference from Design Tools: The subject of this article is "movable figures figma," which is completely different from the UI design tool Figma.
  • Strengths of figma: The unique joint system that balances "beauty" and "mobility" is its greatest charm.
  • Trends in Popularity: In 2025, Fate, SAO, Your Name, and Vtuber-related figures are particularly popular.
  • Genre Selection: Choosing from genres you like, such as anime, games, or Vtubers, fosters attachment.
  • Price Range: Beginners are recommended to start from the standard price range of around 9,000 yen.
  • Purchasing Sources: The official website, Amazon, and electronics retailers each have their advantages, so choose based on your priorities.
  • Differences from Other Brands: Compare with Revoltech, S.H.Figuarts, and Mafex, and choose according to character and purpose.

Take the First Step

Figma is an easy-to-handle and long-lasting brand for those who are touching movable figures for the first time. The most important thing when choosing your first figure is to select a character that you truly love. While popularity rankings and others' evaluations can be helpful, ultimately, you should choose a character that you want to look at and touch every day.

Once your figma arrives, first try standing it on the included base and displaying it. Next, gradually move the joints to change the pose. Please experience the joy of bringing the character to life with your own hands.

To Learn More

After purchasing a figma, you can expand your enjoyment by learning posing and photography techniques. You can recreate iconic scenes of the character, stage original stories, and share photos on social media—there are endless ways to enjoy it.

For tips on posing, please refer to the related article: Basic Posing Techniques for figma｜Bringing Characters to Life with S-Curves, Joints, and Center of Gravity. Also, for photography techniques, the related article: Complete Guide to figma Photography Techniques｜Tips for Recreating Iconic Scenes with Your Smartphone is recommended.

If you want to know more about the world of figma, please also check the related article: Beginner's Guide to figma｜Tips for Recreating Iconic Scenes with Movable Figures and Photography Techniques. It is filled with practical information such as the basics of posing, lighting techniques for photography, and how to create backgrounds. I hope your figma life becomes even more fulfilling.

Part of

Introduction to figma｜Tips for Recreating Iconic Scenes with Action Figures