7 Points to Distinguish Fake Figures | Differences from Genuine Products and Safe Purchase Guide

Japanese anime figures have gained immense support from collectors around the world, but with their popularity, the number of fakes and pirated versions has surged. There has been an increase in cases where collectors find out that the figures they purchased are counterfeit, especially when buying from overseas online shops, so caution is essential. This article details seven checkpoints to distinguish between genuine products and fakes, as well as how to safely purchase figures.

Background of the Increase in Fake Figures

The rise in counterfeit Japanese figures is attributed to the global market expansion and advancements in manufacturing technology. Particularly in overseas online marketplaces, it has become difficult to distinguish between genuine products and fakes, as they often coexist.

• Rising Global Popularity of Japanese Figures
• Reality of the Counterfeit Market and Examples of Damage

Rising Global Popularity of Japanese Figures

The Japanese anime figure market has rapidly expanded globally since the 2020s. Notably, well-known brands such as Good Smile Company, Bandai, and Kotobukiya have received high praise from overseas collectors, leading to increased transactions on major e-commerce sites like Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress. This surge in global demand has created an attractive market for counterfeit manufacturers.

Reality of the Counterfeit Market and Examples of Damage

Fake figures are primarily manufactured in China and Southeast Asia and are distributed worldwide through online marketplaces. Actual cases of damage include reports of purchasing fakes sold at 50-70% of the price of genuine products, only to realize after unboxing that the paint job is rough and the sculpting is unnatural. Additionally, there has been an increase in fraudulent sales where items labeled as

It is recommended to check the characteristics of the security marks and logos that come with genuine products on the manufacturer's official website before making a purchase.

③ Check the finish of the paint and color unevenness

Genuine figures are beautifully finished with precise painting techniques. They are characterized by careful differentiation in facial makeup, hair gradients, and intricate patterns on the costumes.

On the other hand, counterfeit products have rough paint jobs, with noticeable color bleeding and uneven paint. In particular, the quality difference is often evident in the facial paint, where the outlines of the eyes and mouth may be blurred or asymmetrical. The skin tone and hair color often differ from genuine products, giving an overall cheap impression.

For those who want to know more about the quality grades of genuine products, the article 【Related Article】: Differences Between Scale Figures and Prize Figures can also be helpful. Understanding the characteristics of products by grade will lead to more accurate quality judgments.

Please also check the layering and gradient techniques of the paint. Genuine products achieve a deep color tone through multiple layers of paint, while counterfeits often use a single color, resulting in a lack of three-dimensionality in the finish.

④ Check the precision of the sculpting and proportional balance

Genuine figures are manufactured based on precise sculpting designs by sculptors. They faithfully reproduce the character's features down to facial expressions, body proportions, and details like fingertips and hair.

In the case of counterfeits, the balance of facial parts may be off, or the body proportions may be unnatural. For example, the size of the eyes may differ from side to side, or the head may be disproportionately large or small. The flow of hair and the wrinkles in clothing are often poorly made as well.

Additionally, the treatment of joints and seams is an important checkpoint. Genuine products are carefully processed so that seams are hardly noticeable, while counterfeits may have gaps or steps.

⑤ Check the texture and weight of the material

Genuine figures use high-quality plastic materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and ABS resin. They have a solid weight when held, and the surface is smooth with a moderate gloss.

Counterfeits use cheap materials, making them lighter compared to genuine products, and the texture of the plastic feels cheap. The surface may be rough or sticky. Additionally, they are prone to aging quickly, with a higher risk of discoloration or cracking over time.

If you can check it in person, please check the weight and surface texture. In the case of online purchases, it is also effective to verify that the weight listed in the product description matches the official specifications.

⑥ Distinguish by smell

The smell upon unboxing can also be an unexpected criterion for distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit products. Genuine new figures have a light resin smell typical of plastic, but it is not an unpleasantly strong odor.

In the case of counterfeits, there may be a strong chemical-like pungent smell upon unboxing. This is due to the use of cheap materials or paints, and some have been reported to contain chemicals that could be harmful to health.

Counterfeits made in China often have a strong smell of glue or paint that lingers for a long time after unboxing. If you notice an unpleasant smell, it is advisable to suspect the possibility of a counterfeit and refrain from using it.

⑦ Check for the manufacturer's imprint

Genuine figures have the manufacturer's imprint, production year, and copyright information engraved in hard-to-see places like the underside of the base or the soles of the feet. This imprint is often not reproduced in counterfeits, or if it is, it is usually unclear and hard to read.

For products from Good Smile Company, the copyright information is clearly stated along with the "©" mark, and Bandai products have the word "BANDAI" firmly engraved. The imprint's letters are clear and have sharp edges, which is a characteristic of genuine products.

In the case of counterfeits, there may be no imprint at all, or if there is, it may be blurred or contain spelling mistakes. Before purchasing, check the position and content of the imprint on the official website or in review photos of genuine products.

Points to distinguish by price

The price of figures is one of the most straightforward indicators for distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit items. There is always a reason for products that are significantly cheaper than the market price, and in many cases, it indicates that they are counterfeit.

• How to Research and Compare Market Prices
• There’s a Reason for "Super Cheap" Prices

How to Research and Compare Market Prices

Before purchasing a figure, it is important to first understand the official market price. Check the manufacturer's official website for the list price, and verify the actual selling prices on comparison sites like price.com and Amazon Japan.

Genuine figures rarely drop significantly in price even after some time has passed since their release, and for popular items, they may even become premium-priced. Compare prices at multiple reliable retailers to grasp the average market price. Especially for limited editions and popular character figures, they are rarely sold below the list price.

Additionally, it is recommended to use prices from reliable authorized retailers like AmiAmi and HobbyLink Japan as a benchmark. The prices sold at these stores serve as a guideline for the fair price of the product.

There’s a Reason for "Super Cheap" Prices

If a genuine figure priced at 10,000 yen is being sold for 5,000 yen or less, it is highly likely to be counterfeit. Be wary of attractive phrases like "70% OFF on genuine products" or "stock clearance sale".

Counterfeit sellers often set prices around 50-70% of the market price to create a sense of "bargain" while hiding the fact that the item is fake. However, considering the legitimate figure manufacturers and licensing fees, such significant discounts are not realistic.

That said, there are cases where items are discounted for legitimate reasons, such as "box damaged items" or store closing sales. If the price is low, always check if the reason is clearly stated and verify the seller's reliability.

Checking the Reliability of Sales Sites and Sellers

To safely purchase figures, it is essential to check the reliability of the sales site and seller in advance. By choosing a trustworthy retailer, you can significantly reduce the risk of purchasing counterfeit items.

• List of Reliable Authorized Retailers
• Points to Note When Purchasing on Amazon and eBay
• How to Identify Suspicious Review Patterns

List of Reliable Authorized Retailers

When purchasing Japanese figures from overseas, it is recommended to use the following authorized retailers:

• AmiAmi: One of Japan's largest figure mail-order sites, used by collectors worldwide. It has extensive English support and offers international shipping.
• HobbyLink Japan: A long-established figure mail-order site founded in 1998. All products are genuine, and customer support is robust.
• CDJapan: A comprehensive mail-order site that handles not only figures but also anime goods and CDs. It has high reliability and a wealth of experience in international shipping.
• Good Smile Company Official Online Shop: An online shop directly operated by the manufacturer of Nendoroids and figmas. You can be sure to obtain genuine products.

All of these retailers have formal licensing agreements, and the risk of counterfeit items being mixed in is almost zero. Prices may be set slightly higher, but the peace of mind in purchasing is worth it.

Points to Note When Purchasing on Amazon and eBay

Amazon and eBay are convenient platforms, but there are many third-party sellers, which increases the risk of counterfeit items being mixed in. When purchasing on these sites, be sure to check the following points.

First, carefully check the seller's ratings and reviews. Avoid purchasing from sellers with few ratings or many low ratings. Be cautious if the product description in Japanese seems unnatural or if the product images appear to be taken from the official site.

If the shipping origin is China or Southeast Asia, it is likely to be counterfeit. Genuine products are usually shipped from Japan. Also, products labeled as "parallel imports" or "overseas versions" may actually be counterfeit, so exercise caution in your judgment.

How to Identify Suspicious Review Patterns

It is also important to distinguish between fake reviews and false positive ratings. If there is a concentration of a large number of five-star reviews in a short period, or if the review content lacks specificity and consists of general statements that could apply to any product, there may be a possibility of unnatural review manipulation.

Conversely, reviews from actual buyers contain detailed information about specific features of the figures, the quality of the paint, the condition of the packaging, and so on. Reviews with photos are also helpful, but it is essential to verify whether the photos depict the actual purchased product or if they are repurposed official images.

How to Handle Purchasing a Fake

In the unfortunate event that you purchase a fake, it may be possible to return or get a refund by taking appropriate action. It is crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage.

• Return/Refund Request to the Sales Site
• Effective Communication Methods with the Seller
• Utilizing Consumer Centers and Consultation Services

Return/Refund Request to the Sales Site

If you purchased from Amazon, you can return the item within 30 days of receiving the product. Select the relevant product from your "Order History" and choose "Return Item." Please select "The item is not as described" or "Suspicion of counterfeit" as the reason for return.

For eBay, there is a buyer protection program called "Money Back Guarantee." You must submit a "Return request" within 30 days of receiving the product and provide evidence that it is a fake (photos of the packaging, photos of the markings, comparisons with genuine products, etc.). If the seller does not agree to the return, you can escalate the case to eBay.

When applying for a return, be sure to take multiple evidence photos. Documenting the entire package, close-ups of the problem areas, and the presence or absence of manufacturer markings will help the refund process go smoothly.

Effective Communication Methods with the Seller

When contacting the seller directly, it is important to remain calm and convey the facts without becoming emotional. List specific issues such as, "This product has multiple differences from the genuine item and is likely a counterfeit."

Include the following information in your message: purchase date, order number, detailed description of the issues, and attach evidence photos. Clearly state, "I request a full refund." Using the messaging function of the sales platform will leave a record of the communication, which can be helpful for resolving any future issues.

Utilizing Consumer Centers and Consultation Services

If the sales site or seller does not respond, you can consult with the National Consumer Affairs Center or local consumer life centers. By calling 188 (iya ya), you will be connected to the nearest consumer life center.

In cases of purchasing troubles on overseas sites, the National Consumer Affairs Center's Cross-Border Consumer Center (CCJ) provides specialized support. They can offer advice for communication in English and assist with trouble resolution.

How to Safely Purchase Figures

To avoid fakes and ensure you obtain genuine products, it is most effective to carefully choose your purchasing methods. By practicing the following methods, you can enjoy your collection with peace of mind.

• Benefits of Purchasing from Authorized Dealers
• Avoiding Fake Risks with Pre-Orders
• Cautions in the Used Market

Benefits of Purchasing from Authorized Dealers

The biggest advantage of purchasing from authorized dealers is that 100% genuine products are guaranteed. Authorized retailers like AmiAmi, HobbyLink Japan, and CDJapan have direct contracts with manufacturers, leaving no room for fakes to be mixed in.

Additionally, authorized dealers provide excellent post-purchase support. They handle exchanges for initial defects and respond carefully to inquiries about products. While prices may be slightly higher, compared to the risk of suffering losses from purchasing fakes, the peace of mind is well worth it.

Furthermore, authorized dealers provide early access to information about new product pre-orders and limited edition sales, increasing the likelihood of securing popular items.

Avoiding Fake Risks with Pre-Orders

Placing a pre-order for new figure releases is the most reliable way to completely avoid the risk of counterfeits. By pre-ordering from the manufacturer's official website or authorized retailers, you can ensure that you receive genuine products on the release date.

Another advantage of pre-ordering is that it avoids the risk of prices skyrocketing after release. Figures of popular characters can often rise above the retail price immediately after release, making it easier for counterfeits to circulate in the market. With a pre-order, you can purchase at the retail price, which is also economically beneficial.

On official sites like Good Smile Company and Bandai, you can receive notifications about the start of pre-orders by registering as a member. It is recommended to pre-order as soon as your desired figure is announced.

Cautions in the Secondhand Market

When purchasing used figures from recycling shops or flea market apps, more careful verification is necessary. Ask the seller about the purchase date and store to confirm that it is a genuine product. If possible, requesting a receipt or proof of purchase is also effective.

Carefully check the photos and inspect the condition of the packaging, the paint on the figure itself, and the presence of engravings. If only unclear photos are posted, it is advisable to request additional photos. Particularly checking for engravings on the underside of the base and close-up photos of details can make it easier to determine if it is a counterfeit.

Additionally, on flea market apps like Mercari and Yahoo Auctions, the seller's ratings and past transaction history are also important factors for judgment. It is safer to avoid purchasing from sellers with low ratings or extremely few transactions.

Summary: Buy from Trusted Brands

We have explained seven checkpoints to distinguish counterfeit figures. By comprehensively judging from seven perspectives: the quality of the packaging print, official logos and holograms, the finish of the paint, the precision of the sculpting, the texture of the materials, the smell, and the manufacturer's engravings, you can identify counterfeits.

However, the most reliable method is to purchase from trusted authorized retailers or the manufacturer's official website from the start. Even if the price is slightly higher, considering the risk of regretting a counterfeit purchase, it is well worth using authorized dealers.

Japanese figure brands are highly regarded worldwide, and their quality is unmatched. By choosing genuine products from trusted brands, as introduced in 【関連記事】: Top 10 Popular Japanese Figure Brands Overseas, you can enjoy your collection with peace of mind.

Utilize authorized retailers such as AmiAmi, HobbyLink Japan, CDJapan, and the official Good Smile Company online shop, and actively take advantage of pre-orders to minimize the risk of counterfeits while ensuring you get your favorite figures.