Top 10 Japanese Figure Brands Popular Overseas | Thorough Comparison of Quality, Features, and Price Range

Japanese figures have garnered overwhelming support from collectors around the world. With precise sculpting, beautiful painting, and a deep love for the works, Japanese-made figures boast a quality that sets them apart from products from other countries.

In this article, we will introduce the top 10 Japanese figure brands that are particularly highly regarded overseas. By thoroughly comparing the quality, price range, specialty genres, and representative series of each manufacturer, you will be able to find the brand that is best suited for you.

For beginners, we will introduce brands that offer high quality at an affordable price, while for advanced collectors, we will showcase brands that boast the highest quality. Let's start your unique collection according to your budget and preferred genres.

Reasons Why Japanese Figure Brands Are Loved Worldwide

As of 2023, the Japanese figure market has reached a scale of approximately $5 billion, and it is predicted to grow to $9 billion by 2030. The background of this rapid growth lies in the outstanding technical skills and commitment to quality of Japanese manufacturers.

The biggest reason for their global acclaim is the precision of sculpting and painting. Japanese figures, even at 1/7 or 1/8 scale, meticulously reproduce the character's expressions, the flow of hair, and the wrinkles in clothing. Compared to overseas products, there is an overwhelming difference in the smoothness of the paint and the accuracy of color reproduction.

Another strength is the fidelity to the original work. When bringing anime or game characters to three-dimensional form, Japanese manufacturers thoroughly study the original setting materials and pay close attention to ensure that the character's personality and worldview are not compromised. This attitude produces products that capture the hearts of fans.

Moreover, Japan has many skilled sculptors known as prototype masters. As represented by Kaiyodo, there is a culture in Japan where the names of sculptors are engraved on figures, reflecting the craftsmanship and pride in the products.

The strictness of quality control cannot be overlooked either. Many Japanese manufacturers meticulously check the manufacturing process to minimize the quality difference between sample products (deco-masters) and mass-produced items. This thorough quality management builds trust among collectors worldwide.

Overseas collectors have established the evaluation that "Japanese figure brands are the gold standard," and major brands such as Good Smile Company, Bandai, Alter, and Kotobukiya have established a solid position in the international market.

To keep high-quality figures beautiful for a long time, proper storage and maintenance are essential. 【Related Article】: 5 Ways to Prevent Color Transfer in Figures is also a useful reference, so be sure to manage your collection carefully after purchase.

Basic Knowledge of Figure Types and Price Ranges

Japanese figures can be broadly divided into two categories: scale figures and prize figures, each with different characteristics and price ranges. By understanding these differences before choosing a brand, you will be able to make selections that fit your budget and purpose.

• What are Scale Figures
• What are Prize Figures
• Reasons for Price Differences

What are Scale Figures

Scale figures are high-quality figures made to accurate scales such as 1/7 or 1/8 in relation to the character's set height. The most common size is 1/7 scale, with completed figures standing about 20 to 30 cm tall.

The biggest feature of scale figures is the high quality of sculpting and painting. They are manufactured using high-quality materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and ABS resin, based on prototypes carefully crafted by sculptors. The flow of hair, the wrinkles in clothing, and the details of expressions are precisely reproduced, making them highly valuable as collector's items.

The price range is approximately 8,000 to 30,000 yen, with popular characters or larger-sized products sometimes exceeding 30,000 yen. High-quality manufacturers such as Alter, Good Smile Company, Kotobukiya, and Max Factory primarily produce these figures, and they are often sold in a made-to-order format.

What are Prize Figures

Prize figures are figures offered as prizes in crane games (UFO catchers) at game centers. They are mass-produced for prize purposes, making them very affordable, and they are perfect for beginners looking to start a figure collection.

In recent years, the quality of prize figures has significantly improved. Manufacturers like Banpresto, SEGA, and TAITO provide products that rival scale figures in quality, all at low prices ranging from 500 to 3,000 yen. In particular, Banpresto's Ichiban Kuji series has gained popularity for its high quality that is hard to believe for a prize.

Most prize figures are around 15 to 20 cm in size, making them smaller than scale figures. While they may not match scale figures in terms of painting and detail precision, they excel in cost performance and are attractive for collectors looking to gather multiple characters.

For more information on the choice between scale figures and prize figures, please refer to the related article: Differences Between Scale Figures and Prize Figures.

Reasons for Price Differences

The price difference between scale figures and prize figures arises from four main factors. First is the difference in materials. Scale figures use high-quality PVC or ABS, selecting materials that can reproduce details accurately. In contrast, prize figures use cost-effective materials.

Next is the precision of the sculpting. Scale figures are crafted in detail by skilled sculptors, going through multiple revisions to reach completion. The quality of painting is also a significant factor, with scale figures featuring multi-layer gradient painting and fine color separation.

Finally, there is the strictness of quality control. High-end manufacturers set stringent inspection standards to minimize the quality gap between sample products and mass-produced items. All these elements accumulate to create the price difference.

Top 5 High-Quality Figure Brands

Here, we introduce five Japanese figure brands recognized for their highest quality by collectors worldwide. These manufacturers boast industry-leading standards in sculpting, painting, and quality control, providing core products for collections.

• 1st Place: Alter - The King of Quality
• 2nd Place: Good Smile Company - Stable High Quality
• 3rd Place: Max Factory - Masters of Articulated Figures
• 4th Place: Kotobukiya - Balanced Powerhouses
• 5th Place: Bandai - Diverse Lineup

1st Place: Alter - The King of Quality

Alter is a manufacturer that has received the highest acclaim in the figure industry as the "King of Quality." Since its establishment in 1998, it has specialized in beautiful girl figures and is known for its uncompromising commitment to quality.

Alter's greatest strength lies in its overwhelming quality of painting techniques. With multi-layer gradient painting, delicate shading, and the expression of translucent skin, it possesses technical skills that leave other manufacturers behind. In particular, the reproduction of skin texture and transparency is ranked number one in the industry, with the saying that "once you see Alter's painting, others feel lacking."

Its representative series includes a high-quality beautiful girl figure line at 1/7 scale. It has produced numerous masterpieces in popular works such as the "Fate" series, "The Idolmaster" series, and "Kantai Collection" series. The price range is higher, from 12,000 to 30,000 yen, but it offers overwhelming quality that matches its value.

It is also known for frequent release delays due to its commitment to quality, reflecting its attitude of pursuing the highest quality without compromise. Overseas collectors praise it with statements like "Alter figure quality is unmatched," establishing it as a brand with high investment value.

2nd Place: Good Smile Company - Stable High Quality

Good Smile Company is a comprehensive manufacturer that has been providing high-quality figures across a wide range of genres since its establishment in 2001. It is globally famous as the creator of the Nendoroid series and is a pioneer that opened up the deformed figure market.

Its biggest features are the stability of quality and the diversity of its lineup. It covers all genres at a high level, from beautiful girl figures, male characters, robots, to creatures. The difference in quality between sample products and mass-produced items is minimal, resulting in very high satisfaction after purchase.

The representative series, Nendoroid, is a deformed movable figure with a height of about 10 cm, priced around 5,000 to 7,000 yen. It offers a wealth of expression parts and accessories, allowing for the recreation of various scenes. With over 1,500 types in its lineup, it enjoys broad support from beginners to advanced collectors.

Scale figures are also of very high quality, priced around 10,000 to 25,000 yen. It handles many products from popular works such as the "Hatsune Miku" series and the "Love Live!" series. It is also actively expanding globally, with very high recognition and reliability overseas, making it a face of Japanese figure brands.

3rd Place: Max Factory - Master of Movable Figures

Max Factory is a manufacturer that develops the pinnacle brand of movable figures, the figma series. Since its establishment in 1987, it has continued to challenge the difficult task of balancing mobility and sculptural beauty, establishing top-class technical skills in the industry.

The biggest feature of the figma series is its unique joint structure that allows for natural posing. It minimizes the common problem of "visible joints" in movable figures, achieving both beautiful sculpting and free poses. With a height of about 13 to 15 cm, it is priced between 6,000 and 12,000 yen, offering excellent cost performance.

It develops a wide range of genres, including popular works such as the "Persona" series, "The Legend of Zelda" series, and "Attack on Titan" series. It comes with interchangeable expression parts, hand parts, and dedicated bases, making it ideal for collectors who enjoy photography and display.

In recent years, it has announced a new series of movable figures called "figma archetype next," pursuing further improvements in mobility. It is highly regarded overseas as the "best articulated figures from Japan" and boasts immense popularity among action figure fans.

4th Place: Kotobukiya - A Balanced Powerhouse

Kotobukiya is a long-established model manufacturer founded in 1947, known as a comprehensive brand with a high track record in both plastic models and figures. It handles not only Japanese anime and game characters but also figures of American comic heroes, recognized as a manufacturer with an international perspective.

The representative series, ARTFX J, is a high-quality line that brings Japanese anime and game characters to life in 1/8 scale. Priced between 8,000 and 20,000 yen, it excels in the balance of quality and price. It features many popular works such as "My Hero Academia," "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," and "Touken Ranbu."

Kotobukiya's strength lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of genres. It has the technical capability to provide high-quality products in any genre, including beautiful girl figures, male characters, robots, and American comics. In particular, its American comic figures (Marvel, DC Comics) have received high praise in overseas markets.

It also features unique assembly kits that fuse the techniques of plastic models and figures, offering products that allow for the enjoyment of assembly while being pre-painted. It is a powerhouse brand supported by a wide range of enthusiasts, from beginners to advanced collectors.

5th Place: Bandai - Diverse Lineup

Bandai is a leading comprehensive toy manufacturer in Japan, boasting an overwhelming presence in the figure market. It is globally famous for Gunpla (Gundam plastic models), but it also develops numerous popular series in finished figures.

The representative series, S.H.Figuarts, is a high-quality line of movable figures, priced between 4,000 and 15,000 yen. It boasts a wide lineup from special effects works such as "Kamen Rider" and "Ultraman" to anime characters like "Dragon Ball" and "One Piece."

Another flagship series, ROBOT Spirits, is a line that brings the mechs from robot anime to life, primarily focusing on the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series. It boasts high levels of mobility, proportion, and gimmick reproduction, earning immense support from robot figure fans.

Bandai's greatest strength lies in its overwhelming IP portfolio. With numerous popular contents under its own umbrella, it can offer high-quality products with official licenses. It is also actively expanding internationally, covering a wide range from Asia to Europe, America, and South America, and is popular overseas as "the most accessible high-quality Japanese figure brand."

Top 3 Collector Figure Brands

Here are three brands with history and uniqueness. These manufacturers have established a solid position in the collector market by specializing in specific genres and technologies. Their high level of expertise and unique techniques have created enthusiastic fans.

• 6th Place: Kaiyodo - Pioneer of the Figure World
• 7th Place: MegaHouse - A Must-See for One Piece Fans
• 8th Place: TAITO - Innovation in Skin Texture Processing

6th Place: Kaiyodo - Pioneer of the Figure World

Kaiyodo, founded in 1964, is a pioneer in the figure industry and is known as the manufacturer that has contributed the most to the development of Japanese figure culture. It is recognized as a historical entity that led the food toy (figurines included with snacks) boom and laid the foundation for the current figure market.

Kaiyodo's greatest feature is the culture of engraving the names of sculptors on their products. Their respect for the artistry and craftsmanship of sculptors has had a significant impact on the entire industry. It has produced renowned sculptors such as Katsuhisa Yamaguchi, Akio Murata, and Takayuki Takeya, and is often referred to as "the school of sculptors."

The representative series, Revoltech, is an innovative figure line that employs a unique movable mechanism called "Revolver Joint." The price range is from 4,000 yen to 18,000 yen, covering a wide array of robots, creatures, and special effects characters. The range of motion in the joints is very broad, allowing for dynamic posing.

Kaiyodo also has an overwhelming track record in the fields of food toys and capsule toys (gachapon), providing numerous high-quality small figures at low prices. The "ChocoEgg" series has become a social phenomenon and has contributed to spreading Japanese figure culture to the general public.

Kaiyodo is not just a manufacturer; it is the very history of figure culture. Among overseas collectors, it is respectfully referred to as "Kaiyodo is the godfather of Japanese figures," and it is a brand that holds both historical and collector value.

7th Place: MegaHouse - A Must-See for One Piece Fans

MegaHouse is a figure manufacturer belonging to the Bandai Group, recognized globally as the premier brand for "One Piece" figures. Since its establishment in 1997, it has produced numerous high-quality figures of popular anime and game characters.

The representative series, Portrait.Of.Pirates (commonly known as P.O.P), is a top-tier line that brings "One Piece" characters to life in 1/8 scale. The price range is from 8,000 yen to 25,000 yen, beautifully expressing the characters' individuality and dynamism. From the bulging muscles to the texture of the costumes and the details of weapons and accessories, it perfectly recreates the atmosphere of the original work.

MegaHouse's strength lies in its ability to express the "vitality" of characters through sculpting. Even though the figures are stationary, they convey a sense of dynamism and the characters' personalities as if they are about to move. The naturalness of poses that recreate action scenes is unmatched by other manufacturers.

In addition to "One Piece," it also develops popular works such as "Dragon Ball" and "NARUTO," as well as a series of beautiful girl figures. It is a balanced manufacturer that combines specialization in specific works with a wide lineup. Coupled with the popularity of "One Piece" overseas, it boasts high recognition and popularity in the international market.

8th Place: TAITO - Innovation in Skin Texture Processing

TAITO is well-known as a game company, but in recent years it has established a unique position in the figure market. Starting with prize figures (arcade prizes), it is now an innovative manufacturer that develops the high-quality brand "Spiritale."

TAITO's biggest feature is its uniquely developed "Smooth Skin Processing" technology. This technology allows the skin surface of the figures to have a smooth and natural texture, achieving a feel that is almost like real skin. It is highly regarded in the industry as an innovative technology that is not found in conventional figures.

The Spiritale brand offers high-quality beautiful girl figures at a price range (3,000 yen to 8,000 yen) that sits between prize figures and scale figures. Despite being reasonably priced, the quality of sculpting and painting is high, making it a popular choice for excellent cost performance.

It features characters from popular works such as "Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend," "Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World," and "The Quintessential Quintuplets," particularly gaining support from beautiful girl figure fans. It is a new type of manufacturer that balances mass production technology cultivated through prize figures with quality control at the level of scale figures.

Recommended Figure Brands for Beginners TOP2

For those who want to start a figure collection but find it difficult to jump into expensive products right away, here are two brands that are perfect. Both are reasonably priced and have significantly improved in quality in recent years, making them manufacturers that can confidently be recommended as a first figure.

• 9th Place Banpresto - High Quality at Affordable Prices
• 10th Place SEGA - A Powerhouse in Prize Figures

9th Place Banpresto - High Quality at Affordable Prices

Banpresto is a prize figure manufacturer belonging to the Bandai Group, known for its "Ichiban Kuji" series. Despite being in the affordable price range of 500 yen to 3,000 yen, it achieves quality that approaches that of scale figures, making it ideal for beginners starting their figure collection.

The biggest appeal is its overwhelming cost performance. Conventional prize figures often had the impression that "since they are prizes, the quality is just okay," but Banpresto has significantly improved the quality of sculpting and painting in recent years. In particular, the top prizes of the "Ichiban Kuji" and the "Q posket" series are beautifully sculpted and carefully painted, priced between 1,000 yen and 2,000 yen.

The lineup of popular works is also rich, covering major anime and game titles such as "One Piece," "Dragon Ball," "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," and "Jujutsu Kaisen." In addition to being available as prizes in game centers, they can also be easily purchased online or in the second-hand market, which is a friendly point for beginners.

Most figures are around 15 to 20 cm in size, making them easy to collect multiple characters without taking up much space. It is an ideal brand for beginners who want to "try a figure of their favorite character at an affordable price." Due to the high quality, advanced collectors often collect them as sub-collections, gaining support from a wide range of fans.

10th Place SEGA - A Powerhouse in Prize Figures

SEGA is well-known as a game company, but it also has a strong track record in the prize figure market. Centered around the "Premium Figure" series, it offers high-quality figures at a low price range of 500 yen to 2,500 yen, particularly boasting overwhelming popularity in the Hatsune Miku series.

SEGA's strength lies in the high quality of sculpting in its prize figures. In particular, the "Hatsune Miku Super Premium Figure" series beautifully reproduces the details of the costumes and the flow of hair at a low price, earning high praise among fans. The virtual singer Hatsune Miku is also very popular overseas, and SEGA's Miku figures have international recognition.

Another feature is the ease of acquisition. They are widely distributed as prizes in UFO catchers at game centers, making it easy to try your luck. Even if you don't succeed, they can be purchased relatively cheaply in online marketplaces or second-hand shops, allowing beginners to start their collection without pressure.

Popular works such as "Love Live!", "Fate", "Sword Art Online", and "Hatsune Miku" feature a wide range of characters that are popular among anime and vocaloid fans. Due to their affordable prices, they are also ideal for a collection style where you want to "collect and display multiple characters". Along with Banpresto, it is one of the figure brands that beginners should first try.

Brand Feature Comparison Table

Here, we will compare the features of the 10 brands introduced so far in a table. Check the price range, quality level, specialty genres, and representative series to find a brand that suits your needs.

Rank	Brand Name	Price Range (Yen)	Quality Level	Specialty Genre	Representative Series	Beginner Recommendation Level
1st	Alter	12,000–30,000	★★★★★	Beautiful Girl Figures	1/7 Scale Figures	★★☆☆☆
2nd	Good Smile Company	5,000–25,000	★★★★★	All Genres	Nendoroid, Scale Figures	★★★★★
3rd	Max Factory	6,000–12,000	★★★★☆	Action Figures	figma	★★★★☆
4th	Kotobukiya	8,000–20,000	★★★★☆	All Genres, American Comics	ARTFX J	★★★☆☆
5th	Bandai	4,000–15,000	★★★★☆	Robots, Tokusatsu	S.H.Figuarts, ROBOT Spirits	★★★★☆
6th	Kaiyodo	4,000–18,000	★★★★☆	All Genres, Creatures	Revoltech	★★★☆☆
7th	MegaHouse	8,000–25,000	★★★★☆	One Piece, Anime	Portrait.Of.Pirates	★★★☆☆
8th	TAITO	3,000–8,000	★★★☆☆	Beautiful Girl Figures	Spiritale	★★★★☆
9th	Banpresto	500–3,000	★★★☆☆	All Genres	Ichiban Kuji, Q posket	★★★★★
10th	SEGA	500–2,500	★★★☆☆	Anime, Vocaloid	Premium Figures	★★★★★

As can be seen from this comparison table, if your budget is under 5,000 yen, Banpresto or SEGA is suitable; for 5,000 to 15,000 yen, Good Smile Company, Max Factory, or Bandai; and for high quality over 15,000 yen, Alter, Kotobukiya, or MegaHouse are optimal. Beginners are recommended to start with Good Smile Company, Banpresto, or SEGA.

Representative Figure Series of Each Brand

Japanese figure brands each have their own popular series. Here, we introduce representative series by type of figure. Remembering these series names will make choosing figures even smoother.

• Deformed Figure Series
• Action Figure Series
• Scale Figure Series

Deformed Figure Series

Deformed figures are cute style figures that simplify characters into 2 to 3 head heights. They are small, space-saving, and feature a variety of expression parts, making them easy to play with.

Nendoroid (Good Smile Company) is a revolutionary series that pioneered the deformed figure market. With a height of about 10 cm and a price range of 5,000 to 7,000 yen, it features over 1,500 characters. It comes with a wealth of expression parts, hand parts, and dedicated accessories, allowing for the recreation of various scenes. With movable joints, it enables free posing, making it extremely popular among collectors who enjoy photography and display.

Kyo-PoSH (Kotobukiya) is a deformed action figure series from Kotobukiya that competes with Nendoroid. Priced between 4,000 yen and 6,000 yen, it features a somewhat slender proportion. The range of motion in the joints is wide, allowing for acrobatic poses to be recreated.

Action Figure Series

Action figures are action figures with joints that can move freely. They are perfect for changing poses for photography or recreating battle scenes.

figma (Max Factory) is known as the pinnacle of action figures. With a height of about 13 to 15 cm and a price range of 6,000 yen to 12,000 yen, it balances beautiful sculpting with high mobility. Its unique joint structure allows for a design where the joints are not prominent, enabling natural posing. It covers a wide range of genres, including 'Persona', 'The Legend of Zelda', and 'Attack on Titan'.

S.H.Figuarts (Bandai) is Bandai's main line of action figures. Priced between 4,000 yen and 15,000 yen, it covers a wide range from special effects works ('Kamen Rider', 'Ultraman') to anime ('Dragon Ball', 'One Piece'). It has very high mobility and can faithfully recreate action scenes from the original works.

Revoltech (Kaiyodo) is an innovative series that adopts a unique movable mechanism called 'Revolver Joint'. Priced between 4,000 yen and 18,000 yen, it features a unique lineup of robots, creatures, and special effects characters. The range of motion in the joints is extremely wide, allowing for dynamic poses.

Scale Figure Series

Scale figures are high-quality figures made to an accurate scale relative to the character's set height. They have top-level sculpting and painting, making them highly valuable as collector's items.

ARTFX J (Kotobukiya) is a series that brings Japanese anime and game characters to life at 1/8 scale. Priced between 8,000 yen and 20,000 yen, it features popular works such as 'My Hero Academia', 'Demon Slayer', and 'Touken Ranbu'. It excels in the balance of quality and price, making it ideal for those new to scale figures.

Portrait.Of.Pirates (MegaHouse) is a premium line that brings 'One Piece' characters to life at 1/8 scale. Priced between 8,000 yen and 25,000 yen, it beautifully expresses the dynamism and individuality of the characters. The details of muscle definition, the texture of clothing, and the intricacies of weapons and accessories are perfectly recreated, making it a must-see series for One Piece fans.

Alter Scale Figures reign as the pinnacle of beautiful girl figures. With a price range of 12,000 yen to 30,000 yen, they are expensive, but their painting technology is overwhelming, especially in the expression of skin texture and transparency, which is industry No.1. They handle many popular works such as 'Fate', 'The Idolmaster', and 'Kantai Collection'.

Reasons for Popularity Among Overseas Collectors

The reason Japanese figure brands enjoy immense popularity overseas is not just due to their high quality. Cultural background, technological innovation, and strategic expansion into the global market all play a complex role.

The biggest reason is the international popularity of anime and games. Japanese anime and games are watched and played worldwide, and there are many fans with a strong attachment to the characters. Japanese manufacturers are thorough in their fidelity to the original works, creating figures that do not compromise the character's world view, thus capturing the hearts of overseas fans.

Technological superiority is also a significant factor. The technical skills of Japanese sculptors, multi-stage gradient painting, and precise sculpting are clearly of higher quality compared to figures made in China or the West. In overseas collector communities, the evaluation that 'Japanese figure brands are the gold standard' has become established.

The proactive global expansion cannot be overlooked either. Major manufacturers like Good Smile Company, Bandai, and Kotobukiya operate official websites for overseas markets and support international shipping. They also actively participate in anime events around the world, such as Anime Expo in the United States, Japan Expo in France, and Bilibili World in China, enhancing brand recognition.

The market size is also experiencing rapid growth. As of 2023, Japan's figure market has reached approximately $5 billion and is projected to grow to $9 billion by 2030. A significant portion of this growth is driven by demand from overseas markets. In particular, demand is surging in North America, Europe, and Asia (China, South Korea, Southeast Asia), prompting Japanese manufacturers to focus on product development for the international market.

The diversity in price ranges also supports its popularity abroad. From high-end scale figures (Alter, MegaHouse) to affordable prize figures (Banpresto, SEGA), there is a lineup that caters to various budgets, appealing to a wide range of collectors from beginners to advanced.

How to Distinguish Fake Figures

As the popularity of Japanese figures rises, the number of fakes (pirated versions, bootlegs) is also increasing. Especially in overseas online marketplaces, genuine products and fakes are mixed, so caution is necessary. Here, we introduce basic points to distinguish between genuine products and fakes, as well as how to purchase safely.

• Characteristics of Fakes
• How to Purchase Safely

Characteristics of Fakes

Fake figures have several common characteristic signs. Be sure to check these before purchasing.

Quality of Packaging is the first checkpoint. Genuine products have clear printing and accurate colors. Fakes may have blurry printing, faded colors, or slightly different font styles. Additionally, the paper quality of the packaging is thick and sturdy for genuine products, while fakes tend to be thin and cheap in texture.

Presence of Official Logos and Holograms is also important. Many legitimate manufacturers (Good Smile Company, Bandai, etc.) apply hologram seals or engravings on the packaging or the figure itself. Fakes may lack these or have poorly made imitations.

Quality of Paint is the most noticeable difference. Genuine products have uniform and smooth paint, while fakes often show color inconsistencies, paint overspill, and rough gradients. The difference is particularly evident in facial paint (eyes, eyebrows, mouth), where fakes tend to have unnatural expressions.

Precision of Sculpting should also be checked. Genuine products are crafted with precision down to the details, while fakes may have poor detailing, noticeable seams, or distorted proportions. Differences are especially apparent in hair flow, clothing wrinkles, and accessory details.

Smell can also be a distinguishing factor. Genuine products have a fresh plastic smell, while fakes may emit a strong chemical odor or other unpleasant smells due to the use of low-quality materials.

How to Purchase Safely

To avoid fakes and purchase figures safely, choosing a reliable sales channel is the most important.

Purchasing from Authorized Retailers is the safest option. Use trusted authorized dealers such as the Good Smile Company official online shop, AmiAmi, HobbyLink Japan, and Tokyo Otaku Mode. These stores only handle genuine products and offer quality guarantees.

Pre-ordering is also a highly secure method. Since you can purchase items directly from the manufacturer, the risk of fakes is almost zero. It is recommended to purchase popular characters during the pre-order phase.

Checking Price Ranges is also important. Products priced significantly lower than the market average (e.g., below 50% of the retail price) are likely to be fakes. Especially on platforms like Amazon Marketplace and eBay, carefully verify the reliability of third-party sellers. Always check the seller's ratings, number of reviews, and return policies.

When purchasing from the second-hand market, carefully examine the photos and, if possible, ask the seller to confirm that the item is genuine. Using trusted second-hand specialty stores (Mandarake, Surugaya, etc.) is also a safe choice.

For more detailed information on distinguishing fake figures, see 【Related Article】: Complete Guide to Distinguishing Fake Figures.

Points for Choosing Figures

When selecting a figure brand, it is important to clarify your budget, preferred genre, and the purpose of your collection. Here, we introduce practical points for choosing figures.

• Recommended Brands by Budget
• Recommended Brands by Genre
• How to Choose Your First Figure

Recommended Brands by Budget

The optimal brand varies depending on your budget. By starting with a brand that fits your budget, you can enjoy your collection without strain.

For those with a budget of under 5,000 yen, Banpresto and SEGA are recommended. They are prize figure manufacturers with high quality, allowing you to obtain figures of your favorite characters for 500 to 3,000 yen. You can acquire them as prizes at game centers or purchase them from online shops. This price range makes it easy to collect multiple characters, making it ideal for beginners to experience "what figure collection is."

For those with a budget of 5,000 to 15,000 yen, Good Smile Company, Max Factory, Bandai, and TAITO are optimal. This price range offers the best balance of quality and price. There are many popular series available, such as Nendoroids (5,000 to 7,000 yen), figma (6,000 to 12,000 yen), and S.H.Figuarts (4,000 to 15,000 yen). It is also suitable for beginners in scale figures, providing quality that can be enjoyed for a long time.

For those with a budget of over 15,000 yen, high-quality scale figures from Alter, Kotobukiya, and MegaHouse are recommended. In this price range, you can enjoy industry-leading sculpting and painting. In particular, Alter's figures (12,000 to 30,000 yen) have high investment value and are worth holding onto as collector's items for the long term. They are ideal for advanced collectors or those with a deep affection for specific characters.

Recommended Brands by Genre

By choosing brands specialized in your favorite genre, you can create a highly satisfying collection.

For those who love beautiful girl figures, Alter is overwhelmingly recommended. Their painting beauty and sculpting precision are unmatched. Good Smile Company and TAITO's Spiritale series are also excellent runners-up. If you prioritize the balance of price and quality, TAITO's Spiritable (3,000 to 8,000 yen) is a good target.

For those who love robots and mecha, Bandai's ROBOT Spirits series and Kaiyodo's Revoltech are optimal. Especially if you are collecting the Gundam series, Bandai is indispensable. If you seek a balance of mobility and proportion, ROBOT Spirits is the best choice.

For those who want to collect anime characters in general, Good Smile Company and Bandai offer a wide range of lineups. If you are a fan of a specific work, choose a manufacturer that is strong in that work. For "One Piece," MegaHouse is best; for "Dragon Ball," Bandai; and for the "Fate" series, Alter or Good Smile Company are optimal.

For those who want to enjoy poses with movable figures, Max Factory's figma and Bandai's S.H.Figuarts are the top choices. Figma excels in the balance of sculpting beauty and mobility, while S.H.Figuarts is characterized by its wide range of motion and high fidelity to the original work.

How to Choose Your First Figure

When starting a figure collection, the first figure is very important. Keep the following points in mind when choosing.

Choosing a character from a work you love is the most important. No matter how high the quality, the enjoyment of the collection is halved if you don't have an attachment to the character. Start by choosing a character from an anime, game, or manga that you truly love.

Consider the size and storage space. A 1/7 scale figure is about 20 to 30 cm tall and can take up quite a bit of space. If your room has limited space, it is wise to start with smaller figures like Nendoroids (about 10 cm) or figma (13 to 15 cm). For Nendoroids, you can refer to 【Related Article】: Nendoroid Parts Swapping Guide to experience the fun of customization.

Set a budget that is manageable. There is no need to jump into expensive figures right from the start. It is recommended to begin with Banpresto or SEGA's prize figures (500 to 3,000 yen) to experience the joy of figures, and then gradually step up.

Let's buy from a reliable retailer. Since beginners find it difficult to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products, it is strongly recommended to purchase from authorized retailers (such as AmiAmi, Good Smile Company official shop, HobbyLink Japan, etc.). For maintenance after purchase, refer to 【Related Articles】: Ultimate Guide to Figure Dust Prevention and 【Related Articles】: Complete Guide to Figure Yellowing Prevention to keep your figures in beautiful condition.

Summary: Find the Figure Brand That Suits You

In this article, we have introduced the top 10 popular Japanese figure brands overseas in detail. Each brand has its own strengths and characteristics, and the best choice varies depending on your budget, preferred genre, and collection goals.

If you pursue high quality, go for Alter; for a wide lineup, choose Good Smile Company; for articulated figures, Max Factory; for robot figures, Bandai; for One Piece fans, MegaHouse; for history and tradition, Kaiyodo; and for starting at an affordable price, Banpresto and SEGA. Each brand offers top-level products in their respective fields.

Figure collecting brings the joy of living with your favorite characters. Start with one figure and gradually expand your collection. Enjoying it within your budget without strain is the key to continuing your collection for a long time.

Be careful of counterfeits and remember to purchase from reliable authorized retailers. Japanese figure brands provide high-quality products that are loved by collectors around the world for a reason. Find your favorite brand and enjoy the world of figure collecting.

If you're unsure where to start, I recommend beginning with Good Smile Company's Nendoroids or Banpresto's prize figures. From there, discovering the joy of figures and finding a brand that suits your taste is the essence of collecting.