Soul Nations Beginner's Guide | A Complete Explanation from Choosing Your First Figure to Enjoying Them

You've become interested in Soul Nations, but with so many types available, you don't know where to start. This is a complete guide to solve the worries of beginners. From specific criteria for choosing your first figure, recommended figures by budget, to check points before purchase, we have covered all the necessary information to step into the world of Soul Nations.

By reading this article, you will find the perfect first figure for you, ensuring a successful selection of figures. Choose the one that suits you perfectly from the rich lineup of Soul Nations and experience the joy of action figures.

Three Important Points Beginners Should Know About Soul Nations

When purchasing a Soul Nations figure for the first time, there are three important points you should understand in advance. By grasping these, you will be able to efficiently choose figures that suit you, and your satisfaction after purchase will greatly improve. Here, we will explain the basic knowledge that beginners should first grasp.

• Point 1: Understand the Characteristics of Each Series
• Point 2: Set a Budget Guideline
• Point 3: Choosing from Your Favorite Works is the Key to Success

Point 1: Understand the Characteristics of Each Series

Soul Nations has multiple series, each with its own unique characteristics. S.H.Figuarts specializes in humanoid characters, offering high mobility and detailed sculpting. It covers a wide range of works including Kamen Rider, Dragon Ball, and Star Wars. ROBOT Spirits is a series focused on robots and mechas, centered around mobile suits like Gundam.

The Chogokin series is characterized by its heavy feel due to the use of alloy parts, covering nostalgic robot anime to the latest works. METAL BUILD is a top-tier line that strikes a balance between overwhelming sculptural beauty and mobility. Beginners should start by checking which series their favorite works are available in.

Point ②: Set a Budget

The figures from Tamashii Nations are priced across a wide range. Entry models for beginners can be purchased for around 3,000 to 5,000 yen. The standard price range for S.H.Figuarts and ROBOT Spirits is centered around 7,000 to 12,000 yen.

Premium lines like METAL BUILD and Soul of Chogokin can sometimes go for 15,000 to 30,000 yen or more. If it's your first purchase, I recommend starting in the price range of 5,000 to 10,000 yen. Within this price range, you can fully experience the quality of Tamashii Nations, and if it doesn't suit your taste, you won't feel a great deal of regret. It’s important to set a reasonable budget at first and experience the charm of Tamashii Nations.

Point ③: Choosing from Your Favorite Works is the Key to Success

The least risky way to choose for beginners in Tamashii Nations is to pick something from their favorite works or characters. No matter how highly rated a figure is, if you don't have an attachment to the work or character, you won’t achieve long-term satisfaction.

If you like the Gundam series, go for ROBOT Spirits or METAL BUILD; if you're a fan of Kamen Rider, consider the S.H.Figuarts Shin Kōchō series; if you love Dragon Ball, you might prefer the S.H.Figuarts character line. Prioritize your “likes” first. Having affection for the work enhances the enjoyment of displaying the figure and changing poses exponentially.

If you choose solely based on high reviews from sites, you might end up regretting later that “it just didn’t suit me.” The key to success is to select the first piece based on a character that you genuinely desire.

If you want to know more about each series as related articles, please check “【Related Articles】Comparison Guide for All Tamashii Nations Series | Differences and Selection of S.H.Figuarts and ROBOT Spirits.”

How to Choose Your First Figure | Prevent Mistakes with 4 Selection Criteria

When selecting your first figure from Tamashii Nations, it’s important to have specific criteria in mind. Here, we’ll explain four selection criteria in detail to help beginners choose the optimal figure without making mistakes. By referring to these criteria, you can find a figure that truly suits you.

• Criterion ①: Choose based on your favorite work or character
• Criterion ②: Choose according to your budget
• Criterion ③: Choose based on where and for what purpose to display
• Criterion ④: Choose based on the balance of mobility and completeness

Criterion ①: Choose based on your favorite work or character

The most important selection criterion is to choose from works or characters that you like. If you are a Gundam fan, pick mechs that hold special meaning to you, such as the RX-78-2 from the original Gundam or the Char's Zaku. If you enjoy the Kamen Rider series, it's best to choose the Rider you watched as a child or your recent favorite Rider.

If you're a Dragon Ball fan, there is a wide range of key character S.H.Figuarts available, such as Son Goku and Vegeta. The Star Wars and Marvel franchises are also popular lines from Soul Nations. By choosing characters you have affection for, you can maintain the motivation to enjoy display and pose changes even after purchase. Instead of just choosing based on "popularity" or "good reputation," prioritizing characters that resonate with your heart is the secret to enjoying them for a long time.

Criterion ②: Choose according to your budget

It's also important to make realistic selections that match your budget. If you're looking for something under 5,000 yen, the entry models of S.H.Figuarts or simple ROBOT Spirits are recommended. Even in this price range, you can enjoy sufficient mobility and quality of design.

If you have a budget around 10,000 yen, standard S.H.Figuarts or popular ROBOT Spirits become options. This price range is the core line of Soul Nations, where the balance of quality and price is most excellent. You can also consider premium products like the True Bone Sculpt series.

If you have a budget of 15,000 yen or more, you can challenge the highest-end lines such as METAL BUILD or Premium Soul Chogokin.

If you are a beginner but are serious about a character you like, choosing a high-end line from the start is one option. However, if you prioritize cost performance, I recommend first experiencing the quality of Soul Nations within a mid-range price before moving on to the high-end line.

Criterion ③: Choose Based on Display Location and Purpose

The location and purpose for displaying the figure are also important selection criteria. If you want to casually display it around your desk, the compact S.H.Figuarts or small ROBOT spirits are the best choice. The size of around 15cm doesn't take up much space, allowing you to admire it and feel relaxed during breaks from work or study.

If you want to display multiple figures in a proper display case, choose with size and uniformity in mind. If you gather them from the same series, the height and texture will be uniform, creating a beautiful display.

Your choice will also change depending on whether you want to enjoy mobility or just display and appreciate it. If you want to change poses frequently, S.H.Figuarts with sturdy joints and a wide range of motion is recommended. On the other hand, if you prioritize completeness and want to display with fixed poses, the sculptural beauty of the METAL BUILD or Chogokin series is suitable. It's essential to clarify how you want to enjoy your figures before purchasing.

Criterion ④: Choose Based on Balance of Mobility and Completeness

The Soul Nations figures have a varying balance of mobility and sculptural completion depending on the product. S.H.Figuarts has a design focused on mobility, allowing for a variety of pose changes. Although the joints are noticeable, this enhances the action capability. The freedom to recreate any scene from the series is appealing.

ROBOT spirits and METAL BUILD pursue a balance between mobility and visual beauty. The joints are designed to be as inconspicuous as possible, maintaining a beautiful silhouette from any angle. They faithfully reproduce the mechanical designs like Gundam while ensuring enough mobility range.

The Chogokin series emphasizes completeness and weightiness, characterized by the texture and presence of metal parts. The range of motion is somewhat limited, but the impact when displayed is overwhelming compared to other series. Beginners should consider whether they want to frequently enjoy changing poses or appreciate it in a high-completeness state, and choose a series that provides a balanced experience.

Recommended Soul Nations Figures by Budget | The Best Cost Performance Figure

Here, we will introduce recommended Soul Nations figures for beginners by budget. I have carefully selected products that offer the best cost performance in each price range and allow you to experience the charm of Soul Nations. Find the optimal one according to your budget.

• 【Under 5,000 yen】Entry-level figures focusing on cost performance
• 【Around 10,000 yen】Classic products with a balance of quality and price
• 【Over 15,000 yen】Experience the essence of Soul Nations at the highest quality line

【Under 5,000 yen】Entry-level figures focusing on cost performance

The price range under 5,000 yen is the most accessible entry zone for beginners of Soul Nations. From the standard line of S.H.Figuarts, many popular characters are lined up.

In the Kamen Rider series, the S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Den-O Sword Form can be purchased for around 4,000 yen. With high joint mobility, it is perfect for enjoying various action poses, making it an ideal first action figure. Dragon Ball fans can obtain S.H.Figuarts Son Goku (Super Saiyan) within 5,000 yen. The facial sculpting is precise, and it comes with plenty of interchangeable parts.

From ROBOT Spirits, classic mobile suits like the MS-06 Zaku II are available for around 5,000 yen. With a familiar design even for Gundam beginners and a wide range of motion, it is a highly satisfying product as a first robot figure. Even in this price range, you can fully experience the high-quality painting and precise sculpting of Soul Nations. The uncompromising quality, even at a low price, proves the reliability of Soul Nations.

【Around 10,000 yen】Classic products with a balance of quality and price

The price range around 10,000 yen is where the core lineup of Soul Nations is assembled. In this price range, many products offer the best balance of quality and price, allowing beginners to truly appreciate the value of Soul Nations.

The S.H.Figuarts Shin Kōchō Fuhō series is available for 8,000 to 12,000 yen.

The series that has pursued the aesthetic beauty of Heisei Riders, such as Kamen Rider Kuuga and Agito, to its limits balances the mobility of joints and visual beauty. The Shin Kamen Rider series precisely reproduces the character's body shape and muscle flow, providing satisfaction even just by displaying them.

From the ROBOT Spirits line, you can purchase major mobile suits like RX-93 ν Gundam and MSN-04 Sazabi for around 10,000 yen. The accompanying weapons and effect parts are plentiful, allowing for the recreation of various battle scenes. The quality of the paint and the beauty of the proportions seem unbelievable for this price range.

Characters from Dragon Ball Super also have an abundance of products around 10,000 yen in the S.H.Figuarts line. Many products come with effect parts that allow for the recreation of iconic scenes, such as Super Saiyan Blue and Gogeta, greatly widening the display options. Purchasing within this price range will let you fully enjoy the charm of Soul Nations, and you'll definitely want the next figure.

【15,000円以上】Experience the essence of Soul Nations in the highest quality line

The price range above 15,000 yen is where the pinnacle line of Soul Nations gathers. While it may seem daunting for beginners, if you truly love a character, starting with the premium line is a correct choice.

The METAL BUILD series falls within the price range of 20,000 to 40,000 yen, but its beauty in design and mobility is overwhelming. Popular models such as Freedom Gundam and Strike Freedom Gundam are recreated with a precise combination of metal parts and plastic. The glossy paint and substantial texture will leave you unsatisfied with other figures once you hold one.

The Soul of Chogokin series is also available in the price range above 15,000 yen. Classic robots from the Showa era like Great Mazinger and Combattler V return with the weight and texture of alloy parts. The fusion of nostalgia and the latest technology captivates adult collectors.

Premium Bandai limited S.H.Figuarts products are also available over 15,000 yen. Special colorings and limited edition characters hold particular value for collectors. If as a beginner you have a strong desire for "this character absolutely must be mine," choosing the highest quality line from the start is not something you will come to regret. Be sure to pick up the pinnacle works that showcase the technical skill and passion of Soul Nations.

Recommended Figures by Works and Genre | Choose from Your Favorite Works

The best way to choose Soul Nations figures is from the works you love, minimizing the chance of disappointment. Here, we'll introduce recommended figures for beginners, focusing on three popular genres (Gundam, Kamen Rider, Dragon Ball).

• Recommended for Gundam Fans
• Recommended for Kamen Rider and Tokusatsu Fans
• Recommended for Dragon Ball and Anime Fans

Recommended for Gundam Fans

For fans of the Gundam series, the ROBOT Spirits and METAL BUILD lines are recommended. ROBOT Spirits offers high-quality mobile suit figures at an affordable price. For beginners, the RX-78-2 Gundam ver. A.N.I.M.E. is the best choice. With a level of perfection that can be called the definitive version of the original Gundam, its anime-accurate proportions and abundant armaments are appealing. It is priced around 8,000 yen and is a must-have for any Gundam fan.

The Zaku II and Gouf, as well as the Dom from the Zeon army, are also well-represented. These can be purchased at relatively low prices (6,000 to 8,000 yen), and it's fun to gather several to recreate battle scenes.

If your budget allows, you should try the METAL BUILD series. The Freedom Gundam and Strike Freedom Gundam are expensive, priced between 25,000 and 35,000 yen, but their sculptural beauty and presence are extraordinary. The shine of the metal parts and the precise painting will capture the hearts of Gundam fans. Even beginners who are fans of the Gundam SEED series will find satisfaction without regret by choosing METAL BUILD from the start.

Recommended for Kamen Rider and Tokusatsu Fans

For fans of Kamen Rider and tokusatsu works, the S.H.Figuarts series is the best option. In particular, the line using the true bone carving method pursues the beauty of Kamen Rider's design to the limit and is a must-see series for fans.

For beginners, the S.H.Figuarts True Bone Sculpture Kamen Rider Kuuga Mighty Form is recommended. As the protagonist rider from the first Heisei Rider series, its simple yet powerful design is attractive. Thanks to the true bone carving method, the flow of muscles and the body's lines are beautifully reproduced. The price is around 9,000 yen, making it ideal for entry into the true bone carving series.

In the Reiwa Rider series, Kamen Rider Zero-One, Saber, and Gatchard are being developed.

These can be purchased for 6,000 to 8,000 yen and enjoy the latest rider designs. The included weapons and effect parts are also abundant, allowing you to recreate transformation scenes and finishing moves from the show.

For tokusatsu fans, the S.H.Figuarts from the Ultraman series is also recommended. Characters from various generations of Ultraman, such as the original Ultraman, Zero, and Trigger, are precisely sculpted. Combining them with Kamen Rider to enjoy a display of tokusatsu heroes is one of the joys of the Soul Nations collection.

Recommended for Dragon Ball and Anime Fans

For Dragon Ball fans, the S.H.Figuarts character line is extensive. For beginners, S.H.Figuarts Son Goku Super Saiyan is recommended. As a representative character of Dragon Ball, it comes with plenty of expression parts and wrist parts. Priced between 5,000 and 7,000 yen, it’s perfect as the first figure.

Key characters such as Vegeta, Piccolo, and Frieza are also available, offering the joy of recreating famous scenes with multiple purchases. Particularly, Vegeta has multiple versions available, allowing you to choose your favorite form, such as Super Saiyan Blue or Majin Vegeta.

For characters from Dragon Ball Super, options like Son Goku in Ultra Instinct and Gogeta Blue from the latest films and anime are also part of the lineup. These are priced around 10,000 yen and come with ample effect parts, allowing for impressive displays.

For general anime fans, S.H.Figuarts from One Piece and Naruto are also recommended. Popular characters like Luffy, Zoro, and Naruto Uzumaki are continually being produced. Choosing from your favorite anime works will deepen your affection for the figures, leading to a collection that you can enjoy for a long time.

Five Points Beginners Must Check Before Purchasing

There are five points you must check before purchasing figures from Soul Nations. By checking these, you can prevent the disappointment of "it wasn't what I expected" after the purchase. This will detail points that beginners often overlook.

• Check size and display space
• Contents of accessories and effect parts
• Range of motion and durability
• Release timing and preorder timing
• Check reviews and reputation

Check size and display space

The size of the figure is often described in the product details as "approximately 15cm tall," which usually refers to the height up to the top of the head. Including the base, weapons, and effect parts, the actual space occupied will be larger.

Before purchasing, make sure to measure the size of the space where you want to display it. If you plan to display it on your desk, an S.H.Figuarts around 15cm is ideal, but some larger METAL BUILD or ROBOT spirits can be close to 30cm. Checking product reviews and photos on social media will help you better envision the size.

Contents of accessories and effect parts

Figures from Tamashii Nations vary greatly in the abundance of accessories. Be sure to check the types of interchangeable hands (fists, open hands, hands for holding weapons, etc.), the number of expression parts, and whether weapons and effect parts are included.

The more accessories a product has, the more poses and expressions you can enjoy. Especially if effect parts (such as those that reproduce effects like beams or explosions) are included, satisfaction increases as you can recreate iconic scenes from the series. Don't just look at the product images; always check the accessory list as well.

Range of motion and durability

Figures from Tamashii Nations are known for their high mobility, but the range of motion varies by product. Check review videos and social media to see which poses are possible.

Additionally, the durability of the joints is also important.

If you frequently change poses, there is a risk that the joints may become loose. Right after purchase, take some time to move all the joints slowly and check for any initial defects. It is important to handle them carefully while confirming the limits of their range of motion, as forcing them can cause damage.

Release Timing and Reservation Timing

Tamashii Nations figures are available as limited pre-order items and general distribution items. Limited items sold through Premium Bandai can become difficult to obtain if you miss the reservation period and may end up at a premium price.

Even for general distribution items, popular characters may sell out immediately after release. If you find a product you want, make sure to check the release timing and the reservation period, and it's recommended to reserve early. Some products may be re-released, but popular items can take several months to over a year to restock.

Checking Reviews and Reputation

Before making a purchase, be sure to check reviews and reputations. Review videos on YouTube provide detailed insights into actual ranges of motion, the texture of the paint, and the usability of accessories. Feedback from buyers on platforms like X and blogs is also helpful.

Particularly noteworthy are negative reviews. If there are mentions like "joints are loose" or "paint has inconsistencies," this can serve as a warning to either prepare yourself before buying or consider alternative products. However, since evaluations can also be based on personal preferences, it's important to look at multiple reviews and make a comprehensive judgment.

How to Purchase Tamashii Nations and Recommended Buying Methods for Beginners

Tamashii Nations figures can be purchased through various channels. This section explains the best purchasing methods for beginners, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Choose the optimal purchasing method that fits your lifestyle and priorities.

• Reasons to Recommend Purchasing on Amazon and Rakuten
• Reservations at Premium Bandai (Tamashii Web Shop)
• View Actual Products at TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO

Reasons to Recommend Purchasing on Amazon and Rakuten

The most recommended purchasing method for beginners is through major e-commerce sites like Amazon and Rakuten. The biggest advantage is that you can refer to a wealth of reviews.

You can judge the quality of the product by looking at the evaluations and photos from actual purchasers.

The points rewards are also a major attraction. At Rakuten Ichiba, you can use Rakuten points, and at Amazon, you can lower the effective purchase price by utilizing coupons and time sales. Delivery is also prompt, and if you are an Amazon Prime member, next-day delivery is possible.

The procedures for returns and exchanges are relatively smooth. If there is an initial defect or if the product is different from what you expected, customer support is comprehensive. Since an environment is in place for beginners to make purchases with confidence, I recommend purchasing your first item from Amazon or Rakuten.

If you want to know more about the purchasing method, please refer to "【Related Article】Complete Guide to Purchasing Tamashii Nations | Detailed Explanation from Official Shop to Online Retailers".

Reservations at Premium Bandai (Tamashii Web Shop)

Exclusive products and pre-orders for Tamashii Nations are handled by Premium Bandai (Tamashii Web Shop). Many exclusive colors and special editions that can only be purchased here make it an essential purchase channel for collectors.

By registering as a member (for free), you can receive emails with information on when new products will be available for pre-order. Popular products may sell out within hours of the start of pre-orders, so be sure to check the start date and time if you want a specific item.

The disadvantages are that you will have to wait several months from reservation to release, and cancellations are not allowed. Additionally, exclusive items may be priced higher than their regular retail price. Beginners are recommended to first purchase general distribution items from Amazon or Rakuten to experience the charm of Tamashii Nations before attempting to buy exclusive items from Premium Bandai. Once you get used to purchasing from Premium Bandai, you can reliably obtain rare items, greatly expanding your collection.

If you want to know more about reserving from Premium Bandai, you may also find "【Related Article】Complete Manual for Tamashii Nations Reservations at Premium Bandai | From Lottery Sales to Member Benefits" helpful.

See the Real Thing at TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO

TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO, located in Akihabara, Tokyo, is the official shop of Tamashii Nations. The biggest advantage is that you can see and confirm the actual items directly. Many aspects such as size, color, and texture cannot be fully understood from photos alone, and seeing the actual product makes it easier to make a purchasing decision.

The store features a wide range of exhibits from the latest products to staple items, and there are products that you can actually touch and check. You can also ask staff questions, and they kindly respond to beginners' inquiries.

There are also exclusive products and event-exclusive sales, and you might encounter items that can only be purchased here. If you live near Tokyo or have the opportunity to visit while traveling, be sure to stop by at least once. If you see the real thing before purchasing, you can avoid regrets. Even for those living in rural areas, it's definitely worth stopping by as part of a trip to Tokyo.

Summary: Let's Choose Your First Figure and Step into the World of Tamashii Nations

So far, we have explained specific ways for beginners in Tamashii Nations to choose their first figure. In conclusion, we will summarize the important points of this article and send you off with encouragement to step into the world of Tamashii Nations.

Summary of Key Points in This Article

The most important point when choosing your first figure in Tamashii Nations is to select from your favorite works or characters. By referring to the four criteria of budget, display location, balance between mobility and quality, you can make a choice without regret.

In terms of budget, entry models below 5,000 yen offer a sufficient experience of Tamashii Nations’ quality. About 10,000 yen is the price range that offers the best balance between quality and price, making it the most recommended price range for beginners. Premium lines above 15,000 yen are worth challenging from the start if it's a character you truly love.

Before purchasing, make sure to check five points: size, included accessories, range of motion, release timing, and reviews. For your first purchase, Amazon or Rakuten is recommended, and once you are accustomed, try purchasing exclusive items from Premium Bandai or check the actual products at a physical store.

Articles to Read Next After Purchasing Your First Figure

Once you have purchased your first figure, learn about display methods, maintenance, and photography techniques to further enjoy Tamashii Nations. There are endless themes to delve into, such as how to choose a display case that brings out the charm of figures and techniques for recreating iconic scenes from works in photos.

In "【Related Articles】How to Display and Store Tamashii Nations Figures | From Choosing Cases to UV Protection,” we explain in detail how to keep your purchased figure beautiful for a long time. Additionally, in "【Related Articles】Complete Guide to Maintaining Tamashii Nations Figures | From Care Methods to Repairs,” you can learn everything from daily care to troubleshooting in case of emergencies.

Also, be sure to check the event information for Tamashii Nations. Official events such as Tamashii Nation offer exclusive previews and sales of new products, and the opportunity to enjoy interactions with other fans. By searching hashtags like #TamashiiNations and #SHFiguarts on social media, you can view displays and custom works from other collectors and gain new inspiration.

Getting your first figure is the gateway to the vast world of Tamashii Nations. Experience the joy of having your favorite character in your hands. We wish that your Tamashii Nations life becomes something wonderful.