Figures

The Japanese collectible figure has its roots in the garage kit scene: hobbyists made figures in small numbers and sold them at events such as Wonder Festival, held since 1984. That scene grew into an industry that now produces licensed figures from anime, manga and games.

Scale figures show a character at a fixed ratio, such as 1/7. Prize figures began as winnings in Japanese crane games. Nendoroids from Good Smile Company are chibi figures of about 10 cm with swappable faces, a line that dates from 2006. The figma from Max Factory, by contrast, focus on articulation and interchangeable parts.

Alongside them are action figures and blind box series, where the design is only known once opened.