Figure Collecting Glossary
- 1/4 Scale
A figure scaled to one-quarter of the character's canonical height. Typically 35-45 cm tall, these are among the largest standard-production figures. Often used for FREEing's Bunny series and premium releases. Expensive and shelf-space-intensive.
Scale & Size
- 1/6 Scale
A figure scaled to one-sixth of the character's canonical height, roughly 25-30 cm. Common for action figures and fashion dolls. Less common in anime PVC figures than 1/7 or 1/8 but used by several manufacturers.
Scale & Size
- 1/7 Scale
One of the most common scales for modern anime PVC figures, producing figures roughly 20-25 cm tall. Offers a good balance between detail, display presence, and affordability. The majority of scale figures announced today are 1/7.
Scale & Size
- 1/8 Scale
A figure scaled to one-eighth of the character's height, roughly 17-22 cm. Was the dominant scale during the mid-2000s to early 2010s golden age. Still produced but largely supplanted by 1/7 as the industry standard.
Scale & Size
- Non-Scale
A figure not designed to a specific proportional scale. The manufacturer sizes it based on aesthetic or practical considerations rather than mathematical scaling. Nendoroids, prize figures, and many chibi-style figures are non-scale.
Scale & Size
- Prize Size
Typically 15-22 cm, the standard height range for prize figures. Not a formal scale designation but a general expectation for crane game figures. Some premium prize lines like Banpresto's Ichiban Kuji can be larger.
Scale & Size
- PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, the most common material for anime figures. Soft enough to allow fine detail in molding, accepts paint well, and is relatively durable. Different PVC formulations range from rigid to flexible. Susceptible to plasticizer migration (stickiness) and leaning over time in warm conditions.
Materials
- ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a rigid, hard plastic used for structural figure components, joints, stands, and mechanical parts. Stronger and more dimensionally stable than PVC but less suitable for organic shapes. Most figures use a combination of PVC and ABS.
Materials
- Polystone
A dense, heavy composite material made from polyurethane resin mixed with powdered stone. Used for premium statues that prioritize weight, detail sharpness, and a stone-like feel. More fragile than PVC, and drops can cause chips or breaks. Common in Western collectible statues.
Materials
- Cold Cast
A casting method where metal powder (bronze, iron) is mixed with resin. Produces figures with a metallic weight and surface that can be polished to a metal-like finish. Used for high-end collectible statues, particularly busts and Western-style sculptures.
Materials
- Resin
A broad term for polyurethane or polyester casting resins used primarily in garage kits and small-batch production. Resin captures finer detail than PVC injection molding but is more brittle and labor-intensive to work with. Garage kits are typically cast in resin.
Materials
- Die-Cast
Metal parts (usually zinc alloy) incorporated into figures for weight and premium feel. Common in mecha/robot figures like Bandai's Soul of Chogokin line. Adds significant heft and a satisfying sense of solidity.
Materials
- Nendoroid
Good Smile Company's iconic chibi-style figure line. Features an oversized head on a small body (roughly 10 cm) with interchangeable face plates and accessories. Articulated at basic joints. Launched in 2006 and now one of the most recognized figure formats worldwide.
Figure Types
- figma
Max Factory's articulated action figure line, produced in collaboration with Good Smile Company. Features realistic proportions with smooth joints that allow extensive posing. Typically 13-15 cm tall. Known for good sculpt quality combined with practical articulation. Launched in 2008.
Figure Types
- S.H.Figuarts
Bandai's premium articulated action figure line under the Tamashii Nations brand. Covers anime, tokusatsu (Kamen Rider, Super Sentai), and Western properties (Marvel, Star Wars, Dragon Ball). Known for excellent articulation engineering and wide character coverage.
Figure Types
- Bishoujo
Literally 'beautiful girl.' Both a general term for female character figures and the name of Kotobukiya's specific figure line featuring Western properties (Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Horror) reimagined as anime-style female characters, designed by artist Shunya Yamashita.
Figure Types
- Pop Up Parade
Good Smile Company's budget figure line launched in 2019. Offers decent quality at approximately 3,500-5,000 yen (roughly $25-35 USD), aimed at collectors and fans who want an affordable entry point. Typically non-scale, around 17-18 cm tall. Has been enormously successful commercially.
Figure Types
- Prize Figure
Figures originally produced as prizes for Japanese arcade crane games (UFO catchers). Made by companies like Banpresto, Taito, SEGA, and FuRyu. Historically lower quality than scale figures but have improved dramatically since the mid-to-late 2010s, with the quality jump becoming widely recognized by 2020. Available at retail for roughly 1,500-3,000 yen ($10-$20 USD).
Figure Types
- Scale Figure
A fixed-pose figure produced at a specific proportional scale (1/4, 1/6, 1/7, 1/8, etc.) relative to the character's canonical height. Among the higher-quality mass-produced figure options, with detailed sculpts and paint applications. Prices range from 10,000 to 40,000+ yen ($67-$267+ USD).
Figure Types
- ガレージキット (Garage Kit) (gareeji kitto)
An unassembled, unpainted resin figure kit, typically produced in small quantities using silicone molds. The original format of character figure collecting. Requires modeling skills to build and paint. Sold at events like Wonder Festival or through specialty shops.
Figure Types
- Trading Figure
Small (5-8 cm) figures sold in blind boxes, so you do not know which character or variant you will receive until you open the box. Popular for collecting full sets. Common brands include MegaHouse's Petit Chara and Bandai's Gashapon lines.
Figure Types
- Statue
A general term for non-articulated display pieces, but in the collector market it often specifically refers to large, high-end polystone or resin pieces from Western-style manufacturers. Typically more expensive and heavier than PVC figures.
Figure Types
- Cast-off
A figure designed with removable clothing parts, revealing a different outfit or bare body underneath. Common in certain figure lines (NATIVE, some Orca Toys releases). The term refers to the ability to 'cast off' the outer layer.
Figure Types
- Bunny Ver.
A figure variant depicting a character in a bunny girl outfit (leotard, rabbit ears, fishnets). Popularized by FREEing's 1/4 scale B-style Bunny series, which has become one of the most collected figure sub-genres. Often the most expensive standard version of a character.
Figure Types
- Swimsuit Ver.
A figure variant depicting a character in a swimsuit (bikini, one-piece, school swimsuit). One of the most common 'version' types for female character figures. Sometimes based on official illustration art, sometimes original designs by the manufacturer.
Figure Types
- A/A
The highest condition grade in the Japanese pre-owned figure market. First letter = figure condition, second letter = box condition. A/A means both the figure and its box are in excellent, like-new condition with no visible damage or wear.
Condition & Grading
- A/B
Figure is in excellent condition (A) but the box has minor damage (B): small dents, shelf wear, slight sun fading, or minor tears. Often preferred by collectors who prioritize the figure itself, as the box damage does not affect display quality.
Condition & Grading
- B/A
Figure has minor issues (B) like a small paint chip, slight leaning, loose joint, or minor scuff, but the box is in excellent condition (A). Less common than A/B, as collectors who keep boxes pristine tend to also keep figures well maintained.
Condition & Grading
- B/B
Both figure and box have noticeable but not severe wear. Typical of figures that were displayed for extended periods and then reboxed. Usually the most affordable grade that still offers a satisfactory display experience.
Condition & Grading
- Junk
A figure or item sold as-is with significant defects: broken parts, heavy paint damage, missing components, or no box. Priced very cheaply. Sometimes purchased for parts, custom projects, or by collectors who hope to repair the damage themselves.
Condition & Grading
- Sealed / MISB
Mint In Sealed Box. A figure that has never been opened or removed from its packaging. Highly sought-after on the aftermarket, especially for older or limited figures. Important for collectors who prioritize pristine condition.
Condition & Grading
- Aftermarket
The secondary market for figures that are no longer available at retail. Includes resale through sites like Mandarake, Suruga-ya, Yahoo Auctions Japan, and individual sellers on MFC. Aftermarket prices can be above or below original retail depending on demand, rarity, and condition. Figures from manufacturers like Alter frequently command aftermarket premiums.
Shopping & Buying
- Pre-Order
Reserving a figure before its release date, typically 6-18 months in advance. Essential for popular figures that may sell out. Payment timing varies: Japanese retailers usually charge at shipping, while Western retailers may charge upfront or at deposit.
Shopping & Buying
- Pre-Owned
A previously owned figure sold on the secondhand market. Major pre-owned marketplaces include AmiAmi's pre-owned section, Mandarake, Yahoo Auctions Japan, and Suruga-ya. Condition is indicated by letter grades (A, B, C, etc.).
Shopping & Buying
- Exclusive
A figure or figure variant available only through a specific retailer, event, or channel. Shop exclusives often include bonus parts (extra face plates, accessories). Event exclusives (like WonFes items) are typically the most limited and valuable on the aftermarket.
Shopping & Buying
- Limited Edition
A figure produced in a deliberately restricted quantity. May include a numbered certificate of authenticity. Limited editions are harder to find and often more sought-after due to scarcity. Not all exclusives are limited, and not all limited editions are exclusive.
Shopping & Buying
- AmiAmi
Japan's largest online figure retailer, based in Osaka. Known for competitive pricing (often 20-30% below MSRP), extensive selection, and a large pre-owned section. Ships internationally. Strict cancellation policy; excessive cancellations can result in account bans.
Shopping & Buying
- Mandarake
Japan's largest chain of stores specializing in used anime goods, manga, figures, and collectibles. Major locations in Akihabara (Complex), Nakano Broadway, and Shibuya. Also operates an online store with international shipping. A primary destination for aftermarket figure buying.
Shopping & Buying
- Suruga-ya
Japan's largest secondhand media and hobby retailer, with hundreds of physical locations. Their online store now offers English-language service and international shipping. Known for competitive pre-owned pricing, often slightly cheaper than Mandarake for common items.
Shopping & Buying
- Solaris Japan
A Japan-based figure retailer focused on international customers. Carries both new pre-orders and a curated pre-owned selection. Known for English-language customer service and willingness to source hard-to-find figures, though prices tend to be higher than buying directly from Japanese domestic retailers.
Shopping & Buying
- Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM)
An international-facing Japanese retailer and media company. Offers figures with free or subsidized international shipping via a points system. Popular among Western collectors who prefer upfront pricing that includes shipping rather than Japanese retail plus separate shipping costs.
Shopping & Buying
- Proxy Service
A Japanese-based intermediary service that purchases items on your behalf from Japanese shops, auctions, or events that do not offer international shipping. Popular proxies include Buyee, Zenmarket, and FromJapan. Charges a service fee (typically 300-500 yen ($2-$3 USD) or a percentage) on top of item cost.
Shopping & Buying
- Forwarding Service
A service that provides a Japanese mailing address. You order from Japanese shops directly, have items shipped to the forwarding address, and the service reships them internationally. Popular services include Tenso and Blackship. Useful for combining multiple orders into one international shipment.
Shopping & Buying
- SAL (Surface Air Lifted)
A Japan Post shipping method that is cheaper than EMS but slower (typically 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer). Packages travel by surface transport within Japan and by air internationally. Not available to all countries. Disrupted during COVID and not fully restored to all destinations.
Shopping & Buying
- EMS (Express Mail Service)
Japan Post's express international shipping service. Typically delivers in 3-7 business days with tracking and insurance. More expensive than SAL but faster and more reliable. The standard choice for collectors who want timely delivery of pre-ordered figures.
Shopping & Buying
- DHL
A private international courier service used by many Japanese figure retailers as a premium shipping option. Fastest delivery (typically 2-4 days) but the most expensive. DHL proactively collects customs duties in many countries, which can mean an unexpected bill upon delivery.
Shopping & Buying
- フィギュア (figyua)
The Japanese word for 'figure,' borrowed from English. The standard term used in the Japanese hobby industry for character figures of all types. Pronounced 'fee-gyoo-ah.'
Production
- 原型師 (genkei-shi)
Figure sculptor/prototype artist. The person who creates the original three-dimensional sculpt from which production molds are made. Some genkei-shi are famous among collectors and have devoted followings. The role requires both artistic talent and technical knowledge of manufacturing constraints.
Production
- 彩色 (saishiki)
The master painting process. A specialist painter hand-paints the approved prototype to create the color reference standard (彩色見本) that the factory must match during mass production. The painted master is what you see in promotional photographs.
Production
- 企画 (kikaku)
Planning/project management, the initial phase of figure development where a planner decides what character, pose, scale, and concept a figure will have. The kikaku phase includes market research, license acquisition, and specification creation.
Production
- Prototype
The original sculpted figure from which production molds are derived. May be digital (ZBrush) or physical (clay/putty/3D-printed). Displayed at events like Wonder Festival for collector feedback before production begins.
Production
- Colored Prototype
A prototype that has been painted (as opposed to an unpainted gray sculpt). Shown at events and in promotional material. Note: this is still the hand-painted master, not a factory production sample. It represents the intended look, not necessarily what production copies will achieve.
Production
- Production Sample
A figure produced by the actual factory process (injection molding, factory painting) rather than hand-painted by a master painter. Shows what buyers will actually receive. Reputable manufacturers show production samples before release so collectors can calibrate expectations.
Production
- Delayed
A figure whose release date has been pushed back from the originally announced month. Extremely common in the figure industry; delays of 2-6 months are routine. Some figures are delayed multiple times. The figure hobby teaches patience.
Production
- Re-Release / Rerun
A second (or subsequent) production run of a previously released figure, usually prompted by strong aftermarket demand. Re-releases may have minor differences from the original run (updated box art, slight color adjustments). Not all figures receive re-releases.
Production
- Wonder Festival (WonFes)
One of the world's largest figure and garage kit events, held biannually (summer and winter) at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Founded in 1984 by General Products (a precursor to Gainax); Kaiyodo took over organization in 1992. Features both commercial manufacturer showcases and independent dealer tables. The one-day license system allows fan-made character goods to be sold legally during the event.
Events & Culture
- Mega Hobby Expo
A figure exhibition event organized by MegaHouse (a Bandai Namco subsidiary) held in Akihabara, Tokyo. Features upcoming figures from MegaHouse and affiliated brands. Smaller than Wonder Festival but focused specifically on commercial product announcements.
Events & Culture
- NYCC (New York Comic Con)
One of the largest pop culture conventions in the United States. Japanese figure manufacturers increasingly use NYCC (and similar Western events) to make announcements targeting international audiences. Good Smile Company and Kotobukiya maintain strong presences at these events.
Events & Culture
- One-Day License
Wonder Festival's proprietary system that grants temporary copyright permission to independent dealers, allowing them to sell fan-made character goods (garage kits, accessories) for the single day of the event. This legal framework has been essential to the survival and growth of the garage kit culture.
Events & Culture
- MFC (MyFigureCollection)
MyFigureCollection.net, the largest English-language figure database and collector community. Users catalog their collections, track pre-orders, read and write reviews, participate in forums, and buy/sell figures in the classified section. An essential resource for any dedicated collector.
Events & Culture
- Tsuki-board
A community website and blog focused on anime figure collecting, featuring reviews, unboxing content, and photography. One of several English-language figure blogs that provide in-hand reviews and production sample comparisons that help collectors make purchasing decisions.
Events & Culture
- Hobby Japan
A long-running Japanese hobby magazine covering figures, model kits, and related hobbies. Features exclusive figure reveals, sculptor interviews, and industry news. The magazine's monthly publication cycle makes it a key promotional channel for manufacturers.
Events & Culture
- Bootleg / Knockoff
An unauthorized reproduction of a licensed figure. Typically produced in China and sold at a fraction of the genuine price through platforms like AliExpress. Quality ranges from noticeably inferior to surprisingly convincing. Identified by inferior paint, loose joints, wrong colors, cheap packaging, and suspiciously low prices.
Slang & Community
- Recasting
The practice of making unauthorized copies of garage kits or limited figures by creating molds from an existing piece and casting duplicates. Widely considered a violation of community norms, as it undermines the work and potential income of the original sculptors.
Slang & Community
- 痛バッグ (Itabag) (itabagu)
Literally 'painful bag.' A bag (usually a clear-window tote or backpack) decorated with pins, keychains, can badges, and other merchandise of a single favorite character. Called 'painful' because of the amount of money spent filling it. A form of public devotion to one's oshi.
Slang & Community
- 推し (Oshi) (oshi)
One's most supported or favorite character, idol, or VTuber, the one you 'push' above all others. Originally from idol fan culture, now widely used in anime and figure collecting. In collecting, it often refers to a character whose merchandise a fan will prioritize acquiring, sometimes overlooking typical budget or quality constraints.
Slang & Community
- 沼 (Numa) (numa)
Literally 'swamp.' An affectionate community term for how absorbing figure collecting can become. When a collector says they have fallen into the numa, they mean the hobby has captured their time, money, and attention far beyond what they initially expected. Used warmly and with good humor.
Slang & Community
- QC Lottery
The unpredictable nature of production quality control. You might receive a clean copy of a figure or one with noticeable paint defects, and there is no way to know in advance. The term reflects the reality that QC variance is an inherent challenge of mass production, and its impact can vary on a per-release basis across the industry.
Slang & Community
- Grail
A collector's most desired figure, the one they would go to extraordinary lengths (and expense) to obtain. Usually a long-discontinued or extremely rare figure that rarely appears on the aftermarket. Derived from 'Holy Grail,' implying a near-mythical quest.
Slang & Community
- Backlog
The accumulation of figures a collector has purchased but not yet unboxed or displayed, usually due to lack of shelf space or time. A large backlog is a common badge of collector enthusiasm. Some collectors have backlogs numbering in the dozens.
Slang & Community
- Detolf
The IKEA Detolf glass display cabinet, the most popular display solution among figure collectors worldwide. Affordable, widely available, and the right size for most scales. The Detolf has become so synonymous with figure display that it is a shared reference point across the community.
Slang & Community
- Leaning
A common defect where a figure gradually tilts to one side over time, caused by soft PVC deforming under the figure's weight, especially in warm environments. A frequent complaint with figures that have thin legs or heavy upper bodies. Can sometimes be fixed with heat treatment or museum putty.
Slang & Community
- Plasticizer Migration
A chemical process where plasticizer compounds in PVC gradually migrate to the surface, causing a sticky or tacky feel. Common in older figures or those stored in warm conditions. Can be cleaned with mild soap and water but may recur. A fact of life with PVC figures.
Slang & Community
The tendency for figures of highly popular characters to become harder to find and more sought-after on the secondary market. When a character has a large, dedicated fanbase, demand for their figures tends to outpace supply relative to other characters from the same line. Sometimes called 'waifu tax' in informal community shorthand, though the dynamic applies to popular characters of all types.
Slang & Community
- Pain Peko
A community expression referencing VTuber Usada Pekora's signature laugh ('peko'). Collectors use it lightheartedly when encountering an unexpectedly expensive shipping bill, rediscovering a forgotten pre-order, or tallying up the cost of recent purchases. It captures the good-natured humor collectors share about the financial side of the hobby.
Slang & Community
- White Whale
Similar to a grail. A specific figure that a collector has been searching for unsuccessfully, often for years. The term implies rarity and a dedicated, long-running pursuit. Collectors enjoy sharing white whale stories with one another.
Slang & Community
- Nendoroid Tax
The phenomenon of Nendoroid prices steadily increasing over the years, from roughly 2,500-3,000 yen ($17-$20 USD) at launch to 5,000-7,000+ yen ($33-$47+ USD) for modern releases. Collectors use this term when noting that even the affordable entry-point line has become noticeably more expensive over time.
Slang & Community
- Prototype Jail
When a figure is shown as an unpainted or painted prototype at an event but then receives no further updates for months or years. The figure exists in limbo, announced but not progressing toward release. Collectors anxiously track figures stuck in prototype jail, hoping for an update.
Slang & Community
- キダルト (Kidult) (kidaruto)
A portmanteau of 'kid' and 'adult' that refers to adults who buy toys, figures, and collectibles for their own enjoyment rather than for children. In Circana's EU5 study, teens and adults ages 12 and up accounted for 28.5% of EU5 toy sales in 2023. The figure collecting hobby is largely a kidult market, with many adult collectors spending disposable income on display pieces.
Industry & Market
- インバウンド需要 (Inbound Demand) (inbaundo juyou)
Demand from foreign tourists visiting Japan who purchase figures, merchandise, and hobby goods during their trip. Shops in Akihabara, Nakano Broadway, and Den Den Town see substantial revenue from inbound shoppers. The weak yen has amplified this effect since 2022, making Japanese retail prices even more attractive to overseas visitors.
Industry & Market
- メディアミックス (Media Mix) (media mikkusu)
Japan's cross-media strategy where an IP simultaneously spans anime, manga, light novels, games, figures, and merchandise. The figure industry is deeply intertwined with media mix: anime broadcasts drive figure pre-orders, and figure announcements generate buzz for upcoming anime seasons. Production committees plan media mix rollouts years in advance.
Industry & Market
- Blind Box / ブラインドボックス (buraindo bokkusu)
A sealed package containing a random figure or collectible from a set, so you do not know which one you will get until you open it. Originally popularized by trading figures and gashapon, the format has exploded globally (especially in China) with brands like Pop Mart. The global blind box market has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry.
Industry & Market
- ワンダーフェスティバル (Wonder Festival) (wandaa fesutibaru)
Japan's largest figure and garage kit event, held twice yearly (winter and summer) at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo. Abbreviated WonFes or WF. Major manufacturers debut new prototypes and announcements, while hundreds of amateur and semi-pro sculptors sell one-day-license garage kits. Attendance typically exceeds 50,000. The hobby's most important event.
Industry & Market
- sofubi
Soft vinyl (sofuto biniru). A hollow, slightly flexible vinyl used for Japanese collectible figures, especially kaiju and tokusatsu characters; prized for its toy-like warmth and hand-painted finishes.
Figure Types
- chibi
A super-deformed art style: characters rendered small and cute with oversized heads. Nendoroids are the best-known chibi figures.
Figure Types
- POM
Polyoxymethylene, a hard, slippery engineering plastic used for joints and moving parts in articulated figures and model kits.
Materials