How to Buy Anime Figures from Japan

Types of Anime Figures You Can Buy in Japan

Before learning how to buy anime figures, it’s important to understand the different types available in Japanese stores:

• Scale Figures – Highly detailed, realistic, and often larger in size. These are premium figures for serious collectors.
• Nendoroids – Chibi-style figures made by Good Smile Company. They are customizable, cute, and very popular worldwide.
• Figma & Action Figures – Posable figures great for photography and display setups.
• Prize Figures – Affordable options usually won in Japanese arcade crane games but also available online.
• Limited Editions – Exclusive items released at conventions or through special stores.

Best Places to Buy Anime Figures in Japan

Physical Stores

If you visit Japan, some of the most famous shopping districts for anime merchandise include:

• Akihabara (Tokyo) – Known as the mecca of anime shopping. Stores like Kotobukiya and Animate dominate this district. View Akihabara on Google Maps.
• Nakano Broadway – A shopping complex famous for rare and second-hand figures.
• Den Den Town (Osaka) – The Kansai region’s version of Akihabara.
• Mandarake – A second-hand giant chain with branches all over Japan. They also sell online at Mandarake Online.

Trusted Online Stores (Worldwide Shipping)

If you cannot travel to Japan, these websites deliver authentic anime figures worldwide:

• AmiAmi – One of the biggest figure retailers with pre-orders and discounts.
• HobbyLink Japan – Specializes in figures and model kits.
• CDJapan – Offers anime figures, CDs, and other official merchandise.
• Tokyo Otaku Mode – Ships anime merchandise internationally with bonus rewards.

Japanese Websites (Proxy Services Required)

Some Japanese figure stores and auction sites do not ship internationally. In such cases, you can use proxy services like Buyee, ZenMarket, or FromJapan to purchase items on your behalf.

• Surugaya – Affordable second-hand and rare collectibles.
• Yahoo! Japan Auctions – Perfect for bidding on exclusive figures.
• Mercari Japan – A marketplace for pre-owned and rare anime figures.

How to Buy Anime Figures Online from Japan

Buying anime figures online is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Choose a reliable Japanese website such as AmiAmi or Mandarake.
2. Check if the store offers international shipping. If not, use a proxy service.
3. Select your figure and add it to the cart.
4. Pay using PayPal, international credit card, or prepaid gift cards (depending on the site).
5. Choose your shipping method (EMS, DHL, FedEx, or Surface Mail).
6. Track your shipment until it arrives at your country.

Authenticity Check: Avoiding Fake Anime Figures

The biggest risk when buying anime figures online is ending up with counterfeit (bootleg) products. To make sure you are getting authentic anime figures:

• Always check for official hologram stickers on the box.
• Buy only from recognized sellers like Good Smile Company, AmiAmi, or Mandarake.
• Avoid deals that are “too cheap to be true.”
• Read reviews on MyFigureCollection, a trusted community for anime figure collectors.

Shipping and Customs Costs

When ordering from Japan, keep in mind that international shipping and customs can increase the price:

• EMS – Fast and reliable, but more expensive.
• DHL/FedEx – Premium courier services with tracking.
• Surface Mail – Cheaper but can take 2–3 months.

Depending on your country, customs duties or VAT may apply. For example, the US often has no customs fee for small packages, while the EU, UK, and India may charge taxes on imported anime merchandise.

Exclusive & Limited Anime Figures

If you’re looking for rare collectibles, Japan offers several exclusive opportunities:

• Wonder Festival (WonFes) – Japan’s largest figure convention with limited releases.
• Ichiban Kuji – Lottery-based figures available only in Japan.
• Special Animate collaborations and Lawson x Anime campaigns.

Tips for Beginners and Collectors

Starting your anime figure collection can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips:

• Begin with budget-friendly prize figures to learn the market.
• Follow official release calendars from Good Smile Company and AmiAmi.
• Join collector groups on Reddit or forums to track figure news and deals.
• Store your figures properly away from heat and sunlight to prevent damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying from unverified sellers on eBay or unknown sites.
• Not accounting for shipping and customs costs.
• Ignoring the figure’s size and scale before purchase.

By sticking to trusted Japanese websites, checking authenticity, and using the right shipping method, you can safely buy anime figures from Japan and build a valuable collection that lasts for years.