Shopping Guide
HELP / FAQs
By yindalin 
TL;DR
As of August 2026, the most respected Japanese anime figure makers include Good Smile Company, Kotobukiya, Alter, Max Factory, MegaHouse and Banpresto, each with a signature style and price range. Many of their best figures are Japan-exclusive, so overseas collectors buy them through a proxy service.
- Good Smile Company is best known for Nendoroids and Figma articulated figures.[1]
- Kotobukiya is known for its ARTFX J and Bishoujo lines.[2]
- Alter specialises in highly detailed 1/7-scale figures; Banpresto makes affordable arcade-prize figures.
- MegaHouse (One Piece Portrait of Pirates) is a subsidiary of Bandai Namco.[3]
If you’re an anime enthusiast, you’ve likely admired the intricate details and craftsmanship of Japanese figures. Perhaps you’re considering starting a collection but aren’t sure where to begin. Many of these coveted collectibles aren’t sold internationally, making it harder to find reliable information. Here’s a guide to the top anime figure manufacturers, offering a wealth of unique and high-quality figures for both beginners and seasoned collectors.
1. Kotobukiya
Popular Series: ARTFX J, Bishoujo, My Hero Academia, Marvel Universe, Attack on Titan, Star Wars, Yu-Gi-Oh!
Known for its outstanding craftsmanship, Kotobukiya creates dynamic and detailed figures like the iconic ARTFX J and Bishoujo lines. From Levi (Attack on Titan) to Marvel heroines, their figures beautifully capture character essence.
2. Alter
Popular Series: Love Live!, Fate/Grand Order, The Idolmaster, Sword Art Online, Azur Lane
Specializing in 1/7-scale figures, Alter is celebrated for its exceptional detail and vivid coloration. Fans love their realistic poses and intricate designs.
3. Max Factory
Popular Series: Figma, Genshin Impact, Hatsune Miku, The Legend of Zelda
Max Factory offers versatile Figma figures, allowing collectors to pose their favorite characters dynamically. They combine aesthetic appeal with technical precision.
4. MegaHouse
Popular Series: GEM, One Piece (POP), Naruto, Dragon Ball Z
As a subsidiary of Bandai Namco, MegaHouse excels in creating figures like the One Piece Portrait of Pirates series, known for their vibrancy and iconic character representation.
5. Aniplex+
Popular Series: Demon Slayer, Fate/Grand Order, Fullmetal Alchemist
Aniplex+ figures are highly sought after for their limited-edition exclusivity and impeccable design, perfect for dedicated collectors.
6. Good Smile Company
Popular Series: Nendoroid, Figma, Attack on Titan
A leading name in anime figures, Good Smile’s adorable Nendoroids and flexible Figmas are collector favorites worldwide.
7. Orange Rouge
Popular Series: Touken Ranbu, Yuri!!! on ICE, Tokyo Ghoul
A collaboration between Good Smile and Max Factory, Orange Rouge focuses on male characters, delivering exquisite detail and poses.
8. Banpresto
Popular Series: Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Known for affordable price figures often found in arcades, Banpresto is ideal for budget-conscious collectors.
9. Phat! Company
Popular Series: The Idolmaster, Kill la Kill, Persona
With vibrant designs and dynamic poses, Phat! Company stands out for its colorful and lively creations.
10. Stronger
Popular Series: Love Live! Sunshine!!, Fate/Stay Night
This newer brand impresses with its exceptional quality and dynamic, detail-rich figures.
How to Buy Anime Figures from Japan
Many of the best anime figures are exclusively sold in Japan, but international collectors can still get them through platforms like OneMall. Here’s how:
Browse and Select: Find the desired figure online and add it to your cart.
Payment and Domestic Shipping: Pay for the item and Japanese shipping fees.
International Shipping: Once received, OneMall consolidates your orders and calculates overseas shipping fees.
Delivery: After paying the final shipping cost, your package will be shipped directly to your home.
Anime figure manufacturers compared
| Manufacturer | Known for | Example series | Typical tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Smile Company[1] | Nendoroid, Figma | Attack on Titan | Mainstream |
| Kotobukiya[2] | ARTFX J, Bishoujo | My Hero Academia, Marvel | Premium scale |
| Alter | 1/7-scale detail | Fate/Grand Order, Azur Lane | Premium scale |
| MegaHouse[3] | Portrait of Pirates | One Piece, Dragon Ball Z | Mid-premium |
| Banpresto | Arcade-prize figures | Dragon Ball Z, One Piece | Budget |
How to buy Japan-exclusive figures with OneMall (step by step)
- Browse and select the figure on the Japanese store, auction or marketplace and add it to your cart.
- Pay for the item plus its domestic Japanese shipping.
- OneMall receives the item, then consolidates your orders and calculates overseas shipping.
- Pay the final international shipping and the package is sent to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturer is best for beginners?
Good Smile Company’s Nendoroids and Banpresto’s arcade-prize figures are popular, affordable entry points, while Alter and Kotobukiya suit collectors who want premium scale figures.
Why are these figures hard to buy overseas?
Many of the best figures are exclusive to the Japanese market and most Japanese retailers do not ship internationally, so collectors use a proxy such as OneMall.
How much does OneMall charge?
Commission is as low as ¥200 per order, the first 6 orders are free (then ¥100 per order), and items enjoy up to 90 days of free storage so you can combine several figures into one shipment.
Will I be charged customs duty?
It depends on your destination. In the US, the $800 de minimis duty-free threshold was revoked on 29 August 2025, so imported figures may be dutiable; confirm your local rules.
References
- Good Smile Company (official) — www.goodsmile.com
- Kotobukiya (official) — www.kotobukiya.co.jp
- MegaHouse — en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MegaHouse
Last updated: 2026-08-05.
#OneMallJapan#OneMall#JapaneseCollectibles #BuyFromJapan #JapanShopping #Japaneseproducts
#ShopJapanese #Japanesefashion