To buy Japanese-exclusive acrylic stands, especially those from mobile games or themed cafes, you must use a proxy service like Onemall.jp. The best places to find both new and secondhand stands are Japanese marketplaces like Mercari, Suruga-ya, and Mandarake, where you can find a massive variety of character stands that were never sold internationally.
In the world of anime and game merchandise, one item has become the undisputed king of collectibles: the acrylic stand. Simple, beautiful, and endlessly versatile, these vibrant character cutouts have taken over the desks and shelves of fans worldwide.
But if you’re a serious collector, you know the truth. The most beautiful, unique, and sought-after acrylic stands are almost always Japan-exclusives. From limited-run event pieces to mail-order-only bonuses, the best of the best can feel impossibly out of reach.
This guide is for every collector who has ever stared longingly at a picture of a rare acrylic stand online. It’s time to stop wishing and start collecting.
What Makes Japanese Acrylic Stands So Special?
An acrylic stand isn’t just a piece of plastic; it’s a small piece of art. And in Japan, the artistry is on another level.
- Event & Cafe Exclusives: This is the biggest category. Games like Arknights and Ensemble Stars!! frequently have pop-up cafes or events where they sell stands with unique artwork. These are only available on-site for a limited time.
- “Blind Box” Rarity: Many stands are sold in “blind boxes” (you don’t know which character you’ll get), making the most popular characters instantly rare and valuable on the secondhand market.
- Incredible Artistry: From dynamic poses to holographic finishes and elaborate bases, Japanese acrylic stands are often designed with a level of detail that puts them in a class of their own.
Onemall.jp: Your Key to Unlocking the Collection
So, how do you get them? You can’t walk into a cafe in Akihabara, but you can do the next best thing: use a proxy service. A service like Onemall.jp acts as your personal buyer in Japan. They navigate the Japanese-only websites, handle the domestic payment and shipping, and then forward your treasures directly to you.
The process is a lifesaver for collectors:
- Find a stand you want on a Japanese site like Mercari.
- Copy the URL and paste it into the Onemall.jp search bar.
- Purchase the item through their simple, English-language interface.
- Combine your treasures! This is the best part. You can buy stands from ten different sellers, have them all sent to the Onemall warehouse, and then ship them to yourself in one single package. This saves an enormous amount on international shipping.
The Best Hunting Grounds for Acrylic Stands
Ready to build your army of acrylic characters? Here’s where to look.
- Mercari Japan (
jp.mercari.com): The number one destination. It’s a massive flea market where Japanese fans sell their duplicates or past-season items. It’s the best place to find cafe and event exclusives. Use the keywordアクリルスタンド(acrylic stand) along with the series name. - Suruga-ya (
www.suruga-ya.jp): A huge hobby store that deals in both new and used goods. They have a massive, well-organized inventory of acrylic stands and are great for finding slightly older items in perfect condition. - Mandarake (
order.mandarake.co.jp/order/): A famous name in otaku culture, Mandarake is excellent for finding rarer or vintage character goods, including acrylic stands from years past.
Stop letting the best pieces for your collection remain “Japan-only.” With the right strategy and a service like Onemall, you can curate a display of acrylic stands that will be truly world-class.