What Are Japanese Figurines Called? A Deep Dive into the World of "Nendoroids," "Figma," and More

Japanese figurines, which have gained immense popularity worldwide, are often referred to by several names depending on their design, size, and the anime or character they represent. These figures have become iconic in the world of collectibles and are deeply ingrained in Japanese pop culture. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common types of Japanese figurines, their significance, and the key differences between them.

1. Nendoroids

One of the most popular types of Japanese figurines is the Nendoroid. These are highly detailed, chibi-style figures created by the company Good Smile Company. Nendoroids feature characters from anime, manga, video games, and more, and they are known for their cute, exaggerated proportions—most notably, the large heads and small bodies that give them an endearing appearance.

Nendoroids are highly customizable, often coming with multiple facial expressions, interchangeable parts (like hands or accessories), and poses. Collectors love these figures for their high level of detail and the ability to change the character’s look, making them perfect for display or as toys.

2. Figma

Figma figures are another type of highly articulated action figure produced by Max Factory. These figurines are designed to have a greater range of movement than other types of figures, which allows them to be posed in various dynamic stances. Figma figures typically feature more realistic proportions compared to Nendoroids, making them ideal for fans who want figures that resemble the characters more closely in terms of their anatomy.

Figma figures are often based on popular anime characters and can include a variety of accessories, weapons, or props. These figures are a great choice for collectors who enjoy posing their figures for photography or recreating specific scenes from anime.

3. Scale Figures

Scale figures are some of the most detailed and intricately designed types of Japanese figurines. As the name suggests, these figures are produced in specific scales, typically 1/8th, 1/7th, 1/6th, or even larger, which reflects the size of the character relative to the figure. Scale figures are usually made of PVC or resin and are often highly detailed, with accurate representations of characters’ costumes, facial expressions, and features.

Scale figures are most commonly based on popular anime, manga, or game characters, and they are designed to be as accurate as possible to the original art or animation. Because of their quality and the detail involved, scale figures tend to be pricier than other types of figurines, making them highly sought after by serious collectors.

4. Gashapon

Gashapon figures are small collectible toys that come in capsules, usually obtained from vending machines in Japan. These figures are often made from plastic and represent characters from popular anime or video games. Gashapon figures are typically sold in sets, and collectors often aim to complete the entire set by purchasing multiple capsules.

The charm of Gashapon figures lies in their affordability, cuteness, and variety. While they may not have the same level of detail as scale figures or Nendoroids, they are still highly collectible, and many collectors enjoy hunting for rare or limited-edition Gashapon figures.

5. Resin Figures

Resin figures are similar to scale figures but are often made from resin rather than PVC. Resin figures are typically larger, more expensive, and more delicate than PVC counterparts. They are also known for their highly detailed craftsmanship, and collectors often appreciate the attention to detail and the higher-quality materials used in their production. Resin figures are usually produced in smaller quantities, which makes them rare and highly collectible.

Because of the fragile nature of resin, these figures require extra care and attention to avoid breakage, which adds to their appeal as collectible pieces.

6. Pop Culture Figures (POP)

Figures like Funko Pops have also gained popularity in Japan, although they were originally created in the U.S. These vinyl figures are designed with large heads and oversized eyes, making them resemble chibi versions of pop culture icons. In Japan, Funko Pops have become a staple in pop culture figure collections, representing characters from anime, movies, video games, and other entertainment franchises.

Although Funko Pops are not technically "Japanese" figurines, their widespread appeal in Japan and the world over makes them an essential part of the figurine landscape.

7. Chibi Figures

Chibi figures refer to any figurines that depict characters with exaggerated features—specifically large heads and small bodies. This style is often used in anime and manga to make characters appear cuter, and chibi figures are often used in Nendoroids, keychains, or other types of merchandise. While Nendoroids are the most famous example, many other anime-related figures are designed in this adorable chibi style, making them beloved by collectors who enjoy cute and charming representations of their favorite characters.

8. Statues and Dioramas

While not technically "figurines" in the traditional sense, anime statues and dioramas are another form of Japanese collectible. These larger-scale pieces are often incredibly detailed and are intended to capture an iconic scene or action from an anime. Dioramas may include multiple characters or be arranged to recreate important moments from a show. Statues, on the other hand, tend to focus on a single character and often involve dynamic poses and elaborate bases.

These pieces are typically created in high-quality materials like resin and can become centerpieces in any collection due to their size, detail, and visual impact.

Conclusion: The World of Japanese Figurines

Japanese figurines come in many shapes and sizes, each offering a unique way for fans to connect with their favorite characters. Whether you're a collector of Nendoroids, an action figure enthusiast with a collection of Figma, or a fan of the intricate detail of scale figures and resin statues, there's something for every type of anime fan.

If you're looking to expand your collection or simply want to explore the world of anime figures, be sure to check out the diverse selection at Youwei Trade, where you can find a wide range of high-quality figures to suit every collector’s needs.