Toys and Figures Weekly Roundup: September 12-18, 2026 – Prime 1 Studio Opens First Flagship Store, Tamiya Unveils Godzilla Mini 4WD
This week in collectibles brings major milestones: high-end figure manufacturer Prime 1 Studio opened its first-ever flagship gallery shop in Tokyo, Tamiya announced a Godzilla collaboration Mini 4WD, and multiple anime and game franchises launched new premium figures and gashapon collectibles. Collectors and hobbyists have plenty to watch for across price points and product categories.
What Happened
The week of September 12-18, 2026 delivered significant announcements and releases across the toy and figure industry. Prime 1 Studio, a globally recognized high-end figure brand, opened its first-ever official retail location at Yurakucho Marui in Tokyo on September 18. Simultaneously, Tamiya revealed a Godzilla collaboration Mini 4WD for the 64th All Japan Model Hobby Show, while Bandai Spirits released a Macross F × Top Gun: Maverick DX Chogokin VF-25 figure. The week also saw the launch of Chainsaw Man Reze Arc lottery merchandise, Berserk Biscuit Oliva figures, and numerous gashapon releases from major franchises including Pokémon, Yu Yu Hakusho, and One Piece.
Why It Matters
These developments signal continued growth in the premium collectibles market and expanding cross-media collaborations. Prime 1 Studio’s first physical retail presence represents a milestone for the high-end figure category, legitimizing it as a destination retail experience rather than mail-order only. The convergence of major anime releases, game adaptations, and nostalgic franchise revivals demonstrates how the hobby market is diversifying across price tiers—from affordable gashapon at ¥300 to premium statues exceeding ¥26,000. For collectors, this variety means increased accessibility while maintaining prestige products. For manufacturers, it reflects confidence in sustained demand and international market expansion.
Background
The toy and figure market in Japan has evolved significantly over the past decade, with premium collectibles gaining mainstream recognition. Prime 1 Studio has built its reputation on meticulously detailed, high-cost figures based on film, game, and anime properties. Tamiya, a legendary model kit manufacturer, regularly collaborates with major IP holders to reach new audiences. Bandai Spirits continues to dominate the super robot figure category with its Chogokin and Robot Damashii lines. Meanwhile, gashapon (capsule toy) machines remain a cultural staple in Japan, with major publishers using them to test new properties and extend existing franchises. The All Japan Model Hobby Show, held annually, serves as the industry’s primary showcase for new releases and announcements.
Key Points
- Prime 1 Studio flagship opens September 18: The world’s first official Prime 1 Studio gallery shop launches at Yurakucho Marui, Tokyo, marking a historic moment for the high-end figure market and expected to drive further growth in premium collectibles.
- Tamiya announces Godzilla Mini 4WD: The legendary model kit maker revealed a collaboration with Godzilla -0.0 featuring a special Mini 4WD design, combining two iconic Japanese properties and appealing to both model enthusiasts and casual collectors.
- Macross F × Top Gun: Maverick DX Chogokin VF-25 released: Bandai Spirits launched a ¥26,400 figure merging a classic anime mecha with a blockbuster Hollywood film, demonstrating the appeal of unexpected cross-media collaborations to international collectors.
- Chainsaw Man Reze Arc merchandise surge: A second lottery series and 1/6 scale statue launched alongside the theatrical release, showing coordinated multi-tier merchandising strategies timed to content drops.
- Berserk Biscuit Oliva figure with creator supervision: Manga author Kaiji Inagaki directly supervised a figure of the iconic character, ensuring authenticity while offering an affordable prize figure alternative to high-end collectibles.
- Gashapon diversity: Pokémon, Yu Yu Hakusho, and One Piece all released new capsule toy series, reflecting the format’s continued relevance for both established and revival franchises.
Timeline
- September 12: Tamiya 1/24 Nissan Leopard reissue and DX Chogokin VF-25 Macross F × Top Gun figure released; Chogokin Soul UFO Robot Grendizer reissue available.
- September 17: Berserk Biscuit Oliva figure enters Banpresto prize circulation; Kotobukiya Sousai Shoujo Teien new model kit preorders begin.
- September 18: Prime 1 Studio flagship gallery opens at Yurakucho Marui; Chainsaw Man Reze Arc lottery second series launches; Sega Prize Kagurabachi figures debut; Metal Robot Damashii ZZ Gundam 2nd preorder window opens on Premium Bandai.
- September 26: Kotobukiya hosts Megalomaria × Sousai Shoujo Teien special talk live stream.
- November 7: Volks Hobby Round 35 event scheduled at TRC Tokyo Distribution Center.
- 2027 Spring: Kagurabachi anime broadcast begins.
- 2027 April–June: Multiple figure releases including Blue Archive Satsuki (April), Genshin Impact Fischl (June), and Academy Idol Master Tsuzuki Temari (June).
Perspectives
From a collector’s standpoint, this week represents exceptional diversity. Veteran modelers have Tamiya’s new releases and the Grendizer reissue to anticipate, while anime fans benefit from coordinated merchandise launches tied to theatrical and streaming releases. Casual consumers find accessible entry points through gashapon at ¥300, while serious collectors can invest in premium statues and limited-edition figures exceeding ¥30,000. Manufacturers view this period as validation of their multi-tier strategy—using affordable gashapon to build brand awareness while premium lines capture high-value customers. The emphasis on creator supervision (as seen with Berserk’s Kaiji Inagaki) and cross-media collaborations (Macross × Top Gun, Godzilla × Tamiya) suggests the industry is prioritizing authenticity and novelty to justify premium pricing and maintain collector engagement.
Insights
The week’s announcements reveal a maturing collectibles market that balances nostalgia with innovation. Prime 1 Studio’s physical retail debut legitimizes high-end figures as a lifestyle category rather than niche hobby, likely encouraging other premium brands to follow suit. The proliferation of gashapon releases shows that affordable collectibles remain essential for market penetration and IP extension, even as premium segments grow. Cross-media collaborations—particularly Macross × Top Gun and Godzilla × Tamiya—indicate that franchises are increasingly willing to experiment with unexpected partnerships, suggesting confidence in collector sophistication and willingness to explore new product categories. The coordinated merchandising around Chainsaw Man’s theatrical release demonstrates how content platforms and toy manufacturers are synchronizing launches for maximum impact. Finally, the revival of classic properties (Yu Yu Hakusho, Haruhi, Grendizer) alongside new IP (Kagurabachi, Blue Archive) suggests the market has room for both established collector bases and emerging fanbases, supporting sustained growth across demographics and price points.
