Toys and Figures Weekly Roundup: September 5-11, 2026 – Shiteyanyo Revoltech, Gundam Base Shibuya, and Major Releases
The toy and figure industry saw major announcements this week, including Kaiyodo’s surprising Revoltech adaptation of internet meme character Shiteyanyo, the opening of a new Gundam Base flagship store in Shibuya PARCO, and a 40th-anniversary collaboration for Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ. The week was packed with new preorders, prize machine releases, and exclusive figure displays across Japan.
What Happened
The toy and collectible figure market experienced significant activity during the week of September 5-11, 2026. Kaiyodo announced the commercialization of Shiteyanyo, an officially recognized Hatsune Miku variant character originating from internet culture, as part of its premium Revoltech articulated figure line. Simultaneously, Bandai Spirits revealed plans to open “The Gundam Base Shibuya” at Shibuya PARCO’s fifth floor in November 2026, marking a major expansion of the Gundam merchandise flagship store concept. Additionally, Bandai Spirits teased a new collaboration with Tamashii Nations to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ.
Why It Matters
These announcements represent significant developments in how toy manufacturers approach collectible figures and retail strategy. Kaiyodo’s decision to produce a high-quality Revoltech figure of a meme-origin character signals growing recognition of internet culture within mainstream toy manufacturing. The Gundam Base Shibuya opening demonstrates Bandai’s confidence in the Gundam brand’s appeal to international visitors and younger demographics, with the Shibuya location chosen specifically for its foot traffic and cultural influence. The Gundam ZZ anniversary collaboration indicates continued investment in legacy franchises, suggesting sustained collector interest in classic anime properties.
Background
Shiteyanyo originated as a 2channel (now 5channel) internet meme based on Hatsune Miku, developing its own cultural context within online communities. Kaiyodo’s Revoltech line is renowned for precision articulation and high-quality sculpting, making this adaptation of a meme character particularly noteworthy. The Gundam Base operates as a flagship retail concept for Gundam plastic models and merchandise, with existing locations in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka. Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ aired from 1986-1987 and is remembered for its tonal shifts from comedy to serious drama. Tamashii Nations produces premium collector lines including Robot Spirits, Metal Build, and S.H. Figuarts.
Key Points
- Kaiyodo Revoltech Shiteyanyo: Internet meme character receives official high-quality figure treatment, marking rare fusion of online culture and premium collectible manufacturing
- Gundam Base Shibuya: New flagship store opening November 2026 at Shibuya PARCO, targeting international visitors and younger collectors
- Gundam ZZ 40th Anniversary: Bandai Spirits and Tamashii Nations collaboration teased, details pending
- Gundam Assemble New Series: Space colony diorama display featuring new series samples at Gundam Base Tokyo, October launch anticipated
- Preban Election Winners: Top nine products from fan voting campaign displayed at Gundam Base Tokyo, including MG Ex-S Gundam
- Limited Releases and Restocks: Multiple Gundam model kits and figures announced for September-October release, including Metal Robot Spirits Gundam Double X second preorder window
Timeline
- September 9, 2026: Metal Robot Spirits Gundam Double X second preorder begins at 4 PM
- September 10, 2026: Tom and Jerry “Mechamofu Gutto” oversized plush begins rollout to arcades
- September 18, 2026: Revoltech Attack on Titan 2026 reissue releases at ¥8,800
- September 19, 2026: Gundam Base exclusive MG Gundam Kyrios Trans Am Mode Metallic Gloss Injection version releases at ¥5,830
- October 2026: Gundam Assemble series launches
- November 2026: The Gundam Base Shibuya opens at Shibuya PARCO
- November 7, 2026: Volks Hobby Round 35 event confirmed
Perspectives
From a collector’s standpoint, the week represented exceptional value with multiple reissues of previously hard-to-find figures and new preorder opportunities across various price points. Retailers and manufacturers viewed the announcements as indicators of sustained market health, with the Shibuya PARCO expansion representing confidence in Gundam’s mainstream appeal. Industry observers noted that Kaiyodo’s Shiteyanyo decision reflects evolving attitudes toward internet culture within traditional toy manufacturing, suggesting potential future collaborations between online communities and established figure makers. The 40th-anniversary Gundam ZZ collaboration was interpreted as a signal that classic anime properties remain commercially viable for premium collectible lines.
Insights
The week’s announcements illustrate the toy and figure industry’s expanding scope and cultural integration. The convergence of internet meme culture with premium manufacturing (Shiteyanyo Revoltech), mainstream retail expansion (Gundam Base Shibuya), and legacy property investment (Gundam ZZ anniversary) demonstrates that collectible figures have evolved beyond niche hobbyist products into mainstream cultural artifacts. The emphasis on international accessibility—evidenced by Shibuya PARCO’s tourist appeal and English-language mascot releases—indicates manufacturers are actively pursuing global markets beyond Japan’s domestic collector base. Additionally, the volume of preorders, limited releases, and reissues suggests sustained collector demand and sophisticated inventory management strategies by major manufacturers. The week exemplifies how the figure and model kit industry continues to balance nostalgia-driven legacy content with emerging cultural trends and retail innovation.
