Buying authentic anime figures and official merchandise online can be surprisingly tricky. With limited pre-orders, sold-out exclusives, and a flood of bootlegs on marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, collectors—both beginners and seasoned fans—often find themselves asking: “Where can I safely buy licensed figures without risking bootlegs or damaged packaging?”This guide is designed to answer that question. We’ve curated a list of the most trusted online platforms worldwide, covering everything from direct-from-Japan retailers and US-based authorized stores to pre-owned and secondhand specialists.Whether you’re chasing the latest Nendoroid, a rare scale figure, or a Japan-exclusive collectible, this article will help you buy them safely and efficiently.
Quick Guide: Authentic vs. Bootleg (Spot a Fake Before You Pay)
Before making any purchase, it’s important to know how to identify counterfeit figures. In the collecting world, we call fake figures "Bootlegs" or "Knock-offs." These are unauthorized, low-quality copies that not only look terrible but also disrespect the original creators.Here is your 60-second crash course on staying safe:
🚩 The "Too Good to Be True" Price
If a gorgeous, 12-inch scale figure that usually retails for $180 is listed on a random site for $25, it is 100% a bootleg. Genuine figures have high production costs, licensing fees, and craftsmanship. Official retailers don't sell "A-tier" figures for the price of a sandwich.
🚩 The Box & The "Seal of Quality"
The packaging is usually the first dead giveaway.
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The Sticker of Authenticity: Most Japanese figures come with a small Holographic Sticker (like the Toei Animation "Cat" or a Kadokawa/Aniplex seal). If the box is missing this, be suspicious.
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Missing Logos: Bootlegs often leave out the manufacturer’s logo (e.g., Good Smile Company, Kotobukiya, or Alter) to avoid direct trademark lawsuits.
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Generic Labels: Watch out for descriptions like "China Version" or "Unbranded." In the figure world, "China Version" is almost always code for "Bootleg."
🚩 The "Oily" Look (The Aesthetic Test)
Authentic figures use high-grade PVC with a "matte" finish that looks like skin. Bootlegs often use cheap, toxic plastics that result in:
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Greasy/Shiny Skin: The figure looks like it’s sweating.
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Derpy Eyes: The eyes might be blurry, misaligned, or printed off-center.
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Loose Joints: Parts fall off easily, or the figure won't stand straight on its base.
🚩 The "Shady" Source
Where you shop matters as much as what you buy.
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Avoid: Generic marketplaces like AliExpress, Wish, or Temu for figures. While great for some things, they are the breeding grounds for bootlegs.
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eBay/Amazon Alert: Only buy here if the seller is a known, reputable shop. If the "Sold by" name looks like a random string of letters (e.g., XZY-Store-123), keep your wallet closed.
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Pro Tip: When in doubt, check MyFigureCollection (MFC). It’s the "Wikipedia of Figures." If a bootleg version of a figure exists, the community will post photos of it there so you can compare.
At a Glance: Comparison of the Best Platforms
To help you find the right shop for your needs, we’ve categorized these 15 platforms based on their inventory source and specialization. Whether you’re looking for the best pre-order prices, domestic convenience, or rare vintage finds, these tables break down the essentials and highlight which platforms are best suited for different types of collectors.
Category 1: Direct-from-Japan Retailers
Best for: Getting the latest releases at Japanese retail prices and access to Japan-exclusive items.
| Store | Key Focus | Core Advantages | Shipping Highlights | Recommended For |
| AmiAmi | General Hobby Giant | Huge pre-order discounts; strict pre-owned grading. | DHL, EMS, Air, Surface. Shipping calculated post-order. | Collectors looking for the best pre-order prices. |
| Good Smile Company | Manufacturer Direct | Exclusive pre-order bonuses; guaranteed stock. | Flat rate shipping (e.g., ¥2,000). Very predictable. | Nendoroid/Scale figure fans who want "Limited Bonuses." |
| P-Bandai | Bandai Exclusives | Official source for Web-exclusive Gunpla & Metal Build. | Usually requires proxy; slow, batch-based shipping. | Hardcore Gunpla and Tokusatsu fans. |
| HobbyLink Japan | Hobbyist Specialist | Private Warehouse system; great customer service. | Store items for 60 days to combine shipping later. | Strategic shoppers who like to bundle multiple orders. |
| HobbySearch | Database-style Store | Accurate inventory; massive technical database. | Professional packaging; wide variety of small-parcel options. | Detail-oriented hobbyists who need specific parts/specs. |
| Solaris Japan | New & Hard-to-Find | High stock of older "New" items; customizable invoices. | Express & Economy options. Helpful for import tax management. | Collectors who missed the initial pre-order window. |
| Nin-Nin-Game | Boutique Exclusives | Sources P-Bandai and Japan-only exclusives. | Pay Later options; carries rare, hard-to-find stock. | Collectors hunting Japan-exclusive items |
| CDJapan | Media & Merchandise | Best for Anime CDs, Blu-rays, and Magazines. | Frequent promos; very cheap shipping for light items. | Fans of anime music, artbooks, and small character goods. |
| Hobby Genki | Emerging Specialist | Early access to high-demand limited runs. | Offers "Buy Now, Ship Later" and tax-prepaid options. | Collectors chasing high-end limited figures. |
Category 2: US-Based Authorized Retailers
Best for: Collectors in North America or those seeking US-exclusive stock with worldwide shipping options.
| Store | Key Focus | Core Advantages | Shipping Highlights | Recommended For |
| BigBadToyStore | US Market Leader | Pile of Loot (90-day storage); best customer service in the industry. | Ships Worldwide. $4 flat rate in the US. Bundle items to save on international shipping. | Global collectors who want a stress-free "buy and hold" system. |
| Crunchyroll Store | Media & Mainstream | Frequent store-wide sales; exclusive figures and apparel. | Limited International. Primarily US/Canada focus. Shipping to other regions is expensive. | North American fans and those hunting for holiday sale bargains. |
| Tokyo Otaku Mode | Premium Lifestyle | TOM Points loyalty system; dual US/JP warehouse fulfillment. | Ships Worldwide. Shipping is free or discounted for Premium members on large orders. | Power users who can leverage points to offset international costs. |
| Entertainment Earth | Mass Market & Retro | Mint Condition Guarantee; massive stock of US & Japanese brands. | Ships Worldwide. Trusted global shipping for decades. Rates vary by weight/size. | Collectors of Funko, Hasbro, and boxed anime collectibles. |
Category 3: Pre-Owned & Secondhand Specialists
Best for: Finding vintage items, rare grails, and budget-friendly "used" bargains.
| Store | Key Focus | Core Advantages | Shipping Highlights | Recommended For |
| Mandarake | Otaku Treasure Trove | Rare/vintage items; fair market pricing. | Ships from specific branches. Fast DHL/EMS options. | "Grail" hunters and fans of retro anime. |
| Surugaya | Budget King | Lowest prices on small goods (badges, charms). | Occasional Free Shipping events. Very slow processing. | Budget-conscious collectors willing to wait |
Deep Dive: Navigating the Top 15 Collectible Hubs
Beyond the surface-level comparisons, each platform has its own unique "personality"—from its specific billing quirks to the way it handles fragile cargo. In this section, we provide an in-depth breakdown of every major player in the industry. Whether you are chasing factory-exclusive bonuses, hunting for a 90s vintage grail, or trying to optimize your international shipping costs, these detailed profiles will give you the "pro-level" insights needed to shop with confidence.
1. AmiAmi
Official Website：https://www.amiami.com/eng/
Basic Overview：Based in Tokyo, AmiAmi is the undisputed titan of the figure collecting world. It serves as a massive one-stop shop that dominates the market by offering a vast selection of new pre-orders alongside an incredibly active "Pre-owned" (used) department.
Key Strengths：
Competitive Pricing: They consistently offer some of the best pre-order discounts (often 10%–25% off MSRP) among all Japanese retailers.
The Pre-owned Standard: Their second-hand grading system is the industry benchmark. An "Item: B / Box: B" rating is often equivalent to "Like New" by Western standards, making it the safest place to buy used.
Monthly Combination: Unlike many shops, AmiAmi allows you to "Combine" orders. You can group all items releasing in the same calendar month into one shipment to significantly reduce your per-item shipping cost.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/AMEX/JCB), PayPal, and UnionPay. Note: Pay Later system—you only pay once the item is in stock and shipping is calculated.
Shipping: DHL, EMS, Air, and Surface Mail. Warning: No shipping quotes upfront. For huge 1/4 scales, DHL costs can be shockingly high.
Cost: Small parcel: 2,000–3,500 JPY; Standard 1/7 figure: 4,000–7,000 JPY (via DHL/EMS). Surface is approx. 40% cheaper.
Packaging : Top-tier protection. Signature "Yellow Boxes" with heavy padding to ensure "box-mint" arrival.
Estimated Delivery Time: : 2–5 days (DHL/EMS) | 2–4 months (Surface).
2. Good Smile Company (GSC Global)
Official Website：https://www.goodsmile.com/en
Basic Overview：The official storefront for the manufacturer behind Nendoroids and figma. Best for securing manufacturer-direct exclusive bonuses and enjoying simplified global shipping.
Key Strengths：
Exclusive Pre-order Bonuses: GSC often includes unique "GSC Bonuses" (extra faceplates, special stands, etc.) that are physically unavailable at any other retailer.
Guaranteed Fulfillment: Pre-ordering here ensures you won't be affected by "short-shipping" or stock cuts that can sometimes hit third-party retailers.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/JCB) and PayPal. Note: Typically authorizes at checkout but captures payment shortly before shipping.
Shipping: Global Flat Rate. Note: Uses specialized couriers (mostly EMS or private logistics depending on the region).
Cost: Flat Rate ¥2,000 (Global Site) for most orders. This is an incredible value for large or heavy 1/4 scales.
Packaging: Factory-direct professional packaging; highly reliable.
Estimated Delivery Time: 5–10 business days.
3. Premium Bandai (P-Bandai)
Official Website：https://p-bandai.com/us/
Basic Overview：Premium Bandai is the official online flagship store for Bandai’s limited-edition merchandise. It is the "holy grail" for collectors of high-end Gundam models (Gunpla), Metal Build figures, and professional-grade Tokusatsu (Kamen Rider/Super Sentai) gear.
Key Strengths：
"Web Exclusive" Dominance: This is the only official source for items labeled "Premium Bandai Exclusive." These products are never released to general hobby shops (like AmiAmi), making the pre-order window here the only time to get them at retail price.
Hyper-Niche Lines: They cater to hardcore fans by releasing obscure characters and detailed expansion sets (e.g., specific weapon packs for Gunpla) that wouldn't be profitable in mass retail.
Authenticity Guaranteed: As a direct-from-manufacturer store, it provides the ultimate security against bootlegs for high-value brands like Soul of Chogokin or S.H.Figuarts.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Varies by regional site (US, HK, SG, etc.), generally supporting Credit Cards and PayPal. (Note: The Japanese site is notoriously difficult for international cards).
Shipping: Items are "Made to Order" and ship in waves based on specific release months. They do not offer immediate shipping for pre-orders.
Cost: Domestic shipping (within Japan/US) is usually a flat, reasonable fee (e.g., $10 in the US). For international buyers using proxies for the JP site, expect 3,000–8,000 JPY based on weight.
Packaging: Famous for their "Shipper Boxes"—a sturdy brown outer cardboard box that protects the actual product packaging, a feature highly prized by "In-Box" collectors.
Estimated Delivery Time: Varies by release wave; once the designated release month hits, domestic transit is fast (2–5 days).
4. HobbyLink Japan (HLJ)
Official Website：https://www.hlj.com/
Basic Overview：Founded by expats in Japan, HLJ has been a titan in the industry for decades. It is widely considered the most user-friendly platform for international collectors due to its English-first interface and revolutionary logistics management.
Key Strengths：
Private Warehouse (The Game Changer): Their standout feature. You can buy items and store them for free in their warehouse for up to 60 days. You decide exactly when to ship, allowing you to consolidate multiple months of hauls into one box.
Total Order Control: Unlike many Japanese shops, HLJ allows you to easily cancel pre-orders or change shipping methods directly from your account dashboard without needing to contact support.
Stock Transparency: Their "In Stock," "Low Stock," and "Backordered" status indicators are highly accurate, reducing the risk of unexpected order cancellations.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports PayPal (with Billing Agreement for auto-pay) and Credit Cards.
Shipping: Massive flexibility with FedEx, DHL, EMS, and Surface Mail.
Cost: Highly competitive. You can see real-time shipping estimates for in-stock items before you commit to shipping your Private Warehouse. Typical 1/7 scale: 3,500–6,000 JPY.
Packaging: Professional and efficient. They focus on minimizing "dead space" in boxes to keep your shipping costs as low as possible.
Estimated Delivery Time: 3–7 days (Express) | 2–3 months (Surface).
5. HobbySearch (1999.co.jp)
Official Website：https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
Basic Overview：Established in 1999, HobbySearch is one of the original pioneers of online hobby retail. While its website maintains a classic "old-school" aesthetic, it is a powerhouse of information and stock for modelers and figure collectors alike.
Key Strengths：
The Ultimate Technical Database: HobbySearch is famous for providing high-resolution scans of instruction manuals and box art. This is an invaluable resource for modelers who want to check sprue/parts counts before purchasing.
Early Bird Listings: They are often the very first to open pre-order links for new releases, sometimes beating even the biggest giants by a few hours.
Niche Category Depth: Beyond figures, they have exceptional depth in railway modeling (N-scale), military kits, and car models that other mainstream shops might overlook.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX) and PayPal. Note: Payment is processed when the order is ready to ship.
Shipping: Offers EMS, DHL, and Air Small Packet.
Cost: Small Packet is their secret weapon—for items under 2kg, it typically costs 1,200–2,800 JPY, making it the most economical choice for light items. Larger parcels range from 4,000–8,000 JPY.
Packaging: Known for being extremely cautious; they often use thick cardboard and ample padding, which adds weight but guarantees box integrity.
Estimated Delivery Time: 3–10 days (Air/Express) | 2–4 months (Surface).
6. Solaris Japan
Official Website：
Basic Overview：Solaris Japan is a premium specialist shop that bridges the gap between new releases and the secondary market. They are the "secondary market experts" for collectors looking for brand-new copies of items that have long been sold out elsewhere.
Key Strengths：
Customs‑Friendly Invoice Tool: Solaris provides an invoice slider at checkout that lets you adjust the declared value in hopes of lowering import taxes—but it’s not a guaranteed way to avoid duties, and under‑declaring too much can invite customs scrutiny.
Rare & Out-of-Print Sourcing: They excel at hunting down "Grail" figures. Even if a figure was released 5 years ago, Solaris often has "unopened/new" stock available, albeit at market prices.
Detailed Condition Rankings: Like AmiAmi, they have a clear grading system for used items, but they also offer a "Photo Service" where you can pay a small fee to receive high-res photos of your specific item before it is packed.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin.
Shipping: Clearly tiered as Express (DHL/FedEx), Regular (EMS), and Saver (Surface).
Cost: Express: 4,000–8,000 JPY; Saver: 2,500–4,500 JPY. Their rates are transparently shown at checkout before you pay.
Packaging: Very professional and discreet. They use high-grade bubble wrap and sturdy boxes.
Estimated Delivery Time: 3–7 days (Express) | 2–4 months (Saver).
7. Nin-Nin-Game
Official Website：https://www.nin-nin-game.com/en/
Basic Overview：Based in Osaka, Nin-Nin-Game has built a reputation as the "Export Specialist." They are particularly adept at securing Japanese domestic exclusives (like those from Amazon Japan, Pokémon Center, and P-Bandai) and making them available to a global audience without the need for a separate proxy service.
Key Strengths：
"Pay Later" System: Allows you to pre-order items and defer payment until the product is in stock (excluding certain exclusives), helping you manage your budget.
"My Warehouse" Consolidation: Store your purchases in their facility and combine multiple orders into a single shipment to significantly reduce international shipping costs.
Direct Access to Exclusives: A reliable bridge for securing items from P-Bandai, Amazon JP, and Pokémon Center without needing a third-party proxy service.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
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Payment：Supports Credit Cards, PayPal, and Amazon Pay.
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Shipping：DHL, FedEx, EMS, Surface, and the specialized Euro-Line.
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Cost：Typical 1/7 scale figure: 3,500–7,000 JPY. They are generally competitive with AmiAmi's rates.
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Packaging：Standard hobby-grade protection. Functional and reliable for long-haul transit.
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Estimated Delivery Time：3–10 days (Air/Express) | 2–3 months (Surface).
8. CDJapan
Official Website：https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/figures/
Basic Overview：A long-standing pillar of the Japanese export market. While they are the global authority for Japanese music and print media, they have expanded into a massive catalog of anime merchandise and figures.
Key Strengths：
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The Media Gold Standard: The absolute best source for Artbooks, Magazines, and Limited Edition Blu-rays/CDs with specialized handling for print materials.
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Generous Rewards Program: Offers a highly active points system with frequent "Point Boost" campaigns, allowing regular buyers to accumulate significant discounts for future orders.
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Small Goods Specialist: Excellent for finding "Character Goods" (keychains, badges, clear files) that are often released alongside CD and book launches.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards, PayPal, Alipay, and UnionPay.
Shipping: FedEx, DHL, EMS, and various Air Mail (Registered/Unregistered).
Cost: Media: 1,200–2,500 JPY; Artbooks/Figures: 3,000–5,500 JPY.
Packaging: Specifically reinforced for print media to prevent corner dings and ensure jewel cases arrive intact.
Estimated Delivery Time: 3–7 days (Express) | 1–2 weeks (Air Mail).
9. Hobby Genki
Official Website：https://hobby-genki.com/en/
Basic Overview：A fast-rising boutique Japanese retailer known for its agility in listing hard-to-find exclusives and limited-edition figures, with a collector-focused and transparent service approach.
Key Strengths：
Exclusive & Hard-to-Find Figures: Offers access to Japan-only and boutique exclusives, including P-Bandai and Tamashii Nations items, which are often difficult for overseas fans to obtain.
Order Consolidation: Supports grouping multiple purchases into a single shipment, helping international buyers save on combined shipping fees.
Late Availability: Often lists high-demand items even after they sell out on other platforms, providing latecomers another chance at retail or near-retail pricing.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards and PayPal. (Note: Offers both immediate and "Pay Later" options depending on the item).
Shipping: DHL, FedEx, EMS, and Surface Mail.
Cost: Competitive Express rates; typically 3,500–6,500 JPY for standard-sized figure boxes.
Packaging: Known for robust protection and high-quality padding, ensuring boxes arrive in collector-grade condition.
Estimated Delivery Time: 3–7 days (Express) | 2–4 months (Surface).
10. BigBadToyStore
Official Website：https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/
Basic Overview：Based in Wisconsin, BBTS is one of the most trusted and long-standing retailers in the US. It offers a mix of Japanese imports and Western brands like Hasbro, Mattel, and NECA, serving collectors of all kinds.
Key Strengths：
“Pile of Loot” System: Allows you to hold purchases for up to 90 days, consolidating multiple pre-orders and in-stock items into a single shipment to save on shipping.
$4 Flat Rate Shipping (US): Ships to the contiguous US at $4.00 regardless of order size; Canada has a flat rate of $8.00.
Risk-Friendly Pre-orders: Payment is generally not charged until items arrive at the warehouse, combined with a flexible cancellation policy, making BBTS a collector-friendly platform for securing high-demand releases.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/AMEX/Discover/JCB) and PayPal (via Billing Agreement).
Shipping: Primarily FedEx, UPS, and USPS for domestic; DHL and Air Mail for international.
Cost: $4.00 Flat Rate (US Domestic). International shipping is calculated by weight and can be expensive (often starting at $40–$50+), so consolidation via Pile of Loot is essential for global fans.
Packaging: Widely considered the industry standard for safety. They offer a "Collector Grade" option (approx. +$3.00) which provides an extra protective sub-box and guarantees a near-mint product box.
Estimated Delivery Time: 2–5 business days (Domestic) | 1–3 weeks (International).
11. Crunchyroll Store
Official Website：
Basic Overview：The merchandising arm of the world’s largest anime streaming service. Following its merger with Right Stuf Anime, Crunchyroll Store has become a major destination for North American fans, offering home video, manga, figures, apparel, and other official collectibles.
Key Strengths：
Subscriber Perks: Active Crunchyroll subscribers may receive bonus discounts and free domestic shipping on eligible orders, making it cost-effective for regular buyers.
Exclusive Apparel & Merchandise: Features officially licensed streetwear and accessories, including items designed in-house that are not available through Japanese retailers.
Extensive Home Video & Manga Library: Offers a broad selection of English-localized Blu-rays, DVDs, and manga, including “Crunchyroll Exclusive” limited editions.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
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Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/AMEX/Discover) and PayPal. (Note: Generally charges at the time of shipment for most pre-orders).
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Shipping: Primarily FedEx and USPS.
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Cost: Offers Free Economy Shipping on US orders over a certain threshold (usually $50 or $75). International shipping is available but can be expensive and is subject to licensing restrictions by country.
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Packaging: Standard commercial grade. They have improved their padding significantly since the Right Stuf merger to ensure manga and Blu-ray cases arrive without damage.
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Estimated Delivery Time: 3–7 business days (US Domestic).
12. Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM)
Official Website：https://otakumode.com/
Basic Overview：A high-end, lifestyle-oriented retailer with warehouses in both Japan and the US. TOM is well-known for its TOM Points loyalty system and Premium membership, which provide long-term collectors with enhanced rewards and perks.
Key Strengths：
TOM Points Rewards: During special “Point Up” campaigns, purchases earn bonus points that can be applied to future orders, helping reduce the effective cost of expensive figures.
Premium Membership Benefits: Premium members receive additional points on most purchases, exclusive offers, and the ability to use points for up to 50% of the subtotal on future orders.
Dual-Warehouse Logistics: US and Japan warehouses allow faster domestic shipping for North American customers, while still offering direct-from-Japan access to the newest releases.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/AMEX/Discover) and PayPal. (Note: Payment is captured immediately at the time of order for both in-stock and pre-order items).
Shipping: EMS, FedEx, and Surface from Japan; US Standard Shipping from the US warehouse.
Cost: Individual shipments over $150 (after coupons/points) often qualify for Free Shipping (Surface/Standard) for Premium members. Otherwise, Premium members receive a 20% discount on all available shipping methods.
Packaging: Premium and professional. Boxes are often clean and sometimes include "OMAKE" (small extras) like stickers or clear files.
Estimated Delivery Time: 1–2 weeks (Japan EMS/FedEx) | 2–7 days (US Domestic).
13. Entertainment Earth
Official Website：https://www.entertainmentearth.com/
Basic Overview：A pioneer in the toy industry since 1996, Entertainment Earth is a massive US-based retailer that caters to "In-Box" collectors. They are famous for their "Mint Condition Guarantee" across both Japanese imports and Western toy lines.
Key Strengths：
Mint Condition Guarantee: Their standout promise to collectors—if a new item doesn't arrive in pristine condition, they will replace it. This makes them the safest choice for those who value the box as much as the figure.
Unrivaled Variety: They are a "one-stop shop" for fans who collect across multiple fandoms, seamlessly grouping Japanese brands like Bandai and Kotobukiya with US giants like Star Wars, Marvel, and Funko.
Reliable Wholesale-to-Retail Pipeline: As a major distributor themselves, they often have more stable stock allocations for high-demand mass-market items compared to smaller boutique shops.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Major Credit Cards and PayPal. (Note: You are not charged for pre-orders until the item is picked and ready to be packed).
Shipping: Utilizes FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
Cost: Frequently offers Free Super Saver Shipping on US orders over $79 (using a promotional code). International shipping is calculated by weight and dimension at checkout.
Packaging: Top-tier collector-grade protection. Their shipping team is specifically trained to pack items to prevent creases, dings, and "shelf wear" during transit.
Estimated Delivery Time: 3–7 business days (US Domestic).
14. Mandarake
Official Website：https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/
Basic Overview：The undisputed "King of Pre-owned." Mandarake is a legendary chain of physical stores across Japan that specializes in vintage, rare, and out-of-print "Otaku" treasures. It is the premier destination for finding "Grails" from the 1970s to today.
Key Strengths：
The Ultimate Archive: Unbeatable inventory depth for discontinued lines, rare Doujinshi, and retro toys (Sofubi, Chogokin) that simply do not exist on modern retail sites.
SAHRA Warehouse Efficiency: Their "SAHRA" branch is a dedicated automated warehouse that provides instant shipping quotes at checkout and faster processing, eliminating the 2–3 day wait for manual stock confirmation required by other physical branches.
Elite Condition Standards: Known for highly transparent grading. "Box Damaged" is their default safety label for used items, which often means the box is nearly pristine by Western standards. If there is actual damage to the figure, they typically provide specific notes and photos.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/JCB) and PayPal. (Note: PayPal is strictly forbidden for R18+ adult items).
Shipping: DHL, EMS, Air Mail, and Surface Mail.
Critical Warning: Orders are branch-specific. If you buy one item from "Nakano" and another from "Grandchaos," you must pay for two separate shipments. They cannot be combined.
Cost: Small parcels (SAHRA): 1,800–3,000 JPY; Standard figures: 4,000–7,000 JPY.
Packaging: Industrial-grade security. They are famous for using excessive amounts of paper padding and high-quality cardboard to ensure vintage items remain safe.
Estimated Delivery Time: 2–5 days (DHL/EMS) | 2–4 months (Surface).
15. Surugaya
Official Website：https://www.suruga-ya.com/en
Basic Overview：The undisputed king of the "bargain bin." Surugaya is a massive Japanese chain specializing in used goods, offering the most competitive prices in the industry for "small goods" and rare media.
Key Strengths：
Unbeatable Bargain Hunting: If you are looking for the absolute lowest price on second-hand items or a huge haul of "character goods" (badges, charms, keychains), Surugaya consistently beats its competitors on raw price.
Periodic Free Shipping Campaigns: They frequently run promotional weekends where they offer Free Global Shipping for many regions. This is the optimal time to buy heavy items or large hauls of low-cost goods that would otherwise have high shipping fees.
Vast Niche Media Catalog: An essential destination for finding obscure Japanese PC games, out-of-print magazines, and niche Doujinshi items that are rarely indexed on other mainstream export sites.
Payment, Shipping & Delivery:
Payment: Supports Credit Cards (Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX/Diners), PayPal, and Alipay.
Shipping: Primarily uses DHL or EMS for international orders.
Cost: Base shipping is relatively high (often starting at 3,000+ JPY) and includes a mandatory handling fee (approx. 900 JPY) for smaller orders. It is highly recommended to wait for a Free Shipping Event.
Packaging: Functional and basic. They often use a "shrink-wrap to cardboard" method to keep items from sliding, but protection is minimal compared to "boutique" retailers.
Estimated Delivery Time: Very slow processing. It can take 10–20 days for them to pick and pack your order from various branches before it finally ships.
How to Choose the Right Store for You？
With so many legitimate retailers available, the “best” store ultimately depends on how you collect, not just what you collect. Use the guide below to quickly match your buying style with the right platform.
If You Want the Best Pre-Order Prices
Choose AmiAmi or HobbyLink Japan. These Japan-based retailers consistently offer the deepest pre-order discounts and the widest early selection. They are ideal for collectors who plan ahead and don’t mind waiting for release dates to secure the best prices.
If You Missed the Pre-Order Window
Look to Solaris Japan, Nin-Nin-Game, or Hobby Genki. These stores excel at sourcing late stock, exclusives, and high-demand items after pre-orders close. While prices may be closer to market value, they are often the safest way to obtain figures that sold out everywhere else.
If You Want a Stress-Free Buying Experience (Especially in the US)
Go with BigBadToyStore (BBTS) or Entertainment Earth. US-based authorized retailers offer predictable shipping, easy cancellations, and strong customer support. BBTS’s “Pile of Loot” system is especially appealing for collectors who want to bundle multiple purchases and control shipping costs.
If You Collect Grails, Vintage, or Out-of-Print Items
Your best options are Mandarake and Solaris Japan. Mandarake is unmatched for rare, discontinued, and retro items, while Solaris often carries older figures in “new/unopened” condition. These platforms are ideal for experienced collectors hunting specific, hard-to-find releases.
If You Buy a Lot of Small Goods or Want the Lowest Possible Prices
Choose Surugaya—strategically. Surugaya consistently offers the lowest prices on badges, keychains, acrylic stands, and secondhand goods. To maximize value, it’s best to wait for one of their frequent Free Global Shipping campaigns, as standard shipping can be costly.
If You’re Deep Into Nendoroids or Good Smile Exclusives
Buy directly from the Good Smile Company store. You’ll get guaranteed authentic stock, predictable flat-rate shipping, and access to exclusive pre-order bonuses that are often unavailable elsewhere.
If You Want English Blu-rays, Manga, and Mainstream Merch
The Crunchyroll Store is the safest choice. Especially for North American fans, it offers the largest selection of English-localized releases, frequent sales, and subscriber discounts tied to Crunchyroll’s streaming memberships.
If You Want to Maximize Rewards and Long-Term Savings
Consider Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM). Collectors who understand and leverage TOM Points—especially during high “Point Up” campaigns—can dramatically reduce the effective cost of premium figures over time.
Conclusion
Buying authentic anime figures and official merchandise online doesn’t have to be risky—or overwhelming. By choosing authorized retailers, understanding pre-order systems, and matching each store to your collecting style, you can avoid bootlegs, control costs, and build a collection with confidence.
There is no single “best” platform for everyone. The smartest collectors use different stores for different purposes—pre-orders, exclusives, secondhand finds, or domestic convenience. With the platforms in this guide, you have everything you need to buy safely, strategically, and with full peace of mind. Support official releases, shop smart, and collect with intention.