Banpresto is a Japanese toy company that specializes in producing high-quality prize figures for Japanese arcades and game centers. Banpresto has a reputation for quality and attention to detail in their anime and pop culture-inspired collectibles, and their prize figures are sought after by collectors all around the world.
Banpresto was founded in 1977 as Hoei Sangyo, a manufacturer of amusement equipment.
The company changed its name to Coreland in 1982, then to Banpresto in 1989.
Banpresto began producing toys and collectibles in the 1990s, and gained a reputation for high-quality anime and game-inspired figures.
The company was acquired by Namco Bandai Holdings in 2006 and became a subsidiary of Bandai Namco Arts in 2020.
Banpresto continues to produce prize figures and other collectibles to this day.
Taito is a Japanese video game developer and publisher that also produces arcade games and prize figures. Taito's prize figures are similar in style and quality to Banpresto's offerings, and the two companies often compete for shelf space in Japanese arcades and game centers.
Sega is a Japanese video game developer and publisher that also produces arcade games and prize figures. Sega's prize figures are known for their attention to detail and accuracy to the original source material, and are often highly sought after by collectors.
Kotobukiya is a Japanese toy company that produces high-quality figures and statues based on anime, video games, and other pop culture franchises. While not focused specifically on prize figures, Kotobukiya's products are highly detailed and sought after by collectors.
Banpresto produces a wide range of prize figures based on popular anime, manga, and video game franchises. These figures are typically found in Japanese game centers and arcades, where they are dispensed from prize machines for a fee.
The Master Stars Piece line is a series of high-quality, large-scale figures that showcase some of Banpresto's best work. These figures are highly detailed and often include accessories and multiple points of articulation.
Ichiban Kuji is a line of lottery-style prize drawings that Banpresto produces, with prizes ranging from keychains and small figures to large, high-quality statues. Ichiban Kuji events are held regularly in Japan and are very popular among collectors.
Banpresto figures are primarily sold in Japan, but can be found online through retailers like Amazon and eBay. Some specialty toy stores and anime/manga shops may also carry Banpresto products.
A prize figure is a type of collectible figurine that is typically won from prize machines in Japanese game centers and arcades. The figures are usually of lower cost and quality than other types of collectible figures, but are still sought after by collectors for their unique designs and affordability.
Yes, Banpresto figures are official merchandise. Banpresto holds licenses for a wide range of popular anime, manga, and video game franchises, and produces figures and other collectibles based on those licenses.
That depends on your personal preferences and interests. Banpresto figures are known for their quality and attention to detail, and are highly sought after by collectors. However, they are typically smaller and less detailed than other types of figures, so it's important to decide what factors are most important to you.
Prize figures are typically lower cost and quality than regular figures, as they are designed to be won from prize machines in arcades and game centers. Regular figures are typically sold in stores and are of higher quality and detail, but are also more expensive. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and some prize figures are highly detailed and sought after by collectors.