Why Are Anime Figures So Expensive?

Figures, a fascinating term, originally referred to all kinds of humanoid or other object models. However, with the growing popularity of anime culture, the term “figure” has gradually come to specifically indicate character models based on roles from ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games).

When people mention figures, the first impression is often their surprisingly high price. Ordinary figures usually start at tens of dollars, while higher-quality ones can easily reach hundreds of dollars. Such steep prices leave many puzzled—aren’t they just humanoid toys? Why are they so expensive? Is it simply because it’s easy to exploit fans’ wallets?

Figures are far more than just humanoid toys. To create a high-quality anime figure, one must have a deep understanding of human anatomy and possess exceptional 3D modeling skills. Crafting a single figure often takes around a month, which is vastly different from the simple clay dolls or regular toys we’re familiar with. Ordinary dolls can be made with basic assembly, with little concern for precision, resulting in lower prices. However, a well-crafted doll or figure can still command a high price. Here are some reasons why anime figures are so expensive:

Although 3D printing technology is now applied to commercial anime figures, as a consumer, I find the current 3D printed figures less mature—not due to design flaws but because the materials make them very fragile. Out of the 4-5 3D printed figures I’ve purchased, 3 of them broke after a light bump. Traditional figures, on the other hand, are much sturdier.  

The production process for traditional figures involves ordering from manufacturers, who only begin production after determining the quantity. When you buy authentic figures online, sellers often ask you to wait several months for availability because non-popular models usually require pre-orders. This process includes mold creation, assembly, painting, and more—many of which are done manually, such as painting.  

To restore an anime character’s original design, sculptors face high demands. It’s said that one domestic sculptor spent an entire month perfecting the flowing hair of a character before finalizing the design. Maintaining such standards for each figure makes mass production challenging.  

Contrary to popular belief, figures are not simply mass-produced using molds. That’s the case with counterfeit products, whose quality can vary greatly. If you’re lucky, you might find a decent-looking fake, but poor-quality ones often result in “distorted” figures. Authentic figures, however, are often limited editions, with production quantities determined by market demand. Once a figure stops being produced, its price skyrockets—“scarcity drives value,” as the saying goes.  

Using anime character designs for commercial purposes requires paying copyright fees. Many toy manufacturers are backed by anime copyright companies—such as Japan’s Aniplex—or are directly involved in producing figures and toys, like Bandai. Therefore, part of the cost of authentic figures goes toward licensing fees for the anime characters. This is also why counterfeit figures can be so cheap—they don’t pay these fees.  

Copyright revenue is vital for figures. If related merchandise sells well, the popularity of certain works increases, potentially leading to sequels. For anime fans, supporting authentic figures often holds greater significance than mere collection—it’s about supporting the industry.  

Many believe figures are merely decorative representations of anime characters, made from cheap plastic. This simplistic view of value overlooks the broader context. For example, a bottle of water might cost $2 in the city but could sell for $200 in the desert. The value of an item doesn’t solely depend on its materials or craftsmanship but rather on the meaning people attribute to it.  

Anime figures bring two-dimensional characters to life, transforming them into tangible, three-dimensional forms. They embody the dreams and passions of fans. Some figures represent support for a work and its creators. Exquisite figures faithfully replicate two-dimensional characters, as if summoning them into the real world—a dream come true for fans. Displaying them at home brings joy, a priceless feeling that resonates deeply.