For collectors outside Japan, the hardest part of Saint Seiya is not finding an item — it is working out which version you are looking at. Japanese releases often differ from overseas ones in packaging, inserts, print runs and sometimes the piece itself. This guide collects what is actually documented, with the source for each point.
Every rarity or region-exclusivity claim below is linked to the public source it came from. Where we could not source a claim, we left it out rather than guess. Rarity affects desirability, not guaranteed value — this is a collector reference, not investment advice.
Documented Japan-Exclusive Releases & Version Differences
Saint Cloth Myth EX Original Color Editions
These figures, such as Pegasus Seiya and Sea Emperor Poseidon Original Color Editions, are often distributed as Tamashii Web Shop exclusives or commemorative merchandise for Tamashii Nation events in Japan. Collectors should look for “Original Color Edition” in the product name and note distribution through official Japanese Bandai channels to identify these limited releases. [source]
Tamashii Store Exclusive Figures
Tamashii Nations operates physical stores in Japan, such as TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO and TAMASHII SPOT OSAKA, which offer exclusive items. These store-specific figures are generally only available for purchase directly from these Japanese retail locations. [source]
Shinsei Saint Paradise Card Game Collection
Bandai’s “Card Game Full Collection Shinsei Saint Paradise Saint Seiya” is a Japan-exclusive release, offering a comprehensive set that typically includes various cards, a card binder, and a Jumbo Carddass. Collectors can identify this set by its Japanese title and the distinct components bundled within its special box. [source]
Early Japan-Exclusive Video Games
Historically, many “Saint Seiya” video game titles were exclusive to Japan prior to approximately 2005, with few exceptions. Collectors seeking these early, region-locked titles would typically need to acquire Japanese versions of gaming consoles and software. [source]
Saint Seiya Cosmo Slottle Mobile Game
Saint Seiya Cosmo Slottle was a mobile game specifically released for iOS platforms in Japan in 2014, and it was initially, or entirely, exclusive to that region. Identifying this game involves recognizing its Japanese title and its limited distribution through Japanese app stores. [source]
How to Tell Versions Apart
Regardless of franchise, the same handful of details usually separate a Japanese release from an overseas one: the language and layout of the box text, the presence of a Japanese barcode (JAN) rather than a UPC, distributor or licensee markings on the base or box flap, and whether first-print inserts are still included. Photographs of these specific spots are worth asking any seller for before you buy.
Saint Seiya Pieces Currently In Our Japan Inventory
Saint Seiya Myth Cloth ORIGINAL COLOR EDITION Bronze series 5 figure set Ba — $889.00
Saint Seiya Cloth Myth EX Soul of Gold God Taurus Aldebaran Figure bonus Se — $736.00
Saint Seiya Myth Cloth Black Swan & Black Dragon Action Figure Anim — $530.00
Each piece is sourced and inspected in Japan. We photograph the box text, markings and inserts so you can confirm the version yourself before buying.
Related: our Authenticity & Condition Guides and Market Value Research Guides.
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