The History of Japanese Scale Figures: From Garage Kits to 1/7 PVC Collectibles

Action Figures

This short timeline follows documented points in the history of Japanese scale figures. It offers a starting point for exploring the pieces in our current inventory, rather than a definitive account of every transition.

Every dated claim below links to its source. Claims we could not verify against source pages are omitted. This is not investment advice.

A Short Timeline

NieR Automata 1/4 scale Figure Normal ver 10th anniv 2022 SQUARE ENIX MASTERLINE
From our inventory: NieR Automata 1/4 scale Figure Normal ver 10th anniv 2022 SQUARE ENIX MASTERLINE

NieR Automata 1/4 scale Figure Normal ver 10th anniv 2022 SQUARE ENIX MASTE — $3917.00

  1. 1964: Kaiyodo founded as a model shop Kaiyodo was reportedly established in 1964 as a small model shop. It later became a significant company in the Japanese garage kit and figure industry. (as reported by moehaven.wordpress.com)
  2. 1980: Kaiyodo begins original garage kits Kaiyodo reportedly began creating original 3D garage kit models in 1980. Its second phase of business, from about 1980 to 2006, appears to have centered on making and selling garage kit models. (as reported by therev3.blogspot.com)
  3. 1984: Kaiyodo becomes a full manufacturer By 1984, Kaiyodo had reportedly consolidated its garage kit manufacturing and sales. This change is described as its transformation into a full-fledged manufacturer. (as reported by toy-people.com)
  4. 1985: Wonder Festival begins Wonder Festival reportedly began in 1985 as a gathering for figure makers and model enthusiasts. It was apparently founded by General Products, an Osaka-based science fiction goods company, as a sales event for garage kits. (as reported by toy-people.com)
  5. 1992: Kaiyodo takes over Wonder Festival Kaiyodo reportedly took over the organization of Wonder Festival in 1992. This followed the withdrawal of General Products, which reportedly chose to focus on animation. (as reported by moehaven.wordpress.com)

Why the Scale Numbers Still Matter

Vocaloid Hatsune Miku Art by neco DX Ver.1/4 Scale Figure Prime 1 Studio 2024
From our inventory: Vocaloid Hatsune Miku Art by neco DX Ver.1/4 Scale Figure Prime 1 Studio 2024

Vocaloid Hatsune Miku Art by neco DX Ver.1/4 Scale Figure Prime 1 Studio 20 — $3870.00

For help comparing sizes, see Figure Scales Explained: 1/4, 1/6, 1/7 and 1/8 Compared.

Scale Figures Currently In Our Japan Inventory

DARK SOULS Abysswalker Artorias 1/6 scale Figure game character Toy Hobby Gecco
From our inventory: DARK SOULS Abysswalker Artorias 1/6 scale Figure game character Toy Hobby Gecco

DARK SOULS Abysswalker Artorias 1/6 scale Figure game character Toy Hobby G — $2771.00

Silent Hill 3 Heather Mason statue 1/6 Figure toy MAMEGYORAI Hobby 2013 GECCO
From our inventory: Silent Hill 3 Heather Mason statue 1/6 Figure toy MAMEGYORAI Hobby 2013 GECCO

Silent Hill 3 Heather Mason statue 1/6 Figure toy MAMEGYORAI Hobby 2013 GEC — $2628.00

Super Sailor Moon S Cold Cast BOME 1/4 scale Figure Kaiyodo Finished product
From our inventory: Super Sailor Moon S Cold Cast BOME 1/4 scale Figure Kaiyodo Finished product

Super Sailor Moon S Cold Cast BOME 1/4 scale Figure Kaiyodo Finished produc — $2580.00

Sources


Published: 2026-10-24 · Updated: 2026-10-24 · by HD Store Japan. We inspect every piece hands-on in Japan before it ships. Dated claims above come from the third-party references listed in Sources; the product photos are our own inventory listings. Questions? See our returns policy or contact us.

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