Nendoroids are small action figures (collectible dolls) popular in Japan. They are usually based on characters from anime, video games, or manga. In this article we will talk all about these Chibi figures.
Nendoroids are part of those 8 or 80 types of products, while there is a very large group that buy them frequently and even hope to announce a new nendoroid, others find them boring and expendable in the collection.
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Table of Contents
What are Nendoroids?
These Japanese Action Figures usually have a head, are articulated, customizable and have a height of up to 10cm. They are usually officially manufactured by the Goodsmile Company since 2006.
A single Action Figure can have over 40 interchangeable parts, many are handcrafted and some are limited in number, making them perfect for collection and product enhancement.
The Nendoroid brand covers a variety of different products such as characters from anime, games, manga, movies, vocaloid, people and other successful characters. There are dozens of brands that try to imitate the original Nendoroids.
Similar products include "chibi-arts" by Bandai and "Works Works Collection Nintendo" by Toys Works (now Chara-ani). Not to mention the hundreds of similar products of Chinese origin.
One of its main advantages is its low price compared to "figma", its very detailed quality and its size which helps to save space.
What does Nendoroid mean?
The name "nendoroido" [ねんどろいど] was defined by the manufacturer, but we can identify the word "doroido" [ドロイド] which derives from the English "droid" and means something like robot or android.
Its beginning "nen" derives from the Japanese word "nendo" [粘土] which means clay, due to the resemblance in which the dolls are shaped. The ideogram "nen" [念] also expresses desire, something that everyone feels when seeing these Action Figures.
The name came about due to the project's sculptors, who were nicknamed "Nendorones", a compound word meaning "monsters that lay Action Figure eggs".
In Japanese, his name can be abbreviated to "nendoro" [ねんどろ].
The Origin and History of the Nendoroid
The company in charge Good Smile Company was originally a talent agency, but as such a deal didn't pan out, the company made Action Figures with the help of Max Factory.
It all came about with a mysterious group that released in 2006 at the Wonder Festival an Action Figure Chibi of the character called "Neko Ark" from the game "Tsukihime".
The company stands out for its polish, molding and variety of accessories to add and modify. More than 100 item types were created as of July 2010 and over 1000 item types as of 2019.
The Nendoroid series has already sured 1 million and the Nendoroid Petit series has more than 3 million. Most of the action figures made, can move their limbs and change accessories, also change their facial expressions.
Some of the accessories can be equipped with figma, released by Max Factory, an d company, and the cooperation between the two is informal.
Nendoroid types
The common nendoroid figures are 10cm tall, with most of them having customizable arms, legs, and articulated necks. They usually cost around 3000 to 5000 yen in Japan. Below we will see different types of nendoroid:
- Nendoroid Petite – They are smaller figures with about 6.5 cm in height;
- Nendoroid More – These are alternative sets with extra parts and clip and suction s;
- Nendoroid Plus – Different nendoroid shapes besides figures, such as plushies, key chains, etc;
- Nendoroid co-de – They are figures that allow you to remove their parts such as hair and clothes;
Alternatives to Nendoroid
Of course, other companies won't let Goodsmile take advantage of this idea. Several other companies make chibi-style figures in size 10cm or smaller to compete with nendoroids.
Be careful not to buy a low quality figure from another company. There is a huge difference in quality between Goodsmile brand figures and other generic ones from China.
Funko POP - Bigger than Chibi
Another alternative to Nendoroid are the Funko POP which have a rounded big head resembling a tube television. There are hundreds of Funko POP characters from different series and anime, and they can be easily acquired in Brazil.
Funko is an American company that produces licensed pop culture collectibles. Funko is renowned for making licensed vinyl figures and bobbleheads. In addition to licensed electronics and plush items.
Maybe it's an alternative to buy a Funko POP instead of an original Nendoroid. Its price can also be high, ranging from 40 to 40 USD. I think some are cute, while others are terrifying.
Finally, have fun with a video that has an interview with an employee of the Goodsmile Company and shows how they are manufactured (the video refers to the manufacture of Black Rock Shooter).
List of Nendoroid Released
See below the first 100 Nendoroids released, which today are probably the most valuable and the most expensive for their rarity. I hope you enjoyed the article, if you liked it share and leave your comments.
| 0 | Neko Arc: Convert! Grumbling Face Edition | Neco-Arc | 2006-02 |
| 1 | Neko Arc: Convert! Mysterious Jet Flight Edition | Neco-Arc | 2007-10 |
| 2 | Lazy Saber: Limited ver. | Fate/stay night | 2006-07 |
| 3 | Lazy Saber | Fate/stay night | 2007-11 |
| 4 | Mesousa | Pani Poni Dash! | 2006-12 |
| 5 | Yasagure Rin | Fate/stay night | 2008-01 |
| 6 | Ouka-chan: Air Battle Equipment ver. | Ouka-chan | 2007-05 |
| 7 | Kuwagata Tsumami & Joshi-chan | Kuwagata Tsumami | 2007-04 |
| 8 | Ouka-chan: Assault Equipment ver. | Ouka-chan | 2007-06 |
| 9 | Haruhi Suzumiya | Haruhi Suzumiya (series) | 2008-08 |
| 10 | Yuki Nagato | Haruhi Suzumiya (series) | 2008-02 |
| 11 | Ryuk | Death Note | 2008-04 |
| 12 | Light Yagami | Death Note | 2008-04 |
| 13 | Hetare Saber Alter | Fate/stay night | 2007-11 |
| 14 | Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu Bunny Girl Set | Haruhi Suzumiya (series) | 2007-11 |
| 15 | Tachikoma | Ghost in The Shell | 2011-08 |
| 16 | Mikuru Asahina | Haruhi Suzumiya (series) | 2007-09 |
| 17 | L | Death Note | 2008-04 |
| 18 | Misa Amane | Death Note | 2007-09 |
| 19 | Lazy Sakura | Fate/hollow ataraxia | 2007-10 |
| 20 | Binchou-tan | Binchou-tan | 2007-11 |
| 21 | Bicycling Rider | Fate/hollow ataraxia | 2007-11 |
| 22 | Tachikomans: Yellow Ver. | Ghost in The Shell | 2011-08 |
| 23 | Tachikomans: Silver Ver. | Ghost in The Shell | 2011-08 |
| 24 | Nao | Mabinogi | 2007-12 |
| 25 | Kotona Elegance | Zoids Genesis | 2007-12 |
| 26 | Rei Mii | Zoids Genesis | 2008-02 |
| 27 | Izumi Konata: Comptiq Ver. | Lucky Star | 2008-04 |
| 28 | Hiiragi Kagami: Comptiq Ver. | Lucky Star | 2008-04 |
| 29 | Al Azif | Zanmataisei Demonbane | 2008-02 |
| 30 | Light Yagami: Santa Ver. | Death Note | 2007-12 |
| 31 | L: Reindeer Ver. | Death Note | 2007-12 |
| 32 | Tsuruya-san | Haruhi Suzumiya (series) | 2008-04 |
| 33 | Hatsune Miku | Hatsune Miku | 2010-10 |
| 34 | Lucky Star: Fate Cosplay Set | Lucky Star | 2008-02 |
| 35 | Joy Max | Joy Max | 2008-02 |
| 36 | Melissa Seraphy | Wagamama Capriccio | 2008-07 |
| 37 | Pastel Ink | Moetan | 2008-08 |
| 38 | Ryofuko: OVA Ver. | Yawaraka Sangokushi Tsukisase!! Ryofuko-chan | 2007-08 |
| 39 | Kagamine Rin | Kagamine Rin | 2013-07 |
| 40 | Kagamine Len | Kagamine Len | 2013-07 |
| 41 | Melissa Seraphy: Devil Ver. | Chu x Chu Idol | 2008-08 |
| 42 | Miku Hatsune: Hachune Face Ver. | Hatsune Miku | 2013-01 |
| 43 | Gatchapin Mk. 1 | Kagaku Ninja-tai Gatchaman | 2008-08 |
| 44 | Ryoko Asakura and Extra Parts Set | Haruhi Suzumiya (series) | 2008-09 |
| 45 | Neuro Nougami | Nougami Neuro | 2008-11 |
| 46 | Yako Katsuragi | Nougami Neuro | 2008-11 |
| 47 | Shana: Burning Hair and Eyes ver. | Shakugan no Shana | 2008-11 |
| 48 | Sakura Nankyoku | Penguin Musume | 2008-12 |
| 49 | Exelica | Triggerheart Exelica | 2009-03 |
| 50 | Saber Lion | Fate/stay night | 2012-11 |
| 51 | Yui | Koharubiyori | 2008-12 |
| 52 | Kyouka Midarezaki | Kyouran Kazoku Nikki | 2009-01 |
| 53 | Yoko | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann | 2009-02 |
| 54 | Tsukasa Hiiragi: Normal ver. | Lucky Star | 2009-03 |
| 55 | Miyuki Takara: Normal ver. | Lucky Star | 2009-03 |
| 56 | Pixel Maritan: Mission Complete! Battle Preparations ver. | Magical Marine Pixel Maritan | 2009-03 |
| 57 | Yoshika Miyafuji | Strike Witches | 2009-03 |
| 58 | Kaito | Kaito | 2013-07 |
| 59 | Nozomu Itoshiki | Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei | 2009-03 |
| 60 | Rin Kokonoe | Kodomo no Jikan | 2009-04 |
| 61 | Louise | Zero no Tsukaima | 2012-05 |
| 62 | MikkuMiku Kagami | Lucky Star | 2009-05 |
| 63 | Kureha | Shining Wind | 2009-05 |
| 64 | Nagi | Kannagi | 2009-05 |
| 65 | Imoko Shishido Maidroid ver. | Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo | 2009-06 |
| 66 | Priecia | Prisim Ark | 2009-07 |
| 67 | Professor Leonardo | Himitsukessha Taka no Tsume | 2009-08 |
| 68 | Sebastian Michaelis | Kuroshitsuji | 2010-09 |
| 69 | Zange | Kannagi | 2009-07 |
| 70 | On-chan | On-chan | 2011-07 |
| 71 | Usakottsu | Tentai Senshi Sunred | 2009-09 |
| 72 | Otome Asakura | Da Capo (series) | 2009-06 |
| 73 | Nao: Staccato ver. | Mabinogi | 2009-11 |
| 74 | Reimu Hakurei | Touhou Project | 2011-06 |
| 75 | Hatsune Miku Racing Queen ver. | Hatsune Miku | 2009-10 |
| 76 | Riannon | Tears To Tiara | 2009-10 |
| 77 | Saber Lily | Fate/stay night | 2012-10 |
| 78 | Raspberyl | Disgaea | 2009-10 |
| 79 | Arawn | Tears To Tiara | 2009-10 |
| 80 | Yume Asakura | Da Capo (series) | 2009-11 |
| 81 | Drossel | Fireball | 2009-12 |
| 82 | Mio Akiyama | K-On! | 2010-09 |
| 83 | Churuya-san | Haruhi Suzumiya (series) | 2009-12 |
| 84 | Shiki Ryougi | Kara no Kyoukai | 2009-11 |
| 85 | Kuro Kagami | Kodomo no Jikan | 2009-12 |
| 86 | Yui Hirasawa | K-On! | 2010-09 |
| 87 | Canaan | Canaan | 2009-12 |
| 88 | Chiaki Minami | Minami-ke | 2013-06 |
| 89 | Theia | Lucent Heart | 2009-12 |
| 90 | Alphard | Canaan | 2010-01 |
| 91 | Ein | Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom | 2010-01 |
| 92 | Marisa Kirisame | Touhou Project | 2011-06 |
| 93 | Megurine Luka | Megurine Luka | 2013-07 |
| 94 | Ritsu Tainaka | K-On! | 2011-10 |
| 95 | Nanoha Takamachi: The MOVIE 1st Ver. | Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha | 2010-02 |
| 96 | Jiei-tan | Magical Marine Pixel Maritan | 2010-03 |
| 97 | Snow Miku | Hatsune Miku | 2010-02 |
| 98 | Mimi Usa | Kodomo no Jikan | 2010-03 |
| 99 | Fate Testarossa: The MOVIE 1st Ver. | Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha | 2010-03 |
| 100 | Mickey Mouse | Disney | 2018-09 |
