Banpresto, once a standalone company and now part of Bandai, is a legendary name in the world of Japanese merchandise. Known for high-quality anime figures, plush toys, and collectibles, Banpresto has produced countless iconic items for series like One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, My Hero Academia, and more.
Although Banpresto has been absorbed by Bandai, its name lives on in many official product lines—making it a trusted brand among figure collectors. If you're wondering how to buy Banpresto figures directly from Japan, especially exclusive or hard-to-find models, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Does Banpresto Still Exist?
Banpresto was founded in 1977 and became a subsidiary of Bandai in 1989. While it no longer operates independently, the Banpresto brand still appears on many officially licensed figures and collectibles. This branding continues to signify authenticity, quality, and has a strong connection to Japan’s anime culture.
The name 'Banpresto' combines 'Ban'—from its parent company Bandai—with 'Presto,' a musical term meaning 'fast tempo.' This reflects the brand’s core philosophy: to quickly adapt to market trends and deliver timely, in-demand products that resonate with anime and figure collectors worldwide.
Popular Banpresto Figure Series
Banpresto figures are grouped into various series, each targeting specific demographics or artistic styles. One thing they all have in common though: they're all high quality and meticulously detailed. Some of the most popular include:
- Q Posket: Kawaii, chibi-style figures featuring characters from anime, Disney, and more.
- EXQ Figure: High-quality figures with detailed finishes, often found in Japanese UFO catchers.
- Grandista: Large-scale figures of popular shōnen characters from series like Dragon Ball Z and One Piece.
- DXF The Grandline Men: Premium One Piece figures known for their accuracy and craftsmanship.
- ESPRESTO: A stylish line that emphasizes body posture and expression, highlighting character personality.
- Glitter & Glamours: Glamorous female characters with enhanced detail and curvatures from Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, and more.
- Kyunties: Feminine and kawaii figures from series like Kaguya-sama: Love is War and The Quintessential Quintuplets.
- Dragon Ball Legends & Dokkan Battle Collabs: Figures tied to popular Dragon Ball mobile games, often released in limited editions.
From left to right: Q Posket, EXQ Figure, Grandista, DXF The Grandline Men, ESPRESTO, Glitter & Glamours, Kyunties, and Dragonball Legends
Where to Buy Banpresto Figures Online
Finding authentic Banpresto figures can be challenging outside Japan. Here are trusted Japanese websites where you can purchase original items safely - and we at ZenMarket can assist you with the buying and shipping process:
- Mandarake: A go-to destination for secondhand anime and manga merchandise, including rare and limited-edition figures.
- Rakuten Japan: Offers new and used Banpresto figures with a user-friendly interface and fast international shipping.
- Amazon Japan: While convenient, be cautious of third-party sellers and check authenticity details closely.
- Mercari Japan: A marketplace for both individuals and shops. Great for deals but requires care when verifying sellers.
- Rakuma: Similar to Mercari, known for low prices and occasional hidden gems.
- JDirectItems Auction: Bid on exclusive and rare figures directly from Japanese sellers.
Using a Japanese proxy shopping service like ZenMarket lets you access these sites easily and helps with ordering, payment, and international shipping.
How to Spot a Fake Banpresto Figure
Counterfeit figures are common, especially online. Here’s how to identify an authentic Banpresto product:
- Check the Packaging: Authentic boxes include Japanese text, proper logos, and high-quality printing. Look for the Banpresto or Bandai logo, and avoid flimsy or poorly printed boxes.
- Compare Photos: Use official images from Banpresto or trusted retailers as a reference.
- Verify Prices: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Buy from Japan: Purchasing directly from Japanese stores or using a proxy like ZenMarket increases the likelihood of receiving a genuine product.
- Choose New When Possible: New figures are easier to verify and typically come with original packaging.
Why Use ZenMarket to Buy Banpresto Figures?
ZenMarket is a trusted Japanese proxy service that makes it easy for international fans to buy Banpresto figures directly from Japan. With ZenMarket, you can:
- Access exclusive figures not sold overseas
- Purchase from multiple Japanese stores in one order
- Get assistance with translation and order placement
- Combine shipping for multiple items to save on delivery costs
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, buying Banpresto figures from Japan is the best way to ensure you're getting authentic, high-quality anime merchandise. From Q Poskets to Grandistas, each figure captures the spirit of beloved characters.
With the help of a reliable proxy shopping service like ZenMarket, you can unlock the full catalog of Japan-exclusive Banpresto figures—making your collection truly stand out.
Why shop with ZenMarket?
ZenMarket offers professional Japanese shopping and bidding services, compatible with Japanese online shopping sites. All you need to do is copy the product link and add it to your cart. Our team will verify availability, price, shipping, etc., so you can easily purchase the latest products from Japan without leaving your home! Want to understand our services better? Don't forget to read how to use ZenMarket.
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