Do you love anime about giant battle robots and want to find the best Gundam store in Japan? Check out HobbySearch, where you can buy Gundam figures, plastic model kits, and action figures from other popular Japanese mecha anime and games.
What exactly are Gundam model kits? Why are Gundam action figures so popular among collectors, and how can you shop for them on HobbySearch? Find out in our lively review.
The Gundam universe holds an iconic status in Japan; there isn’t an anime fan who hasn’t heard of these massive battle robots. Visitors to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were even greeted by a towering 18-meter Gundam model that could move. The story of this unprecedented success began in 1979, when the first anime in the franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam, was released.
The mecha genre, dedicated to battles between giant robots, was already popular in Japan, but Gundam’s creators set out to take it to a new level, and they succeeded. A huge part of that success came from build-it-yourself plastic model kits based on Gundam designs.
What else has made this universe capture the hearts of fans around the world? And where’s the best place to buy Gundam figures and other robot collectibles from popular anime? Find out in our blog post.
Why Is Gundam So Popular in Japan and Worldwide?
To stand out from other mecha anime, Sunrise decided to move away from fantastical stories about invincible robots and lean toward realism. In Gundam, the central machine was a piloted mobile suit.
The story incorporated fundamental scientific theories, and considerable attention was devoted to realistically depicting the robot’s mechanics. Gundam wasn’t all-powerful. It depended on the pilot’s skill, its energy reserves, and was still vulnerable to technical failures.
Fun fact! The very first Gundam, the legendary RX-78-2 model, was created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, an artist and animator at Studio Sunrise. At first, the anime was supposed to be called Gunboy, but the team eventually went with the name we know today: Gundam.
The word is a combination of the English “gun” and “dam.” The creators chose it because they envisioned the robot as a powerful weapon that holds back enemy forces, just like a dam holds back the flow of water.
Gundam became groundbreaking not only because of its focus on the technical details of the robots, but also because it showed robot battles as more than just flashy space opera. It portrayed war as a tragedy; heroes and villains in Gundam have complex destinies, grapple with loss, and face psychological struggles.
Since the franchise’s launch, more than 50 Gundam series have been released, ranging from the dramatic and large-scale “Gundam SEED” to the modern “Gundam: The Witch from Mercury,” where, for the first time, two young women take the lead as the main protagonists.
Why Buy Gundam Plastic Model Kits Directly from Japan?
A huge part of Gundam’s success comes from the build-your-own model kits known as Gundam plastic model kits (ガンプラ). The name is a contraction of “Gundam” and “plastic model”, and the very first kits were released in the 1980s. They quickly became a hit with fans and collectors, and “Gundam plastic model kits” soon became a household name for Gundam plastic model kits.
Gundam plastic model kits include hundreds of parts that let you build your own battle robot, i.e., a miniature, highly detailed copy of different Gundam units from the anime. In the early days, builders had to paint and glue everything themselves; however, today’s kits no longer require that.
All you really need is a hobby knife to cut the pieces from the plastic frames, a few types of sandpaper to smooth them out, and some time to assemble everything.
Every Gundam figure is assembled by hand, like building with a 3D puzzle.
The best way to get an original Gundam plastic model kit is to order it directly from Japan. Here’s why:
- Exclusive Japanese releases and limited editions. In Japan, you can find rare sets and vintage models from the 1990s that collectors highly value.
- Lower prices compared to foreign stores. It's no secret that buying figures directly from Japan is more profitable; even taking into account shipping costs, the final price will be lower than when buying abroad.
- Huge selection. In Japan, you will find not only various Gundam plastic model kits, but also Gundam action figures, as well as model kits from other popular franchises.
💡 Also read: Gundam Model Grades: [Helpful Gunpla Guide]
Where to Buy Gundam Figures and Model Kits in Japan
If you’re looking for where to buy Gundam figures, action figures, and plastic model kits from popular mecha anime, HobbySearch is the best choice. It’s a ZenMarket-recommended store that offers a wide selection of guaranteed original Gundam from Japan.
At HobbySearch, you’ll find authentic Gundam action figures alongside an extensive lineup of model kits featuring battle robots from Macross, Votoms, Captain Earth, Juusenki L-Gaim, and Evangelion. The store appeals not only to fans of the mecha genre, but also to fans of anime figures, which can also be found on HobbySearch.
Shopping on HobbySearch through ZenMarket is a simple and convenient process. To order plastic model kits and Gundam action figures, just follow our guide:
- First, go to the HobbySearch website. Then, in the upper left corner, hover your cursor over the dark gray menu with the text カテゴリを選択 – "Browse by Categories".
- In the opened list, look for the ガンプラ他 – "Gunpla and Others" section. Click on it to open the list of all Gundam model kits and figures, as well as other combat robots.
- Look for the left column, which provides a detailed classification of Gundam plastic model kits by category. For example, the abbreviations RG, HG, and MG stand for Real Grade, High Grade, and Master Grade, respectively. The higher the level, the larger the scale of the Gundam model kit, the greater the number of parts, and the more complex the assembly.
- If you didn't find what you were looking for, use the search function. Search for the Gundam figures you need by model name or anime title in Japanese.
- After you have selected the product you need, go to its page. At the bottom, you will see a special ZenMarket window. Click the orange “Add to Cart” button to add the product to your cart. After that, you will be able to continue the plastic model kits purchase process on our website.
💡 Also read: How to buy from Recommended Stores?
Other Mecha Plastic Model Kits and Action Figures at HobbySearch
Wave
Wave is known not only for its high-quality bishoujo figures but also for its wide range of plastic model kits. If you’re a fan of classic mecha anime like Soukou Kihei Votoms and Macross, then Wave’s lineup on HobbySearch is definitely worth checking out. Alongside detailed combat robots, you’ll also find other fascinating models, such as Tachikoma and Motoko Kusanagi from the iconic anime Ghost in the Shell.
Choose Gundam figures from Wave now
MODEROID
The Good Smile Company’s MODEROID series features plastic model kits of many iconic characters from popular mecha anime. Each set comes with pre-colored parts that are easy to assemble. The lineup includes robots from classics like Mobile Police Patlabor, Buddy Complex, Bang Brave Bang Bravern, Evangelion, and many more. With high-quality designs and a wide variety of options, MODEROID is the perfect choice not only for mecha fans but also for figure collectors in general.
Buy MODEROID Plastic Models at HobbySearch
Kotobukiya
Kotobukiya’s plastic model kits stand out for their variety and excellent quality. In the company’s lineup, you’ll find plastic model kits from anime such as Break Blade, Evangelion, Brave Exkaiser, and more. Alongside detailed mecha robot models, Kotobukiya is also well known for its Frame Arms Girl and Megami Device series.
These are buildable plastic model kits that combine anime-style girls with the aesthetics of the mecha genre, featuring heroines dressed in battle armor reminiscent of Gundam action figures. They’re perfect for newcomers to plastic models who may have only built standard figurines before, serving as the ideal first step toward assembling a full-scale mecha model.
Buy Plastic Models from Kotobukiya at HobbySearch
PLAMAX
Another well-known company with its own line of plastic model kits from various popular mecha anime is Max Factory. Their PLAMAX series is sure to impress even the most selective collectors, featuring robot models from anime such as Kikou Senki Dragonar, Macross, Soukou Kihei Votoms, Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor, Aura Battler Dunbine, and more.
Within the PLAMAX lineup, you’ll find not only combat mechs but also other anime vehicles. For example, the VF-1A/S fighter jet from Macross. Additionally, Max Factory produces model kits of popular female anime characters, including Makima from Chainsaw Man and Rei Ayanami from Evangelion. In short, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
Buy PLAMAX figures through ZenMarket
MegaHouse
If you’re looking for cute little Gundam figures, check out the offerings from MegaHouse. They don’t just make plastic model kits and action figures from classic 80s–90s mecha anime, such as Madou King Granzort or Aura Battler Dunbine. They also offer fun and affordable Gundam robot figures. How about this Gundam, for example: a cute mascot with cat ears? These small soft-vinyl figures are sure to delight fans of sofubi and the mecha genre alike.
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Other manufacturers: Hasegawa, Aoshima, and MOTOR NUCLEAR
On HobbySearch, you’ll find a wide range of plastic models and action figures from various manufacturers. For example, Hasegawa produces high-quality plastic model kits of different mecha from the Macross anime. At the same time, Aoshima offers robot model kits from the same series that even come with a pilot girl.
If you like the Gundam aesthetic but don’t have the time or desire to build robots yourself, there are also pre-assembled figures available, similar to completed kits. For instance, the MNQ-XH08 from MOTOR NUCLEAR’s Seiko Soul Generals line. These figures cost noticeably more than assembly kits, but they save time for those who just want to display them straight on the shelf.
Buy Gundam from other manufacturers at HobbySearch
Conclusion
For many Gundam fans, building a model kit is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with the Gundam universe on a deeper level. The process of assembling each part by hand makes the finished figure feel uniquely your own.
Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned collector, starting your Gundam journey with HobbySearch is the best way to discover authentic models straight from Japan.