Archive for 2025

Konnichiwa, fellow collectors! As the crisp December air settles in and beautiful winter illuminations begin to sparkle across Japan, we're thrilled to bring you the latest treasures ✨ for your display shelves! Between December 14th and December 20th, our store is incredibly excited to introduce a fantastic batch of 37 brand-new bishoujo figures, fresh from your favorite anime, manga, and games. From dazzling scale figures to adorable Nendoroids, each kawaii addition is ready to bring a touch of magic and charm to your collection. Just like the anticipation of a cozy winter night, get ready to discover your next must-have waifu and warm up your collection with these incredible releases! Don't miss out on securing these fan-favorite characters. ❤️

※ Please note that some products may be unavailable in selected regions.

Hello! Good Smile Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Lucy

HELLO! Lucy

From "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" comes a figure of Lucy!

HELLO! GOOD SMILE is a chibi figure series by Good Smile Company! The neck of each figure includes a simple joint that can be moved left and right. Made with the creative direction of art director Shigeto Koyama, HELLO! GOOD SMILE figures feature a cute chibi design that will leave you wanting more and more!

Hello! Good Smile Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Rebecca

HELLO! Rebecca

From "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" comes a figure of Rebecca!

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Rei Ayanami: Long Hair Ver. Fuwapuchi Deformed Figure

Plafia Tohoku Zunko/Zundamon Project Zundamon 1/12 Scale Plastic Model Kit (Re-run)

X11 x DearNikki Intro: Dreamweaver Series Figure Box Set

Under the collaboration between the Chinese dress-up game 'Nikki Series' and X11, here comes the trading figure set of "Intro: Dreamweaver"! series! The gorgeous dresses and fantasy world are recreated in palm size. Make sure not to miss out on these cute and beautiful Nikkis!

Assemble Heroines Fate/Grand Order Ruler/Leonardo da Vinci Summer Queens 1/8 Scale Figure

Fate/Grand Order Ruler/Leonardo da Vinci Summer Queens 1/8 Scale Figure

Pure Neemo Character Series 167: Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Anna Yanami 1/6 Scale Doll

Atri: My Dear Moments Atri: Teaser Visual Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

Goddess of Victory: Nikke Blanc 1/4 Scale Figure

Goddess of Victory: Nikke Noir 1/4 Scale Figure

Goddess of Victory: Nikke Blanc & Noir 1/4 Scale Figure Set

Nendoroid Blue Archive Kanna Ogata

"Let me know if you ever need the power of the Public Peace Bureau."

From the popular game "Blue Archive" comes a Nendoroid of Kanna Ogata, the director of the Public Peace Bureau studying at Valkyrie Police School!

Nendoroid Doll Kagamine Rin: Bring It On Ver.

Introducing a Nendoroid Doll of Kagamine Rin based on her "BRING IT ON" appearance!

Presenting a Nendoroid Doll of Kagamine Rin based on her appearance from Giga and Reol's "BRING IT ON" music video!

The Nendoroid Doll series of palm-sized action figures feature the same heads as standard Nendoroids, but alternate doll-like bodies that are highly articulated and can easily be dressed-up into different outfits!

Be sure to add Rin to your collection!

Skin tone of this Nendoroid Doll is a special color to match that of the original character.

Torso stand not included.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation II Fitts Doll 1/8 Scale Figure

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Front Mission Zenith Girl

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the FRONT MISSION series, the Wanzer, Zenith, is transformed into an all-new model kit, ZENITH GIRL!

The illustrator Nidy-2D-, well known for the striking proportions of his female model kit designs, reimagines Zenith as a cute girl!

・Can be displayed in both Armed Mode and Unarmed Mode.
・Compatible with a wide range of weapons from Square Enix's Structure Arts 1/72 Wanzer series, offering a variety of ways to pose and customize.
・Includes hand parts that allow her to hold the weapons from Square Enix's Structure Arts Plus 1/48 Zenith V 30th Anniversary Edition.
・Comes with connector parts that enable attachment of the arm units from Square Enix's Front Mission Structure Arts Plus 1/48 Zenith V 30th Anniversary Edition.
・The kit includes a variety of weapons and joint parts. Users can recreate different combat scenes.
・The 3mm connectors allow this model to be customized with existing parts from M.S.G, Frame Arms, Frame Arms Girl, Hexa Gear, Sousai Shojo Teien, Arcanadea, and other series.
・Includes decals for the eyes and other markings.

Goddess of Victory: Nikke Rapi: Red Hood Red Flavor Standard Edition 1/7 Scale Figure

Goddess of Victory: Nikke Rapi: Red Hood Red Flavor Deluxe Edition 1/7 Scale Figure

Arctech Series Honkai Impact 3rd Yae Sakura Darkbolt Jonin Neon Shade Ver. 1/8 Scale Action Figure

Goddess of Victory: Nikke Mihara: Bonding Chain 1/7 Scale Figure

Robot Neoanthropinae Polynian Motoroid Valuca

RA-02S Kazune: Summer Operation 1/12 Scale Action Figure

Under the planning and production of the Chinese design studio SNAIL SHELL, here comes the original 1/12 scale action figure "RA-02S Kazune Summer Operation"! This figure captures Kazune the Maid on a beach mission, featuring the attractive contrast of her cute bikini and tactical equipment! Make sure not to miss out!

Kanna Narushima Illustration Komase-chan Non-Scale Figure

Pop Up Parade SP Shirogane Noel

A special POP UP PARADE figure is here!

POP UP PARADE SP is a branch of POP UP PARADE figures that transcends the boundaries of the regular POP UP PARADE lineup with special surprises! Check out the details like the texture of the armor that have been carefully reproduced despite the figure's size!

Nendoroid Goddess of Victory: Nikke Rupee: Winter Shopper

"I'll be the one offering the finest outfits this season. Hehe... Am I getting carried away?"

From the popular smartphone game "GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE" comes a Nendoroid of Rupee: Winter Shopper!

Nendoroid Monogatari Series Hitagi Senjougahara 2.0

I LOVE YOU

From the anime series "Monogatari" comes a new Nendoroid of Hitagi Senjyogahara, the girl who encountered a mysterious crab!

Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc Reze: Bunny Ver. 1/4 Scale Figure

Blue Archive Hiyori (Swimsuit): Memorial Lobby Ver. 1/6 Scale Figure

"Eek! My popsicle..."

From the popular game "Blue Archive" comes a 1/6 scale figure of Hiyori, a member of Arius Squad! The figure is based on her Memorial Lobby swimsuit appearance from the Blue Archive 3.5th Anniversary event "Sheside outside". Her panicked expression from dropping her popsicle and adorable charm have been faithfully captured in figure form. Details such as her floral bikini, translucent jacket, unique sunglasses and hair accessories have all been meticulously brought to life. The base features a sandy beach design and includes Hiyori's dropped popsicle as a visual highlight. Gem stickers for recreating Hiyori's teary eyes from her Memorial Lobby appearance are also included. Enjoy the various display options!

Azur Lane Fancy 1/7 Scale Figure

"Hm? You want to see my eyes? No."

From the popular mobile game "Azur Lane" comes a 1/7 scale figure of Fancy! The Indescribable Something, Fancy the sailing frigate, is making her way to the Commander's collection! Her alluring physique and wispy long hair have been faithfully captured in figure form. Details such as her smooth white skin and outfit have been painted with the utmost care. The curls and slimy texture of her iconic tentacles have been realistically brought to life. An open-eyed face with tongue out parts is also included for displaying Fancy just moments before she "inhales" her prey. Commander, be sure to add Fancy to your collection!

Sword Art Online: Alicization - War of Underworld Asuna: Goddess of Creation Stacia Roomwear Ver. 1/6 Scale Figure

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TENITOL TALL My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Yui Yuigahama Non-Scale Figure

Nendoroid Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Oguri Cap (Re-run)

"To offer my finest run... That is why I am here."

From the game "Umamusume: Pretty Derby" comes a Nendoroid of the Umamusume with big dreams born out in the countryside, Oguri Cap!

Nendoroid Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Tamamo Cross (Re-run)

"I won't lose to poverty 'cause I'm Naniwa's White Lightning!"

From "Umamusume: Pretty Derby" comes a Nendoroid of Tamamo Cross, the petite but fiery Umamusume with a Kansai accent!

Fate/Grand Order Saber/Okita Souji: Final Ascension Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

"I never thought I'd become this powerful... Thank you Master. This blade belongs you!"

From the hit mobile game "Fate/Grand Order" comes a scale figure of the Saber Class servant Okita Souji in her Final Ascension outfit. The detailed sculpting and paintwork extend from the tips of her fingers to her toes. Enjoy the sight of Souji with her haori lowered for a fresh, new look. Master, be sure to add this figure of Okita Souji enjoying a moment of peace to your collection!

Tomoe Sakura: Swimsuit Blonde - Wholesome Ver. 1/5 Scale Figure

Tomoe Sakura: Swimsuit Black Hair - Wholesome Ver. 1/5 Scale Figure

Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Karin Asaka 1/7 Scale Figure

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Weekly Figure Roundup: 14 Dec, 2025 to 20 Dec, 2025

By : My Anime

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Over two decades have passed since the Vocaloid software’s commercial release. Since then, it’s become an enormous part of Japan’s pop culture, inspiring merchandise, games, and most importantly music. While Hatsune Miku is the most recognizable face of the Vocaloid industry, a number of Japanese musicians credit their beginnings to Vocaloid alongside streaming platform NicoNicoDouga where they fostered their musical interests and launched their careers. Whether you’re a longtime Vocaloid fan or a newbie to the scene (or to J-Pop/J-Rock/Japanese music in general), we’re here to give you a breakdown of well-known artists who began with Vocaloid and up-coming talents and longtime industry names to keep an eye on.

Contrary to its popularity now, Vocaloid wasn’t an overnight sensation. It’s thanks to Vocaloid producers like Ryo of supercell whose song “Melt” became an instant hit on the internet. While the early days of Miku spawned several memes made with Vocaloid, “Melt” served as a shining example of how the Vocaloid software could be used for making more serious music. And that was just the first step. Several aspiring musicians and NicoNicoDouga viewers saw the potential of this new program and began making their own works with it, becoming creators known as Vocaloid producers or vocalo-P for short.

Now we can’t talk about prolific Vocaloid producers without mentioning Wowaka, who passed away in 2019. His album Unhappy Refrain was a gateway to Vocaloid music for many and his work influenced several other producers who later got into Vocaloid. He eventually stopped making Vocaloid music and started his band Hitorie, but prior to his death, he released one last Vocaloid song titled “Unknown Mother-Goose” to be part of Miku’s 10th year anniversary album.

While Wowaka was still making Vocaloid music, he befriended another producer who went by the name Hachi. But most people who don’t know Vocaloid would probably recognize him by another name in J-Pop and anime fandoms: Yonezu Kenshi.

Non-Vocaloid fans might recognize Yonezu’s name from his hit single “Lemon” or “Kick Back” from the anime Chainsaw Man, as well as the two songs he made for Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc. But even before he released his first album Diorama in 2012 under his real name, Yonezu already had self-produced Vocaloid albums under his belt as Hachi: Hanataba to Suisou and Official Orange.

Along with Yonezu, several other Vocaloid producers eventually shifted into creating music as artists in their own right like Kamiyama You, Suda Keina, and Kitani Tatsuya, known as Vocaloid producers Yukisan, balloon, and Konnichiwa Tanita-san respectively. Anime fans may recognize these names from their theme songs for shows like Horimiya, Skip and Loafer, and Jujutsu Kaisen. However, not all producers work alone when they pursue a non-Vocaloid path. Kitani, for example, has done solo work but was also part of the three-person unit sajou no hana until 2024.

And then there are the yakousei (夜好性) bands–a title given by the internet due to all their names having some relation to the Japanese character for “night.” YOASOBI, Yorushika, and Zutto Mayonaka de ii Noni (commonly known as Zutomayo) have amassed thousands of fans over the years, both in Japan and overseas. And while they each have their own unique sound, each group has members who started out with Vocaloid music. YOASOBI’s Ayase and Yorushika’s n-buna were both Vocaloid producers prior to becoming songwriters for their groups. In Zutomayo’s case, though, singer and songwriter ACAne has worked with a number of Vocaloid producers who are often credited with arrangement and composition. Looking at today’s popular singers and groups, there’s often a Vocaloid producer working in the background, often doing composition, songwriting, or arrangement. Many times, they juggle multiple projects like collaborations with other producers.

In the case of producer Tsumiki, his work covers creating music for other musicians, composing songs for his band NOMELON NOLEMON, and playing the drums for Japanese rock band Aooo where fellow Vocaloid producer Surii plays the guitar.

Vocaloid producers have collaborated with other singers, often in the form of utaite. The term refers to people who post covers of songs on sites like NicoNicoDouga and YouTube, with their cover choices often being Vocaloid songs. And the most popular utaite to come from Vocaloid culture? Well you’ve probably heard of her.

Ado made her major debut in 2020 with Usseewa but had been active on the internet posting Vocaloid covers since she was 14. The anonymous singer has consistently cited Vocaloid being an inspiration to her music. And she continues to stay involved within the Vocaloid community, often working with big names like Hatsune Miku herself in “Sakura Biyori and Time Machine.” Ado’s discography also contains several major producers such as syudo, kikuo, Pinocchio-P, GigaP, Deco*27, Mitchie M, jon-YAKITORY, and many, many more.

While Ado is arguably the most well-known utaite, having claimed the top spot as Japanese artist with the most global streams in 2025 according to Spotify Japan, only a handful of utaite have achieved mainstream recognition compared to Vocaloid producers turned singer-songwriters or band members. But a search of popular songs by Vocaloid producers will show numerous amateur singers who challenge themselves with the technical demand of Vocaloid songs. And they’re slowly but surely being recognized for their talent and technique. The next time you watch anime, you might recognize a few names as utaite:

9Lana has millions of views on her cover of “Propose” by Naisho no Pierced and sang the ending song “Let Me Battle” from Pokemon Horizons.

Yoshino’s recent release “Nie” opens for horror-yuri anime This Monster Wants to Eat Me, but she’s also covered dozens of Vocaloid and a few of Ado’s songs on her channel, most notably syudo’s “Cute na Kanojo.”

Ito Kashitarou has done songs for a few series, the most recent being My Happy Marriage, but if that’s not enough, his channel has even more songs that he’s covered over the years.

Chogakusei’s impressive library of covers includes Vocaloid and anime theme songs, and he’s also done original theme songs for shows like Tougen Anki, Failure Frame, and Kamen Rider Black Sun.
With the growing fame of utaite and Vocaloid producers, it shouldn’t be a surprise that more and more people influenced by Vocaloid culture are becoming bigger players in the Japanese music industry. In some cases, utaite weren’t just posting covers but also took on the role of producing songs. These have led to people like Eve and Mafumafu who, like Yonezu, have released their own original songs written, composed, and sung by themselves.

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As vast as Vocaloid culture is, there’s so much more to explore and discover out there. And the growing library of Vocaloid songs continues to inspire a new generation of musical creatives. Viral musician Natori didn’t start making Vocaloid music or posting covers, but he has often cited the influence Vocaloid had on him. Who knows what’s in store as this phenomenon continues to evolve!

If you want to learn more about Vocaloid, be sure to check out TOM’s Otapedia to start. Leave a comment if you’ve discovered a new artist to listen to and tag us on social with your favorite Vocaloid songs or creators!

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Born and Raised on Vocaloid

By : My Anime

Have you ever wondered how difficult it is to make sushi like a professional? Get ready for a phenomenal experience learning to make Edo style sushi when you visit Sushi Making Class Emi near Roppongi. Tokyo Otaku Mode received the chance to participate in the class, and here’s a breakdown of the full experience.

The class is headed by a sushi chef who has honed their skills for more than 5 years at a Michelin star restaurant. This means the quality of fish and other ingredients that you’ll prepare are fresh and varied. Emi means “to bloom” in Japanese, and the chef expressed that their aim is to bring out the unique umami, or flavor, within each piece of sushi.

But before you get to making sushi, the first part of the course is a brief 15 minute explanation reviewing the history of sushi, and what makes Edo style sushi different. This knowledge is put into practical use later on, so it’s useful to pay attention.

In fact, you’ll see that knowledge put into use when the chef prepares examples of maki sushi (thin rolls), nigiri sushi, and gunkan sushi (battleship rolls) pieces. This demonstration is a true display of the talent and craftsmanship that goes into making sushi. From prepping the rice, slicing the fish, rolling the papers of seaweed, and presenting the perfect sushi shape, you’ll be in awe watching the chef at work. It’s truly a high-end experience and opportunity unlike any other.

After a demonstration of how to make the three types of sushi, it’s time to make your own. First, you’ll work with the chef and use a plastic sushi model to practice how to assemble sushi. Once you’ve finished practicing, it’s time to make your own. The fish has already been sliced and properly prepared, so you'll only need to remember the steps you've just learned. The chef changes the selection and arrangement of fish to match each season, which makes the lesson feel like an "omakase course".

The staff was patient and helpful during the hour and a half lesson. The English instructions were natural, easy to understand, and you’re welcome to ask them questions at any time if you are unsure about the next step.

After making the sushi, it's time to eat. True to the restaurant’s name, each piece of sushi was rich with flavor and a delicacy. You'll also have the choice to add-on a sake course for an extra fee. The various sake also change based on the season so they pair with that season's fish.

Take this unique experience back to home and continue making sushi for yourself and others. They're sure to be impressed! Check the details below to make your reservation at Sushi Making Class Emi today, and make an unforgettable experience while you're visiting Japan.