My Anime World

Best friends. Siblings. Partners. The connection between two people that grows from getting through hard times really makes for a compelling story. And there’s a lot of anime that do it really well. Let’s go over some of our top buddy anime!

We’re kicking off this list with one of our favorite anime series of all time: Hagane no Renkinjutsushi or Fullmetal Alchemist. Created by Hiromu Arakawa, the show follows the Elric brothers Edward and Alphonse on their quest to return to their original human forms. Viewers get the choice of watching the first anime adaptation Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009). They each handle the story a bit differently with Brotherhood being more faithful to the manga, but both still showcase the strength of the Elric brothers’ bond.

Yomi no Tsugai (Daemons of the Shadow Realm) is Arakawa’s current ongoing series with another pair of siblings: twins Yuru and Asa who are born with a prophecy tied to their powerful abilities to control supernatural beings called tsugai. But without spoiling anything since the anime just started recently, this story handles the sibling dynamic a bit differently compared to Arakawa’s previous work.

Tiger and Bunny pairs two clashing personalities in classic buddy genre form. Longtime superhero Kotetsu T. Kaburagi reluctantly takes on rookie Barnaby Brooks Jr. as his partner and the two are forced to work together to fight crime. And in a world where heroes are sponsored by corporations and ranked on their performance, these two constantly butt heads with their different viewpoints. Fans of superhero movies and action-packed anime will enjoy the fresh spin the show puts on the superhero journey.

From legendary Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe comes Carole & Tuesday, a sci-fi musical drama set in Mars. The story follows two musicians from different backgrounds who decide to pursue their dreams together. Like with Watanabe’s other works, Carole & Tuesday blends beautiful animation with a soundtrack that works really well with the story.

Buddy Daddies is a 12-episode original anime series about Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa, a pair of assassins whose mission unconventionally leads them to caring for four-year-old Miri. Between the struggles of parenting and the dangers of their jobs, Kazuki and Rei have to work together to raise Miri and to protect the found family they’ve formed together.

If cute characters and tons of action are more your speed, Lycoris Recoil has you covered. Serious Takina Inoue ends up working alongside the cheerful Chisato Nishikigi at Cafe LycoReco where they’re part of an undercover organization tasked to keep Japan safe. Think of a grump-meets-sunshine pairing who get involved in tons of gunfight scenes throughout the show.

Angels and sisters Panty and Stocking are kicked out of Heaven and end up hunting ghosts on Earth in Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. Taking inspiration from Western adult animated shows, the series has been rather divisive among anime fans with its adult sense of humor. However, if you enjoyed director Hiroyuki Imaishi’s other works like Gurren Lagan and Kill la Kill, Panty & Stocking’s unique animation style and collection of characters might be for you.

Finally, let’s finish off with one more new series from this year: Marriagetoxin. Another assassin-focused action title, this one follows Hikaru Gero as he tries to save his sister from being forced to marry and continue their family line. He enlists the help of con artist Mei Kinosaki to help him find a wife. Only a few episodes have been released so far, and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season to see where this action-romcom takes us.

With all kinds of characters and genres in anime, there are so many varied dynamics among buddy pairs. And they all work hard to get through all kinds of challenges together. Drop a comment on our socials with your favorite anime duo!

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Written by Alon Bramble for TOM News

Kon'nichiwa, fellow collectors! As the beautiful mid-May warmth settles in and Japan's landscapes burst with vibrant, fresh greenery, we're thrilled to unveil this week's enchanting new releases. Between May 10th and May 16th, 2026, our store is incredibly excited to introduce 38 dazzling new bishoujo figures, straight from your favorite anime, manga, and video game worlds! Prepare for some truly kawaii additions, featuring fan-favorite characters, each meticulously crafted to bring even more charm and detail to your display shelf. We know you've been waiting for these gems, so let's dive into this week's fantastic lineup! 🌸✨

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

Arknights Mon3tr 1/7 Scale Figure

RPGEX-06 Adventurer Snail 1/12 Scale Action Figure

Planned and produced by the emerging Chinese design studio SNAIL SHELL, the brand's mascot "Snail" is now available as a 1/12 scale action figure!
Snail is a cheerful adventurer girl who travels through another world, dressed in a sailor outfit and carrying a large pack on her back. Her charming fangs and playful smile make her irresistibly cute.
This version features movable eyebrow parts, allowing for a wider range of expressions to show different emotions. It also includes multiple interchangeable face parts, so you can enjoy displaying her with various expressions.
What kind of adventurers will Snail meet on her journey? Stay tuned for more from this exciting series!

Trente30m Illustration Kasshoku Succubus-chan: Haregi Bunny Ver. Standard Edition 1/6 Scale Figure

Trente30m Illustration Kasshoku Succubus-chan: Haregi Bunny Ver. Deluxe Edition 1/6 Scale Figure

Molly's Dressing Time Jing Xiang: Baseball Wear Ver. 1/4 Scale Figure

Planned and produced by manufacturer ABILU Design, here comes the 1/4 scale PVC figurine of "JING XIANG BASEBALL WEAR VER." from series Molly's Dressing Time! Her dynamic high-kick pose and sporty yet sexy style are beautifully recreated.
Hope you enjoy Jing Xiang's sexiness and cuteness in your collection!

Gakuen Idolm@ster Misuzu Hataya 1/6 Scale Figure

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? V Freya 1/6 Scale Figure

Shugo Chara! Amu Hinamori: Amulet Angel Ver. 1/6 Scale Figure

To Love-Ru Darkness Golden Darkness: Swimsuit Ver. 1/4 Scale Figure

Azur Lane Suzuya: Midnight Care Ver. 1/4 Scale Figure

"Come and lie down, now."

From the popular game "Azur Lane" comes a 1/4 scale figure of the heavy cruiser Suzuya in her Midnight Care outfit!
Her memorable pose and facial expression, tempting the Commander, have been faithfully recreated in figure form. The image of her posing with her syringe in hand, held up against her open mouth, has been carefully sculpted to capture the unique situation that Midnight Care places her in. The nurse-themed costume is highly revealing, while meticulous paintwork provides realistic textures and fit. Her curves, almost overflowing with size, are highlighted by the sheer size of the figure. The sculptors were very particular in expressing her tender sensuality and in the application shading. From her long hair draped over her back to her curvy hips, she's a stunner. Be sure to add the charming Suzuya to your collection!

Miko Illustration Momoman-chan Non-Scale Figure (Re-run)

An original illustration of Momoman-chan by the popular illustrator Miko has been turned into a figure! Her skin peeking through the gaps in her Chinese attire is incredibly alluring!

Add it to your collection!

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion C.C.: Swimsuit Ver. Non-Scale Figure (Re-run)

Feast your eyes on what may be the sexiest figure of C.C. ever! The Code Geass femme fatale has been sculpted by Keita Kawai in an extremely provocative pose, head down, booty up. A booty that we get a very clear shot of thanks to her revealing white bikini with red lace. C.C. playfully pulls at the string, her silky green hair strewn all over the floor. Meanwhile, our minds our melting. Pick C.C. up for your collection!

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion C.C. Non-Scale Figure (Re-run)

The beautiful C.C. of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion looks heartbroken for this utterly breathtaking figure from Union Creative! (Could it be that someone stole the last slice of pizza…?)

Standing at a height of 9.1”, this gorgeous item was sculpted by Atomic-Bom Suzu and comes pre-painted with a transparent base for display that emphasizes the amount of detail in the figure itself.

Her outfit is carefully creased and painted, and all of her features are brought to life from her soft expression and yellow eyes to her beautiful long, green hair. You’ll find something new to admire about the craftsmanship of every inch of this beautiful figure every time you look at it.

Nendoroid New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Panty: New Ver.

From the anime series "New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT" comes a Nendoroid of Panty!

Nendoroid New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Stocking: New Ver.

From the anime series "New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT" comes a Nendoroid of Stocking!

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Nendoroid New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Scanty

From the anime series "New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT" comes a Nendoroid of Scanty!

Nendoroid New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Kneesocks

From the anime series "New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT" comes a Nendoroid of Kneesocks!

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Super Creek 1/7 Scale Figure

“I can spoil you as much as you'd like. Aww, there, there. ♪”

Umamusume: Pretty Derby's Super Creek, the motherly horse girl who accepts, forgives, and comforts everyone, is being released as a scale figure!

Every detail of her blue-and-white racing outfit, from the frills and ribbons to the creases, has been faithfully recreated, along with her accessories.
The base resembles grass, allowing fans to fully enjoy the world of the series.

This figure perfectly captures Super Creek’s warm smile and overflowing motherly charm.
Add her to your collection today!

Megami Device Puni☆Mofu Racing Mao w/ Honda Z50J-1 Monkey

The second collaboration between Megami Device and Honda!
From Megami Device, a plastic model kit series combining Bishoujo-style beauties and heavy-duty weapons and armor, PUNI☆MOFU Mao hops on Aoshima Bunka Kyozai's 1/12 Honda Z50J-1 Monkey ‘78 model in a special collaboration!

Model Specifications:
・Includes a 1/12 Honda Z50J-1 Monkey ‘78, exclusively colored for this product by Aoshima Bunka Kyozai.
・Comes with a helmet part.
・PUNI☆MOFU Mao is reimagined in new vibrant colors reminiscent of a racing suit!
・The eyes and body are also recolored to match the new color scheme.
・Includes two pre-painted face parts: Smiling and Starry-eyed/Smiling.
・“Unarmed Mode” can be recreated by swapping out parts.
・The impressive range of movement of the machineca series allows for natural poses when riding the motorbike!
・Includes three types of plastic hands: Open, Closed, and Weapon Holding.
・A special base is included which allows Mao to stand independently.
・The 3mm connection points on each part and head compatibility parts allow this model to be customized with existing M.S.G, Frame Arms, Frame Arms Girl, Hexa Gear, Sousai Shojo Teien, Arcanadea, and Megalomaria series parts.
*Adhesives are required to assemble a portion of the 1/12 Honda Z50J-1 Monkey ‘78.*

PUNI☆MOFU is a popular series that features the small Machineca Block2-S body by Masaki Apsy and designs illustrated by BLADE.
These model kits bring out the cuteness of the illustrations and paired up with the small and cute 50cc motorbike, Monkey, there are even more new ways to have fun!

Darkstalkers Morrigan Aensland 1/7 Scale Figure

A succubus gracefully ruling the dark night.

Morrigan Aensland joins the DARKSTALKERS lineup.

The figure captures her teasing smile and supple body in a dynamic kneeling pose.
The widely spread wings are carefully sculpted down to the texture of the thin membrane, and Morrigan's distinct bewitching charm is reflected in every detail, from the flow of her hair to the gestures of her fingertips.
Her eyes gaze quietly toward the viewer, radiating a captivating presence.

While she exudes an overwhelming level of perfection on her own, displaying her alongside Lilith allows their wings and lines of sight to work in concert to create a more dramatic scene.

A dedicated cloth base is included. The figure can be displayed with or without it.
*Both characters can be displayed on the same base.*

Darkstalkers Lilith 1/7 Scale Figure

Another succubus harboring an innocent temptation.

Lilith joins the DARKSTALKERS lineup.

She reveals a teasing smile while showing off an alluring pose.
Her spread wings and delicate contours are intricately sculpted, capturing her cute and mischievous personality.
Lilith’s free-spirited nature can be felt from the fluid motion of her hands and the angle of her gaze.

While she makes an adorable display on her own, pairing her with Morrigan makes their contrasting natures as succubi even more apparent.

A dedicated cloth base is included. The figure can be displayed with or without it.
*Both characters can be displayed on the same base.*

Cuties Series Arknights Kal'tsit: The Remains of Time Ver.

Cuties Series Arknights Mon3tr

Gigantic Series Mega Man Roll

Azur Lane Shinano: Dreamy White Sands Ver. 1/6 Scale Figure

Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Anna Yanami 1/7 Scale Figure

Oekakizuki Illustration Kurumi Oomori 1/5 Scale Figure

Gakuen Idolm@ster Temari Tsukimura: Re;IRIS Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

Nendoroid Limbus Company Ishmael

"If you please, call me Ishmael."

From "Limbus Company" comes a Nendoroid of Ishmael!

Mataro Illustration Kunoichi Sumire 1/7 Scale Figure

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Date A Live V Mukuro Hoshimiya: Witch Style Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

Hatsune Miku: Smile x Future Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

The grand prize-winning entry from the Hatsune Miku × GSC Illustration Contest has been turned into a scale figure!

With the theme "Smile x Future," the Hatsune Miku drawn by Okada for the first round of the Hatsune Miku × GSC Illustration Contest has been turned into a 1/7 scale figure. Steps such as the use of translucent parts were taken to carefully recreate the delicate hues of the original illustration. Down to each and every one of the various tools strapped to her kimono, the figure is packed with visual highlights. Be sure to add this Miku, dubbed the "Figure Repair Technician", to your collection!

Nendoroid Doll Bocchi the Rock! Nijika Ijichi

Nijika Ijichi joins the Nendoroid Doll lineup!

From "Bocchi the Rock!" comes a Nendoroid Doll of Nijika Ijichi! 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 Nendoroid Doll Nijika Ijichi to your collection! *The skin tone of this Nendoroid Doll is a special color to match that of the original character.

Torso stand not included.

Nendoroid Doll Bocchi the Rock! Ryo Yamada

Ryo Yamada joins the Nendoroid Doll lineup!

From "Bocchi the Rock!" comes a Nendoroid Doll of Ryo Yamada! 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 Nendoroid Doll Ryo Yamada to your collection!

The skin tone of this Nendoroid Doll is a special color to match that of the original character.
**Torso stand not included*

Arknights Eyjafjalla the Hvít Aska: A Picnic Before a Long Trip Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

*"How about a slice of lava cake before we head out? It was one of Mom's traditions.":

From the popular mobile game "Arknights" comes a scale figure of the operator Eyjafjalla the Hvít Aska in her adorable A Picnic Before A Long Trip outfit! The figure features Eyjafjalla excitedly heading for a picnic on a clear, sunny day. Her blue and white skirt and large ribbons further emphasize her adorable charm. Spend a peaceful moment with Eyjafjalla, surrounded by the sweet scent of strawberries and cream.

Azur Lane Cleopatra: Stars and Roses Ver. 1/6 Scale Figure

Azur Lane Formidable: Anniversary Memories Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure

From the popular game Azur Lane, ""Formidable: Anniversary Memories Ver."", a new 1/7 scale figure, is coming soon!

Formidable sits gracefully atop a metallic picture frame, her long, slender legs gently curved as though she herself has stepped into the painting. Her twin tails, adorned with translucent hair ornaments, reveal beautifully layered highlights in the shifting light. Satin ribbons trace the elegant silhouette of this Royal Lady, while the pure white fabric shimmers with a soft iridescent glow, allowing glimpses of her skin to appear and fade beneath its folds. Light dances across the flowing hem of her dress, spreading a delicate, refined luster. With her gaze gently lowered, a dreamlike and enchanting atmosphere softly unfolds around her.

Commander, come and fall into this painting together with Formidable.

Gift+ Azur Lane Trinidad: Trapper in the Changing Room Ver. 1/8 Scale Figure

From the popular game Azur Lane, ""Trinidad: Trapper in the Changing Room Ver."", a new 1/8 scale figure from the Gift+ series, is coming soon!

Trinidad comes into view with a playful smile gracing her lips. Her translucent bangs softly frame her face, drawing your gaze to the faint blush on her cheeks. The pearlescent frills of her swimsuit shimmer softly, complementing her fair skin. Set against the backdrop of the changing room, Trinidad gently lifts a thin veil, half-hiding and half-revealing her graceful silhouette, while the mirror behind her perfectly captures the elegant outline of her figure from behind. This hazy, teasing beauty is frozen in time.

Commander, ready to be caught by Trinidad?

Japan holds numerous otaku-related events throughout the year, enticing anime and manga fans alike from all over the country and even around the world. The biggest and most popular of these is Comic Market (コミックマーケット), also known as Comiket (コミケ), which is held twice a year at Tokyo Big Sight. While comparable in size to US conventions like Anime Expo or Comic Con, Comiket isn’t quite the same. In Japan, it’s classified as a doujinshi sokubaikai (同人誌即売会) or doujinshi sales event.

Doujinshi (同人誌) are non-commercial self-published bound works. They often include comics, short stories, and art books. Although one hall for Comiket now houses booths for major companies like Good Smile Company and Bandai Namco selling event-exclusive merch, a separate hall contains doujin circles (同人サークル)—or “circles” for short—which are the groups or individuals selling doujinshi.

But did you know there’s more to doujinshi than just comics? Doujinban (同人版) is a catchall term for other works that might be found at these events. These include game software, drama CDs, music CDs, and other goods inspired by whatever anime, game, or character they’re into.

When attending a doujinshi event, fans of a particular circle or creator can get an event catalog to find their favorites easily. A lot of popular artists and writers in a fandom will often post their table number or circle name if they are participating in an event. In fact, sometimes even the original artists and writers of a commercially well-known series will form a circle to participate.

People who’ve been to artist alleys and dealers rooms at conventions in other countries might find this familiar. Is doujinshi basically like fanart? Technically, yes, since it’s fan-created work that’s derived from existing IPs. However, due to strict copyright laws in Japan, selling fan-made works like commissions and non-official merch are not allowed. So how do doujinshi events work?

Some events have doujinshi for VTubers and cosplayers

Doujinshi events are the only spaces where fans can sell their own work inspired by a series. But the caveat is that the makers of the work cannot make a profit from sales. That’s why a lot of doujinshi tend to have low prices and similar pricing as the money they earn would just be enough to cover costs like event registration and production fees. And while anime conventions in other countries allow attendees to roam around in cosplay, that’s not the case at most doujinshi events. At large ones like Comiket, cosplayers must register in order to dress up, and they have to follow guidelines like no cosplay during the commute to the venue. Smaller events strictly prohibit cosplay and only focus on selling doujinshi.

Doujinshi events can cover all kinds of works with some only allowing certain genres or series

Depending on the size and organizer of a doujinshi event, though, only certain types of doujin goods may be allowed. For example, some might only allow printed doujinshi and not handmade goods like keychains or stickers. Events labeled “all genre” (オールジャンル) are open to any fandom, while an “only event” (オンリーイベント) is for a specific genre or series. Fans of popular titles like Haikyu!!, the Fate series, and various 2D idol franchises can expect to find at least one event focused on those IPs. But even a lesser known series could have an only event, just not as often or as big as other doujinshi events. And even though it’s easier to attend comic markets in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, some organizers still hold events in other parts of Japan.

Doujinshi events aren’t all limited to derivative works, though. Some events like Comitia (コミティア) focus entirely on original creations: manga, posters, keychains, music, etc. While you won’t find goods with your favorite characters at these events, they’re a great opportunity to discover entirely unique works by independent artists.

So next time you plan to visit Japan, be sure to check out what doujinshi events are happening during your trip! They’re a great way to support artists and creators who make fanwork for your favorite anime and to meet other fans. Comiket is held every summer and winter and smaller doujin events happen almost every month. Major events often have ticket info available in English on their websites while others might require some understanding of Japanese, though it is advisable to know a bit of the language or have a way to translate, especially if you plan on buying stuff.

Share your experience at doujinshi events with us and be sure to keep an eye out for TOM’s coverage of other conventions and exhibits!

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Written by Alon Bramble for TOM News