Company: Bandai
Release date: Spring 2023
Size: +/- 4cm
Main distribution: Japan / USA / UK (Gashapon machines)
These are a Gashapon series called “narabundesu” or “lined up” by Bandai. Several IPs have gotten this treatment, existing out of characters walking in a line. These are little sumo wrestlers. In English it’s called “Let’s get in line Osumou-san”.
The figures can be obtained through a Gashapon machine. They come in transparent balls, so you can see which figure you have prior to opening it.
The figures are wrapped in plastic.
They also come with a leaflet. Mine was Japanese despite getting it in the UK and the machine having an English translated front.
There are 6 figures to collect. I got 1/6.
Sumo-san E
Sumo-san E is wearing a green mawashi and is standing upright, with his right arm in the air. He looks slightly angry, with downward eyebrows, and has dots for eyes and a mouth. On his back is the branding, it reads in raised font: © BANDAI B. PHILIPPINES 2549383 and the 4 dots of Bandai.
We went back to the Gashapon store as I just love them too much, and they had this new series. The mark up is still a bit much (you have to buy special coins for the machines, which are £2 each. Then each machine, depending on what’s inside, take a different amount of coins). These took x2 so £4 a try (which is the cheapest here). Considering these are ¥300 in Japan that is a bit more (especially now that the yen is quite low).
I pointed out these little sumo’s were new, and my other half took that as I wanted one. They are cute though! So he got me one, and it was the one I liked best! I love their little dot faces, and if you look closely you can even see little nipples. I find them adorable.
Narabundesu is a cute series of Gashapon figures lined up, and I’ve seen several ones already. I have the miffy ones too. Definitely a series I’ll be looking out for.
If you like Gashapon and/or little figures, you’ll like this series. Be advised they may be expensive depending where you find them.
If you prefer larger or articulated toys, you might give these a miss.
Got any more details / information you think I should add? Or did I get something wrong? Do you own these figures? Do you agree or disagree with my findings? Let me know in the comments below!