Alter
Premium Manufacturer of High-Quality Anime Scale Figures
Discover Alter, a leading Japanese figure manufacturer renowned for exceptional sculpting, intricate detailing, and high-quality pre-painted scale figures.
Overview
Alter (アルター, ALTER Co., Ltd.) is a leading Japanese figure manufacturer specializing in high-quality, pre-painted completed scale figures (塗装済み完成品フィギュア) based on anime, manga, video games, and other pop culture properties. Founded in March 2005, Alter is renowned for its exceptional sculpting, intricate detailing, beautiful paint applications, dynamic posing, and overall premium craftsmanship—often described as "high-end quality models" that live up to the pun of building an "altar" to display them. The company focuses primarily on female characters in 1/7 to 1/8 scale (with some variations), delivering collector-grade pieces with accurate likenesses, expressive faces, detailed clothing/fabric simulation, and thematic bases. Alter appeals to serious anime figure collectors worldwide, emphasizing quality over mass production and maintaining a strong reputation in the hobby community.
History & Background
Alter was established on March 1, 2005, in Tokyo, Japan, by founder Mikami Takashi (三上 隆) as a limited company (有限会社アルター). Starting with early figures like remastered garage kit conversions (e.g., Evangelion's Rei and Asuka), the brand quickly gained acclaim for superior quality and attention to detail.
Key milestones: Rapid rise in the mid-2000s with anime scale figures, launch of the ALTAiR line (male character figures targeting female fans) around 2010, introduction of ALMECHA (mecha/robot figures), collaborations with other companies (e.g., Alpha Omega with Megahouse), frequent re-releases of popular older figures, and consistent participation in events like Wonder Festival. Headquartered in Ginza, Tokyo (ZX Ginza 7F), Alter has around 30–35 employees, with a significant portion being sculptors/prototype makers. As of 2026, Alter continues active production, announcing new items monthly via its official site (alter-web.jp), including upcoming 2027 releases like Marisa Kirisame from Touhou Project and re-releases like Momo Belia Deviluke Pajama Ver.
Product Categories
Scale Figures (Main Line)
High-quality pre-painted PVC/ABS statues, primarily 1/7–1/8 scale female characters with detailed sculpts, dynamic poses, interchangeable parts, and elaborate bases.
ALTAiR Series
Male character figures aimed at female collectors, featuring heroes from anime, games, and manga (e.g., Demon Slayer's Tomioka Giyuu re-releases).
ALMECHA Series
Mecha, robot, and mechanical character figures with intricate engineering and display appeal.
Other Products
Trading figures (less common now), plush toys, action figures (occasional), and collaboration/limited items with external brands or artists.
Major Product Lines
Alter's catalog emphasizes premium scale figures with ongoing waves and re-releases:
- Main Figure Line (e.g., Azur Lane's Sirius Dakimakura Ver., Fate/Grand Order's Saber/Chitose Muramasa, To Love-Ru's Momo Belia Deviluke Pajama Ver. re-release)
- ALTAiR (male-focused, e.g., Demon Slayer Tomioka Giyuu, various game/anime heroes)
- ALMECHA (mecha/robot series, e.g., Xenogears Cosmos or similar mechanical characters)
- Touhou Project (e.g., Marisa Kirisame upcoming 2027)
- Others (e.g., Yuki Yuna is a Hero, Macross, Code Geass via past collabs, frequent beach/swimsuit themes)
Releases feature monthly announcements, deco samples (decoration masters), event displays, and popular re-issues to meet ongoing demand.
Key Franchises & Licenses
Alter secures official licenses from top anime, manga, and game IPs:
- Fate/Grand Order (Saber variants, Servants)
- Azur Lane (ship girls like Sirius)
- Touhou Project (Marisa Kirisame, etc.)
- To Love-Ru / To Love-Ru Darkness (Lala, Momo, etc.)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Tomioka Giyuu, etc.)
- Others (Evangelion, Love Live!, Macross Frontier, Code Geass, Yuki Yuna is a Hero, various eroge/visual novels, and collaborations like Aniplex exclusives or artist tie-ins)
Focus remains on authentic, high-fidelity representations, often with sexy/dynamic poses.
Global Presence
Headquartered in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan, Alter operates primarily through its official website alter-web.jp (Japanese, with product info, blogs, and announcements). Products are distributed worldwide via Japanese hobby shops, international retailers (e.g., Tokyo Otaku Mode, Hobby Genki, Plaza Japan, AmiAmi, Animate), and proxy services. Strong presence in Asia, North America, and Europe through online pre-orders, Wonder Festival booths, and global shipping partners. Social media (e.g., Facebook @alterJP) and blogs provide updates.
Market Position & Collectibility
Alter is widely regarded as one of the top-tier (premium) figure manufacturers in Japan, competing with Good Smile Company, Kotobukiya, and Max Factory but standing out for superior sculpting detail, paint quality, and pose dynamism. It commands higher prices but delivers consistent excellence, with low disappointment rates among collectors.
- Pricing: Typically ¥15,000–¥30,000+ (~$100–$250 USD) for standard scale figures, higher for limited/exclusives
- Many pieces appreciate on the aftermarket, especially older/rare releases or popular characters
- Frequent re-releases help accessibility while maintaining value for first editions
- Targets dedicated collectors valuing artistry, accuracy, and display impact
Alter's reputation for "never disappointing" quality sustains strong demand.
Why Collect Alter?
Collectors choose Alter for:
- Exceptional sculpting, fabric/cloth simulation, and dynamic/creative posing
- Beautiful, layered paint applications and fine details (hair, eyes, accessories)
- High fidelity to source material with appealing aesthetics (often swimsuit/beach themes)
- Reliable quality control and premium feel at a reasonable premium price
- Strong aftermarket value and desirability for retired pieces
- Frequent re-releases of fan-favorite older figures
- Emotional appeal through expressive, character-true designs
Alter turns anime characters into stunning display art worthy of admiration.
Where to Buy
Alter figures are available through:
- Official alter-web.jp (info, announcements; no direct sales—use for reference)
- Major Japanese retailers (AmiAmi, Hobby Search, Animate, Mandarake for pre-owned)
- International shops (Tokyo Otaku Mode, Hobby Genki, Plaza Japan, BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth)
- Proxy services for Japan-exclusive pre-orders
- Secondary markets (eBay, Mandarake, MyFigureCollection forums) for rare/retired items
Monitor alter-web.jp blogs for new item announcements, release delays, and deco samples—pre-orders sell out quickly.