Bandai
Legendary Japanese Entertainment and Toy Company, Home of Gundam and Tamashii Nations
Discover Bandai, the legendary Japanese entertainment and toy company famous for Gundam, Tamashii Nations, and a vast array of collectibles.
Overview
Bandai is a legendary Japanese entertainment and toy company, renowned worldwide for innovative toys, action figures, model kits, capsule toys (Gashapon), virtual pets, and premium collectibles. Founded in 1950 (as Bandaiya), it merged with Namco in 2005 to form Bandai Namco Holdings, blending toys with gaming, animation, and experiences.
Bandai excels in licensed franchises (Gundam, Dragon Ball, Godzilla, Kamen Rider, Super Mario, One Piece) and originals (Tamagotchi, Digimon), targeting kids, families, and adult "kidult" collectors. Through sub-brands like Tamashii Nations (high-end articulated figures), Bandai Hobby (Gunpla), and Banpresto (Ichibansho prizes), it offers accessible fun to museum-grade displays.
History & Background
Bandai was founded in 1950 by Naoharu Yamashina in Tokyo (initially as Bandaiya), starting with celluloid/metal toys (cars, aircraft models, rubber items). It grew rapidly in the 1960s–1970s with original products and licenses, launching hits like Machine Robo and Candy Candy.
The 1990s brought global success with Power Rangers (U.S. boom), Sailor Moon, and Tamagotchi (1996 virtual pet revolution). In 2005, Bandai merged with Namco to create Bandai Namco Holdings, expanding into games/entertainment. Key milestones: Gunpla (1980s model kits), Digimon (1997), and Tamashii Nations launch (2008 for premium figures).
By 2026, Bandai Namco emphasizes "Fun for All into the Future," with strong Toy Fair 2026 reveals, Tamagotchi 30th anniversary prep, and continued dominance in Gunpla, kaiju toys (Godziburst), and Tamashii lines.
Product Categories
Action Figures & Collectibles
Highly articulated figures (S.H.Figuarts, Robot Spirits) and monster/kaiju statues (S.H.MonsterArts) with premium detail, effects, and accessories.
Plastic Model Kits (Gunpla & Hobby)
Bandai Hobby's iconic snap-fit plastic models (Gundam, Evangelion, mecha) in various scales, with color molding, decals, and customization.
Capsule Toys & Prize Figures
Gashapon capsules, Ichibansho lottery prizes, Qposket chibi statues, and Banpresto figures—affordable blind-box/prize collectibles.
Virtual Pets & Lifestyle Toys
Tamagotchi devices (including Paradise upgrades), Digimon pendants, and themed toys/playsets (Super Mario, Godziburst mix-and-match kaiju).
Licensed Toys & Plush
Mass-market figures, vehicles, and plush from anime, tokusatsu, movies, and games.
Major Product Lines
Bandai’s ecosystem includes:
- Tamashii Nations (S.H.Figuarts – e.g., Dragon Ball Goku variants, Kamen Rider, Godzilla; S.H.MonsterArts – EVA Unit-01 G-Awakening crossover, Godzilla 2016 forms)
- Bandai Hobby (Gunpla – RG, MG, PG scales; Gundam Infinity customizable figures, Hi Gundam releases)
- Tamagotchi (Paradise series, classic revivals with advanced features)
- Godziburst (new colorful kaiju action figures with interchangeable parts, 2026 Target exclusives)
- Gashapon / Ichibansho / Qposket (capsule minis, prize statues – Super Mario playset, anime icons)
- Other (Mobile Fighter G Gundam Burning Renewal, Kaiju No. 8 figures, Ultra series)
These lines drive constant releases, with Tamashii focusing on premium articulation and Hobby on builder customization.
Key Franchises & Licenses
Bandai holds massive licenses for authentic products:
- Gundam (core flagship across Gunpla, figures, Infinity series)
- Dragon Ball (S.H.Figuarts Goku/Cell, ongoing waves)
- Godzilla / Kaiju (Godziburst, S.H.MonsterArts, anime crossovers)
- Kamen Rider / Ultraman / Super Sentai (tokusatsu staples)
- Anime (One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, Kaiju No. 8)
- Games/Other (Super Mario, Pac-Man 45th legacy, Tamagotchi originals, Evangelion)
Strong ties to Toei, Toho, Sunrise, and global partners ensure timely tie-ins.
Global Presence
Headquartered in Tokyo (Bandai Namco Holdings), Bandai distributes worldwide through:
- Official sites (bandai.com, global.bandai-hobby.net, tamashiiweb.com, p-bandai.com/us for Premium Bandai exclusives)
- Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America (U.S. lead, with booths at Toy Fair 2026)
- Authorized retailers (Amazon, Target exclusives, BigBadToyStore, Hobby Link Japan, Premium Bandai)
- Specialty stores, Tamashii Nations Store New York, and convention drops
Strong in Japan/Asia, North America (via BNTCA), Europe, and beyond, with Gashapon shops expanding nationwide in Japan.
Market Position & Collectibility
Bandai dominates both mass-market toys and premium hobby/collectibles.
- Pricing spans wide: affordable Gashapon/Tamagotchi ($10–$50) to high-end Tamashii/S.H.Figuarts/Gunpla ($50–$300+)
- High-volume production with exclusives/preorders creating demand
- Strong secondary market for rare Gunpla variants, limited Tamashii figures, vaulted Tamagotchi
- Appeals to kids (toys), families (virtual pets), and adults (Gunpla building, articulated figures)
Bandai bridges generations with accessible entry points and elite collector-grade quality.
Why Collect Bandai?
Collectors choose Bandai for:
- Unmatched franchise depth and official accuracy
- Innovative engineering (Gunpla snap-fit, Tamashii articulation)
- Mix of fun/affordable (Gashapon, Tamagotchi) and premium (S.H.Figuarts detail)
- Constant releases tied to anime/movies/anniversaries
- Customization potential (Gunpla paints, Tamashii parts)
- Nostalgia + modern appeal (Tamagotchi revivals, Godziburst creativity)
Bandai delivers endless "Fun for All"—from pocket pets to shelf-dominating mecha masterpieces.
Where to Buy
Bandai products are available through:
- Official sites (bandai.com, global.bandai-hobby.net, tamashiiweb.com, p-bandai.com for exclusives/preorders)
- Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America channels and Premium Bandai USA
- Major retailers (Target, Amazon official, Walmart for Godziburst/Tamagotchi)
- Specialty hobby shops, Tamashii Nations stores, and convention exclusives
Preorder windows and event drops are key—check Tamashii announcements for 2026 waves (e.g., March–October general releases).