Good Smile Company

Good Smile Company (GSC) is a premier Japanese manufacturer of high-quality hobby products, specializing in collectible figures, statues, plush, and merchandise primarily based on anime, manga, video games, Vocaloid (e.g., Hatsune Miku), VTubers, and select Western IPs (Marvel, Masters of the Universe). Founded in 2001, GSC has revolutionized the figure industry with accessible yet detailed lines that appeal to both casual fans and dedicated collectors.

Best known for the revolutionary Nendoroid (cute chibi with swappable faces/parts), figma (highly articulated action figures via Max Factory sub-brand), and POP UP PARADE (shelf-friendly, speedy-release statues), GSC focuses on trend-setting designs, rapid production of popular characters, and global distribution to bring Japanese pop culture worldwide.

Good Smile Company was established on May 1, 2001, by Aki Takanori in Tokyo as an event management and talent agency. It pivoted to hobby goods after partnering with Max Factory (founded 1987 for figure production), releasing its first figure (an 1/8 scale statue) and launching figma in 2008 (10th anniversary celebrated 2018).

The company exploded in popularity with Nendoroid (debut ~2006, now thousands of releases) and POP UP PARADE (2018 onward for affordable accessibility). GSC expanded globally with U.S./China locations, supporting creators and stimulating the figure market through quality, speed, and diverse licenses.

By 2026, GSC continues strong momentum: Nendoroid FUNS Winter event announcements, NY Toy Fair 2026 displays (e.g., figma Zelda/Berserk/Doom, Pikmin Kirby lines), release adjustments (e.g., Aventurine Doll to March), and collaborations (Cinnamoroll Miku, Joker L Size).

Nendoroid

Chibi-style articulated figures (~10cm) with swappable faces, hands, accessories, and stands—iconic for expressiveness and collectibility.

figma (via Max Factory)

Highly poseable action figures (~13-15cm) with advanced joints, interchangeable parts, and realistic proportions—targeted at dynamic display and posing.

POP UP PARADE

Affordable, detailed statues (~17-18cm) with quick releases and varied styles (standard, L Size, collaborations)—ideal for beginners and shelf-filling.

Scale Figures & Statues

Premium pre-painted PVC figures (1/7–1/4 scale) with intricate sculpts, paint apps, and bases for high-end display.

Other Goods

Plush, apparel, accessories, HELLO! GOOD SMILE (chibi plush), Harmonia series (elegant figures), and Mecha Smile (Japanese mecha-focused).

GSC’s lineup emphasizes popular and diverse series:

• Nendoroid (e.g., Blue Archive Hikari/Nozomi Tachibana, Final Fantasy Warrior of Light/Chocobo/Y'shtola/G'raha Tia, Pikmin 4 Oatchi September 2026)
• figma (e.g., Doom Slayer, Berserk Guts, Zelda Link, ongoing anime/game releases)
• POP UP PARADE (e.g., Joker L Size, Sesshomaru rerelease, Hatsune Miku Cinnamoroll Collaboration L Size, Ruri Aoki, Spike Spiegel rerelease)
• Scale Figures (various anime/game statues, often 1/7 scale)
• Others (Harmonia elegant line, HELLO! GOOD SMILE chibi plush, Mecha Smile mecha)

These lines feature frequent preorders, rereleases, and event exclusives tied to anime seasons and conventions.

GSC secures top licenses for authentic figures:

• Anime/Manga (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Blue Archive, Final Fantasy, Berserk, Zelda, Splatoon, Pikmin, Kirby, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer)
• Vocaloid/VTubers (Hatsune Miku dominant, collaborations like Cinnamoroll)
• Games (Persona, Doom, Fire Emblem, Genshin Impact influences)
• Western (Marvel Cinematic Universe, Masters of the Universe)
• Others (Turbo Granny, Sunrisepop, various Jump titles)

Focus on current/popular Japanese pop culture with global appeal.

Headquartered in Tokyo (Akiba CO Building, Chiyoda-ku), GSC distributes worldwide through:

• Official sites (goodsmile.com/en for global/online store, goodsmileus.com for U.S., goodsmile.info/en legacy/search)
• Good Smile Company Online Store (preorders, exclusives, maintenance alerts)
• Authorized partners (e.g., Good Smile US, international retailers like BigBadToyStore, Hobby Link Japan)
• Events (NY Toy Fair 2026 booth, ANIMONIUM 2026, Nendoroid FUNS Winter)

Strong in Japan/Asia, with dedicated U.S./China branches and global shipping.

GSC leads the anime/figure hobby segment.

• Pricing mid-range to premium: Nendoroid/POP UP PARADE ¥5,000–¥8,000 (~$35–$55), figma ¥7,000–¥12,000 (~$50–$85), scale figures higher
• High demand with preorders, limited waves, and event exclusives
• Strong secondary market for sold-out/rare Nendoroid/figma (e.g., collaborations, early releases)
• Appeals to anime fans valuing expressiveness (Nendoroid), poseability (figma), and accessibility (POP UP PARADE)

GSC sets trends with speed, quality, and creator support.

Collectors are drawn to GSC for:

• Expressive, swappable Nendoroid charm and endless customization
• Superior articulation and realism in figma poses
• Affordable, high-detail POP UP PARADE for easy collecting
• Faithful character sculpts/paint from anime/games
• Rapid releases of trending IPs and collaborations
• Vibrant community (events like FUNS, NY Toy Fair showcases)

GSC makes Japanese pop culture accessible and display-worthy worldwide.

Good Smile Company products are available through:

• Official goodsmile.com/en (online store, preorders, global shipping, exclusives)
• Good Smile US (goodsmileus.com for North America, in-stock/coming soon)
• Authorized retailers (BigBadToyStore, Hobby Link Japan, Amazon official, specialty anime shops)
• Events/convention drops (Nendoroid FUNS, Toy Fair exclusives)

Preorder windows are critical—check official news for delays (e.g., Aventurine Doll to March 2026) and new announcements.

Collectors interested in Good Smile Company often also explore:

• Max Factory (figma sub-brand, high-articulation focus)
• Kotobukiya (Bishoujo, ARTFX J, Megami Device)
• MegaHouse (Portrait.Of.Pirates, Lookup, MEGA CAT PROJECT)
• Bandai Spirits / Tamashii Nations (SH Figuarts, Robot Spirits)
• Alter / Pulchra (premium scale figures)