Product Spotlight: Ichibansho Figures
Welcome to our second Product Spotlight! If you missed our last one, you can check it out here. Product Spotlight is where we put the spotlight on characters or franchise's that are not as well-known as some of our other products available. These Product Spotlight blogs are here to help give you some more explanation to these items. For our second spotlight, we will be focusing on the Ichibansho Figure line.
What are Ichibansho Figures?
Ichiban Kuji, meaning "number 1 lottery," is a limited-run lottery system created by Banpresto. This type of lottery is found in toy or convenient stores around Asia near the cashier, so If you want to participate, you would let them know and pay the cost for 1 draw or however many tickets you want from the raffle. The raffle ticket are random and indicate which prize a participant has won. The prizes vary from art boards, towels, phone straps, or a plush; but the biggest prize that is sought after is Prize A; which are the Ichibansho Figures. These figures are 6-inch tall figures, sometimes bigger, and are great for any fan of the series. Also note that these raffles are released by series, so there are no mixed series in the raffle (Example: Demon Slayer raffle will only contain Demon Slayer prizes).
How is the Quality?
Quality assurance is key for Banpresto and their Ichibansho Figures. The design of each character is carefully molded to represent them in the best way possible. Details like texture are also put into consideration when making certain figures (Example: Kamen Rider 01 texture on his suit)
Using a mix of ABS and other plastics, Ichibansho Figures are produced with that same high-quality feeling as other highly collectible figures. These figures are also painted with precision and accuracy to match all the small details on the character or the outfit.
What series are available?
As stated earlier, Ichiban Kuji raffles in Asia are themed to a specific series. There are a variety of series from anime shows like Dragonball, One Piece, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Evangelion, and Love Live; to video game characters like Pokemon and Kirby. Even the more niche Tokusatsu genre, like Kamen Rider and Ultraman has some Ichiban product. These items are very limited in quantity as each raffle only come with about 3-4 of the top prize (figures); so once they're gone, they're gone. It is currently unknown as to what new Ichibansho figures are planned for future releases, but rest assure that more of your favorite characters are sure to come.
What does it mean to have Ichiban in the U.S.?
Bringing Ichibansho Figures to the US is big news! This means that its exclusivity to only Asian countries is a thing of the past. Many Ichiban figures like Dragon Ball, One Piece, or Kamen Rider will now be available stateside. Many of the minor prizes Ichiban offers like towels, keychains, or glass prizes will not be available, but you no longer have to worry about trying to win the big prizes; you can just purchase it from your online or local vendor.
