Hunt for Kaiju Sofubi Figures in Japan 日本の怪獣ソフビ探し
For all the kaiju sofubi figure collectors out there, here's a little guide for finding them in Japan. Begin this journey if you dare. Let's start with...
Akihabara
There are several shops in Akihabara selling kaiju figures.
Mandarake Complex
The banner says "World's Largest Collectors' Shop" |
Apparently the largest collectors' shop in the world, it's full black facade is unmistakable and not difficult to find. Kaiju figures are sold at the 7th floor.
Some Tokusatsu books are on other levels |
Because it's an official collectors' store, things are sold at high prices, or at the very least, at accurate prices for their value. If you are thrifty like me, the cheapest they have is dumped in a basket for digging. The older Bullmarkish figures sell for over 10000 yen so the most I could get were photos of them... I did manage to clinch a miraculous cheap vintage Jumborg Ace figure though.
Location
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Sotokanda, 3丁目12−11
Operating Hours
1200 ~ 2000
Website: http://mandarake.co.jp/shop/cmp/
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Sotokanda, 3丁目12−11
Operating Hours
1200 ~ 2000
Website: http://mandarake.co.jp/shop/cmp/
Monsters LABO
Kanegon greets you, asking for some food. This is a haven for Godzilla figures. Since I am not really a Gojiologist so I didn't pick up anything here. Recognisable by a Godzilla banner flapping above the underground shop.
Location
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−10−5 T&Kアキバビル T&K Akiba Building B1F
Operating Hours
11:00 ~ 19:00
Closed on Thursday
Website: http://monsters-labo.com
Jungle Akihabara
Lots of Ultra Kaiju because it's actually an underground Ultra Kaiju designated floor. There are vintage expensive rare ones and more average, reasonably-priced ones. I got Mirrorman's Iron made by Bullmark, from here. Also there is a basket of broken figures sold cheaply.
Location Address
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−9−2 末広ビル Suehiro Building B1F
Operating Hours
Weekdays: 12:00 ~ 20:00
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays: 11:00 ~ 20:00
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