Kotobukiya Official Online Shop Launching Tomorrow!

Source: Kotobukiya FB - Good news for the US fans! Kotobukiya official online shop will be launching few more hours in the US! According to the news, when you guys order directly from Kotobukiya, there will be bonuses and exclusives! Look out for more information!

Personal Opinion:

While this might be good news for US fans, I’m curious about the potential impact on other retail businesses. If I were a reseller, I wouldn’t be too thrilled about this development coming from Kotobukiya. After all, customers will likely flock to the official shop to take advantage of exclusive offers (discounts) and limited-edition items, much like the offer in Japan.

This situation reminds me of what happened with Hasbro in Asia. Many retail shops were frustrated with Hasbro's pricing strategy and stock cut, as the competition from their official online store undercut local prices, availability and offered attractive discounts. Retailers were left struggling to compete with these direct sales channels.

Let's see how their US customers relation handling these new development.

DHV Magellan (Death Stranding 2: On The Beach)

Did you watched the latest DS2: On The Beach trailer? A 10-minute trailer feeling like just 10 seconds! I am amazed with the content and surprises in the trailer.

Also, Kotobukiya dropping the DHV Magellan 1/350 model kit on the same day for 7,000 yen. Are you planning on picking it up, or are you more focused on DS2: On The Beach for now?

More photos can be found at official product page. As usual, the special marking display stand only available in Japan.

M.S.G Weapons - June/July Announcement & Released 2025

It’s been a while since Kotobukiya has announced such impressive Sci-Fi weapons! Among the latest releases, the Weapon Unit 53 Stride Launcher and especially the Unit 58 Link Missile stand out as the most exciting. Kotobukiya hasn’t produced many missile pod designs in recent years, so these new releases are a welcome treat. In fact, the Unit 58 Link Missile design closely resembles the Gundam F90 Mission Pack B type.

Visit the official page for more photos below!

Weapon Unit 52 Stride Rifle Zero: Official Product Page

Weapon Unit 53 Stride Launcher: Official Product Page

Weapon Unit 58 Link Missile: Official Product Page

 

Kotobukiya Collaborates with Ray Studio on Hobby Tools

It's likely that many of you have already heard the news, but for those who haven’t: Ray Studio, a prominent Chinese tool manufacturer, has gained recognition for showcasing their products in short videos, particularly focusing on Gunpla model building. Now, the company is teaming up with Kotobukiya to release four exclusive hobby tools in Japan.

Of course, the tools are not limited to Japan. Any customers can purchase directly from the RS official store or you can drop by Amazon store to look for other hobby tools!

Review: Extend Hardpoint 03 (Giftset)

 

The Extend Hardpoint 03 was a special gift set exclusively available at the Kotobukiya official store in 2016. It was not released through retail outlets (such as HLJ) in Japan. If you're looking to purchase it, your best options are to buy directly from Kotobukiya's official store during their promotion or to search for it in second-hand marketplaces like Mandarake.

Similar to the Extend Hardpoint 02, you can install the body as a head unit in Frame Arms. The detail on the helicopter is quite impressive.

Review: Extend Hardpoint 01 (Giftset)

 

The Extend Hardpoint 01 was a special gift set exclusively available at the Kotobukiya official store in 2014. It was not released through retail outlets (such as HLJ) in Japan. If you're looking to purchase it, your best options are to buy directly from Kotobukiya's official store during their promotion or to search for it in second-hand marketplaces like Mandarake.

Forme Arms Pre-Order Available at Amazon Store

Quite a bit busy during the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year last month. I had planned to post about the Forme Arms released in Japan but we experienced severe weather and flooding before the festival started. Brunei and East Malaysia hit the hardest which is for the first time happening this bad. I heard Australia faced a similar flood situation. To all those who are affected, I hope that you are safe and recovering well.

Forme Arms. What I know so far. We can only get into Kotobukiya online or at the physical shop in Japan. Good news is, Kotobukiya official store at Amazon going to sell. You can check the link below to pre-order.

Amazon Pre-Order:

• Forme Arms: Rail Virth V.F.A. - $34.99 *This item will be released on June 11, 2025. 
• Forme Arms: Sho-Ro-Ko Grand Riser - $34.99 *This item will be released on September 10, 2025. 

I plan to order one directly from the US store at first. After careful consideration, I decided not to since there are some issues with delivery to Brunei. I am considering purchasing through a flea market at Mandarake, as this option tends to be more affordable and the exchange rate is strong at the moment.

Anyway, I will be updating and uploading two reviews of Extend Hardpoint kits to my M.S.G database this week! I am trying to hunt down the third remaining kit on Mandarake. Unfortunately, these kits don’t often appear in the same store and frustrates me sometimes, there isn’t anything I can find to ship together.

Happy New Year!

Wow, it’s incredible how quickly time flies! It’s been a while since I last posted anything, especially since I shared so little last year. A lot of things happened and I quit my job last December, I’ve redirected my energy toward home improvement projects—repairing and painting our house, while I wait for job opportunities to come my way.

I want to apologize for the lack of new content and news. I’ve reached the limit of what my blog can currently do, and I’m looking for ways to improve my reporting. 

What did I miss last year? Kotobukiya has released a lot of interesting products, but I feel they’ve been lagging behind a lot. You can see this trend in their decision to reissue older model kits. Their marketing seems to be more focused on Bijosho lines (like FA Girl and Megami Device) and Hexa Gear products. Additionally, the Frame Arms series has officially been retired, as they move forward with the Forma Arms series. 

For those who may not know, the Forma Arms series is an experimental project (according to their blog post) and will not be available for retail release, not even through the US branch—it's limited to the Japanese market. The only place we are going to find is either purchase directly from Kotobukiya shop or official store at Amazon or Mandarake.

Bandai 30MM Announced Armored Core VI Plastic Kit Coming Next Year?

Did Kotobukiya lose the license or is this collaboration between 30MM bringing the design into the game? Interesting 🔥🔥🔥

2024

PLASTIC MODEL KIT

ROLL OUT

#30MM pic.twitter.com/tlzyz7rj7n

— 30 MINUTES MISSIONS公式SNS (@30mmissions) October 28, 2023

Rosenthal CR-HOGIRE Noblesse Oblige Full Package Version

As an Armored Core fan, I'm delighted to see that Kotobukiya is reissuing their plastic kits. Recently, they announced BFF 063AN Ambient, which is still available for pre-order and set to be released in June next year. Make sure to grab it before it's gone!

The latest entry in their reissue lineup is the Rosenthal CR-HOGIRE Noblesse Oblige Full Package Version, which will be released much earlier in March next year. It's worth noting that there were two different releases back then - the Rosenthal CR-HOGIRE Gun-Metal ver. (Limited) and the Rosenthal CR-HOGIRE Noblesse Oblige. The full package will bundle all the weapon equipment set and retail for 9,800 YEN.

In my opinion, this is a smart move by Kotobukiya, and the price for an MG-size kit is reasonable. However, I'm hesitant to get one since I've already ordered too much for next year!

All Japan Model & Hobby Show 2023 Sept 2023

The All Japan Model & Hobby Show 2023 has kicked off today! So many plastic models and action toys are announced at the event. The only thing I am happy about is the announcement of the Super Robot Wars Huckebien MKIII from Bandai and the stupid PB AM Gunner.

Kotobukiya showcases a lot of new products, especially Hexa Gear and their newly announced series, Megalomaria Unlimited Universe. Nacchin series is doing rather well and announced a collaboration with Armored Trooper Votoms themes.

• Kotobukiya event product page
• Tag Hobby
• Dengeki Hobby - Koto 1
• Dengeki Hobby - Koto 2

Busou Shinki:

• TYPE DEVIL STRARF REPAINT COLOR VERSION

Frame Arms Girl:

• FRAME ARMS GIRL GOURAI with FGM148 TYPE ANTI-TANK MISSILE
• FRAME ARMS GIRL KONGO Destroyer Ver.

Hexa Gear:

• Zenith Reveal
• Nadir Rebirth
• BULKARM "LUX APE"
• RAYBLADE IMPULSE [Reloadead]COLLECTORS EDITION
• RAYBLADE IMPULSE [Reloadead]
• GOVERNOR VIRGINIA EARTHCLINE
• GOVERNOR ARMOR TYPE: PAWN A1 CUSTOM
• GOVERNOR ARMOR TYPE: PAWN A1 Ver.2.0
• GOVERNOR PARA-PAWN SENTINEL Ver.2.0

Megalomaria Unlimited Universe:

• METAMORPHOSE UNIT EX ARMOR WHITE NURSE
• Ruby Eye
• Mephisto
• Novice
• Seeker
• Ghillie Dhu
• Nights Superior

MEGAMI DEVICE:

• BUSTER DOLL KNIGHT

M.S.G Weapons:

• Heavy Weapon Unit 38 Holonic Arms
• Heavy Weapon Unit Gunblade Lance 2
• Heavy Weapon Unit Mega Slash Edge 2

MUV-LUV ALTERNATIVE:

• GEKISHIN

Nacchin Series:

• JGSDF Type 07-III Tank Nacchin [SCOPEDOG Ver.]
• JGSDF Type 07-III Tank Nacchin [EX Ver.]
• Nacchin Append Parts Set

ZOIDS (HMM Model):

• RZ-002 GUYSACK
• RZ-045 SALAMANDER
• RBOZ-003 GOJULAS MARKING PLUS Ver.

Armored Core VI Heading to The Robot Spirits

 

Wow, this is unexpected! I never thought Bandai would license Armored Core VI to create action figures. The first release by Kotobukiya, the Decoction Models RAYLEONARD 03-AALIYAH SUPPLICE action figure, is already available for purchase at a hefty price of 52,800 YEN. It's definitely not affordable for everyone due to its high price tag. I believe many fans of AC are looking for an affordable option, but Bandai's market price is not significantly different. However, it is still good to see AC getting some action figure treatment.

If you're curious about whether or not Kotobukiya will still be producing Armored Core VI model kits, rest assured that they announced in May 2023 that they will indeed be continuing to make them. Kotobukiya has a rich history of creating Armored Core model kits, with their Variable Infinity line dating back to around 2005, close to the release of Armored Core Nexus. Keep an eye out for the prototype on the next Hobby Show's official website.

Armored Core Reissue - ALGEBRA SOLUH BARBAROI

Great news for Armored Core fans! Kotobukiya has announced that Algebra Soluh Barbaroi will be reissued next year in April, making it the fourth announcement of its kind. It's frustrating to only see one reissue of AC model kits per month while Kotobukiya prioritizes reissuing Hexa Gear model kits. The Ghost in the Shell SAC Tachikoma and Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo's reissue of Evangelion 13 will be released in the same month.

Hexa Gear Made Clear! Oh No Sana is Exlcusive!

Oh no! This adorable Sana figurine will be an exclusive release priced at 2,200 YEN (with tax) and scheduled to launch in March next year. Some overseas fans of Hexa Gear might be upset that Kotobukiya isn't producing and selling it as a limited retail release instead. It's important they need to remember that Hexa Gear has been successful not just in Japan, but also in international markets.

Hopefully, Sana pre-order may appear in the Kotobukiya store.

Hexa Gear - 6th Anniversary Meet Up Fan Work

Check out the fans large collection Hexa Gear model works photo and display at Kotobukiya event!

Hexa Gear - 6th Anniversary Official Meet Up Latest Product Update

Kotobukiya hosted an online Hexa Gear stream. I'm excited about the new products, especially the EX unit introduction and joint products. They should release different sizes for compatibility with other mecha designs, like Gunpla.

Fan-Made: Super Robot War - Armored Core

Take a look at this impressive fan-made Armored Core animation video done in the style of Super Robot Wars.

I hope you didn't miss the chance to pre-order the reissued AC model kits in Japan! Additionally, Armored Core 6 is releasing soon, so make sure to place your order on Amazon for PS4, PS5, and Xbox.

Frame Arms Fan Novel - 還流 - Gyre -（小説）

Image by すず

Slow news lately and decided to post some fans stuff.

*Google Translate

The story of Wilbur and Leroy during the Obon festival, with a little horror flavour.  In chronological order, it is after the war, after the battle story of Jagdfalx. I finally finished the one I started writing last year. As always, we only have official information for a few battle stories, so please understand that the character backgrounds are full of original settings. 

Visit illust/110902327 official page if you are interested. Congratulations on the release of AC6.

* Gyre = The circulation of the atmosphere and ocean currents throughout the earth. that flow.

The Reason Hexa Gear Blockbase Hard to Get...

Image Source: https://twitter.com/__KV2

New Product: Jubei or Jackal?

Kunio Okawara's latest mechanical design for the Frame Arms series is Jubei. However, I have doubts that Jubei will have many buyers when it is released in December. I am not fond of the price tag of 6,800 YEN. It seems to be 28-29% pricier than Kenshin, despite the fact that the package includes only a few playable accessories. The swappable expression faces part of the third design may seem unusual, but it's an intriguing approach. It gives off a Super Robot Wars vibe, reminiscent of DyGenGuar. If I had to choose which pre-order to prioritize, my top pick would be the Hexa Gear Bulkarmλ Jackal.

I think that the Bulkarmλ Jackal is going to be a popular choice among buyers, thanks to the strong support it has from the HG community. The kit's final colour is highly detailed and offers a lot of versatility in terms of playability. When Kotobukiya unveiled the next Bulkarm prototype at an exhibition, it received positive feedback for its design. However, the Frame Arms series (not the Girl series) has been on the decline and hasn't shown much improvement in its frame. It's hard to predict where the series is headed in the future.