How to Display Your Anime Figures

Key Takeaways

• Consider the mood or statement you’re making with the anime figures you’re displaying
• Display according to theme, favorite character, or archetype
• Explore creative ways to make a scene, especially with any built model kits!

There has never been a better time to play with toys again. With sagas with rich, complicated themes and a diversity of characters, anime puts to bed that tired old argument, “Cartoons are for kids.” Even more, the range of highly detailed anime figures is proof that adulthood simply means being a kid on your terms.

Whether it’s about nostalgia, reclaiming your childhood, making a statement, or simply joining a favorite fandom by displaying figures from your favorite series, go ahead and let your anime figure displays inspire how to glow up your space.

Plaza Japan has been in the business of shipping the best of Japan since 2004, which means we know how to power up your fun. Read more on how to display figures from your favorite anime, video games, historic scenes, and more!

Displaying Anime Figures Makes a Statement

Not only is there plenty to say about the world of anime, and as more and more pro athletes and actors attest as well, there is plenty to say through it! That means that before you consider how to display your anime figures, consider what message or vibe you want to convey when you’re displaying those figures with pride.

Even the most miniature scale figures can end up saying a lot, from profound to playful. Sporting merchandise from Blue Lock suggests a passion for soccer, something from Mashle shows your magically silly side. At the same time, One Piece’s instant, worldwide recognizability makes it an exciting way to build community.

In short, knowing why any particular character or anime matters to you can inspire the rest of your display!

How to Display Your Toy Collection

Decorating your space with quality toys is a bold statement that shows you’re serious about your fun. Now that you’ve set the tone with the figures you’re displaying, it’s time to consider how to display that toy collection. Here are some themes and ideas to go as all out as your inner child desires:

Keep it Classic

If there’s a series or fandom you already adore, make it a full-on celebration of the figures you’re displaying! For those favorites that now span generations, such as Studio Ghibli, Sailor Moon, and the cast of characters from Sanrio, there is no shortage of ways to show that you’re part of a very big movement.

In such cases, displaying figures can go well beyond one figurine or plush toy, which means you could create a meaningful theme based on a classic that’s always meant the world to you. In other words, why just have a sole figurine on your desk when you can have matching stationery to go along with it? Take inspiration from Disney fans and find ways to make your anime figure a centerpiece, guiding your home decor choices to accessorize your space with the theme fully.

For even more variety, especially if your favorite is a classic that has been around for a while, like Mario or Dragon Ball, consider a display that tells the story of that character through time, from retro to reimagined. Consider an aesthetic centered around Pikachu with a bit of Mimikyu thrown in, a room of over 9000 Vegeta, or your love for Luigi enshrined on his own bookshelf when you create a terrific scene from plush to prismatic nanoblock.

Build Around a Character or Character Type

If you already have one favorite character and you’re more interested in how to display a toy collection based on “the one,” look no further! There can be something very powerful about showing how much you relate to a particular character.

Take, for example, the wild world of Pokemon, because through its variety of trainers and even more Pokemon, there is truly something for everyone! Displaying Pokemon figures built on your favorite Pokemon can take the form of, well, the form itself, their poses, their evolution stages, and in any number of styles. This is also why people love collecting Pokemon based on “type,” such as ghost types or “starter Pokemon.”

Relatedly, consider favorite archetypes like the shy, bookish ones, the goofy but brave accidental heroes, or the complex villains. This is your chance to make that personality shine by building a collection around it on a shelf, desk, or other niche!

Make a Scene

If you are looking for ways to display figures more creatively, make your collection tell a story! This is a favorite method of choice for people who love collecting and displaying plastic figures, including die-cast cars and anime action figures.

If you plan to customize your action figures, we recommend putting your favorite scene together using scale figures to keep it as proportionally accurate or zany as you’d like! Whether it’s an epic battle between Anya Forger and Hatsune Miku, or a cozy tea time with Evangelion mechs, let your imagination go all out into 3D reality.

How to Display Figures You Built

When it comes to displaying figures that you've spent time, effort, and likely specific tools to build and decorate, you want to showcase the good looks that result from hard work. Certainly, one solid method to prevent dust and other damaging particles is to keep your models in protective cases and display boxes.

Suppose you’re looking for more ways to display a toy collection in action. In that case, this is yet another great way to create a scene, especially if your building hobby includes model trains or historic military recreations. There is also a fun trend among those who build highly poseable Gundam figurines into stop motion animation.

Just Remember: Displaying Your Favorite Figures Is About Having Fun!

Ultimately, if displaying figures brings you joy, then that means you’re doing it right! After all, this is what childhood dreams are made of: finding your happiness and pursuing it. So go all out! Try that particular Japanese dish from the anime, and add themed kitchenware to accompany it, or try out that new sport and tidy up with themed personal care goods. However you do it, make your space one you look forward to being isekaied into at the end of the day, with the help of Plaza Japan!

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