How to Buy Ichiban Kuji Prizes from Japan

Published June 22, 2026, 20:32 JST

Anime FiguresCollector GuideIchiban Kuji

By Usui Sakura

How to buy Ichiban Kuji prizes from Japan anime figure guide

How to Buy Ichiban Kuji Prizes from Japan

Ichiban Kuji is one of the most exciting ways anime fans in Japan collect figures and character goods. Instead of buying a normal figure release, customers buy a lottery ticket for a specific series. Every ticket wins a prize, but the prize can range from small goods to major figure rewards, special versions, or the famous Last One prize.

For collectors outside Japan, the important point is this: HobbyTiger does not sell random Ichiban Kuji lottery tickets. Our customers are abroad, so they usually cannot visit a Japanese shop, pull a ticket, and wait to see which prize they get.

Instead, HobbyTiger helps you buy the confirmed Ichiban Kuji prize you actually want. You browse the item as a normal product, check the title, condition, release timing, and price, then order that specific figure or prize.

At HobbyTiger, you can browse Ichiban Kuji items that are already listed as products, including figures from Dragon Ball, ONE PIECE, NARUTO, My Hero Academia, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and more. You are not buying a chance at a prize. You are buying the listed prize itself.

Start here: Ichiban Kuji, MASTERLISE, Prize Figures, and BANDAI SPIRITS.

What Is Ichiban Kuji?

Ichiban Kuji is a Japanese character lottery by BANDAI SPIRITS. Each lottery is usually built around a specific anime, manga, game, or franchise. The prize lineup is divided into ranks such as A Prize, B Prize, C Prize, and smaller prize tiers.

The top prizes are often figures, while the lower prizes can include towels, acrylic stands, clear files, charms, cups, art boards, or other goods. Some lotteries also include a Last One Prize, which is awarded when the final ticket in that lottery set is purchased.

This is why Ichiban Kuji collecting feels different from normal figure shopping. In Japan, the fun is the lottery. For international collectors, the practical goal is usually different: finding the specific figure or prize after it has been released, or securing a pre-order from an import catalogue.

How Overseas Customers Buy Ichiban Kuji Prizes

If you live outside Japan, the easiest way is to buy the specific prize you want from a Japanese import catalogue. You are not entering the lottery through HobbyTiger. You are choosing a confirmed product.

Here is the simple process:

1. Choose the franchise you collect. 2. Search for the character or Ichiban Kuji series. 3. Check the prize line, product title, condition, and release timing. 4. Confirm whether the item is in stock or on pre-order. 5. Add the confirmed prize to your cart.

For example, if you collect Dragon Ball, you can choose a specific figure like Dragon Ball EX Showdown! Red Ribbon Army Son Goku MASTERLISE or Dragon Ball EX Showdown! Red Ribbon Army General Blue MASTERLISE.

If you collect ONE PIECE, you can look for character-focused releases such as ONE PIECE Red-Haired Pirates Shanks MASTERLISE EXPIECE or ONE PIECE Red-Haired Pirates Benn Beckman MASTERLISE EXPIECE.

Step 1: Pick the Franchise First

Ichiban Kuji is very franchise-driven. Most collectors start with the series they love, then narrow down by character, prize rank, or figure line.

Popular Ichiban Kuji collecting paths include:

Starting by franchise makes it easier to build a shelf that feels intentional instead of random.

Step 2: Understand Prize Ranks

Ichiban Kuji prizes are usually organized by letters. The highest ranks are often the most wanted, especially when they are figure prizes. A Prize, B Prize, and C Prize figures often become the main collectibles from a lottery set.

The Last One Prize is different. It is tied to the final ticket in the lottery set, so collectors often treat it as a special version. Sometimes the Last One prize is a color variation, expression change, bonus version, or exclusive finish.

When buying from an import store, always read the full product title. The title usually tells you the lottery name, franchise, character, and figure line. For example, NARUTO Shippuden Kazekage Rescue Arc Sasori MASTERLISE clearly shows the lottery series, arc, character, and MASTERLISE line.

Step 3: Check the Figure Line

Not all Ichiban Kuji figures are the same style. One of the most popular figure lines is MASTERLISE, known for strong character presence and display-friendly sculpting.

Examples from the HobbyTiger catalogue include:

If you want more context on the line, read our guide: What Is MASTERLISE?

Step 4: Check Condition and Release Timing

When buying Ichiban Kuji from Japan, always check whether the product is:

  • Brand New
  • Pre-order
  • Available now
  • From a recent lottery
  • From an older or harder-to-find release

Pre-order products are useful when you want to secure a figure before the Japanese release becomes harder to find. In-stock products are better when you want the item sooner.

You can browse current and upcoming items in Pre-orders or explore available prize figures in Prize Figures.

Step 5: Compare Price, Character, and Display Value

The best Ichiban Kuji purchase is not always the rarest one. It is the one that fits your collection.

Before buying, ask:

  • Is this character important to my collection?
  • Does the figure match the shelf I am building?
  • Is it part of a franchise I will keep collecting?
  • Is this a main prize, Last One prize, MASTERLISE release, or special figure line?
  • Do I want one centerpiece or several figures from the same series?

A Dragon Ball collector may prefer building around Son Goku. A ONE PIECE fan may want the Red-Haired Pirates with Shanks and Benn Beckman. A My Hero Academia collector might choose Izuku Midoriya or Armored All Might.

Why Buy Ichiban Kuji from HobbyTiger?

HobbyTiger is built for collectors who want Japanese hobby goods without needing to navigate Japanese lottery counters, local shop stock, or random ticket pulls.

You can:

  • Browse by franchise
  • Choose the confirmed Ichiban Kuji prize you want
  • Compare figures across series
  • Find MASTERLISE and BANDAI SPIRITS releases
  • Mix Ichiban Kuji figures with other Japanese imports in the same order

For collectors outside Japan, this is usually the most practical way to buy Ichiban Kuji from Japan: pick the prize, check the listing, and order the item directly. There is no random draw at checkout.

Best Ichiban Kuji Figures to Start With

If you are new to Ichiban Kuji, start with a recognizable character from a franchise you already love.

Good beginner-friendly picks include:

You can also browse the full Ichiban Kuji selection to compare what is available now.

Final Advice

Buying Ichiban Kuji in Japan is exciting because of the lottery. Buying Ichiban Kuji from outside Japan is different: you usually buy a confirmed prize after it has been released or listed for import.

That is better for collectors who want a focused anime shelf. Instead of paying for a random result, you can choose the exact character, franchise, and figure line that fits your collection.

Start with your favorite franchise, check the prize line, look for MASTERLISE or other figure names in the product title, and choose the piece that actually belongs on your shelf.

FAQ

Can I buy random Ichiban Kuji tickets from HobbyTiger?

No. HobbyTiger does not sell random Ichiban Kuji lottery tickets. We list confirmed Ichiban Kuji prizes and figures as products, so overseas customers can buy the exact item they want depending on availability.

Can I buy Ichiban Kuji prizes without being in Japan?

Yes. You can buy specific Ichiban Kuji prizes from import stores like HobbyTiger, depending on availability. This is the easiest way to get the exact figure or item you want when you are outside Japan.

Is Ichiban Kuji official?

Yes. Ichiban Kuji is an official Japanese character lottery by BANDAI SPIRITS. HobbyTiger listings include official imported products from Japanese franchises and manufacturers.

What does Last One Prize mean?

The Last One Prize is a special prize connected to the final ticket in an Ichiban Kuji lottery set. Collectors often like Last One prizes because they can be special versions or harder to find.

Is MASTERLISE part of Ichiban Kuji?

Many MASTERLISE figures are released through Ichiban Kuji by BANDAI SPIRITS. MASTERLISE is popular because it gives collectors strong character presence and good display value.

What is the best Ichiban Kuji figure to buy first?

Choose a character from your favorite franchise. Dragon Ball, ONE PIECE, NARUTO, My Hero Academia, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure are all strong starting points because they have recognizable characters and display-friendly figure releases.