Assorted NJPW figures

In today's blog, we'll be looking at a handful of Pro-Wrestling figures
that were officially licensed by New Japan Pro-Wrestling:

Pro-Kaku Heroes R - Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Shinsuke Nakamura
In 2012, Character Product would resurrect their Pro-Kaku Heroes
Mini Big Heads line for a special, two-figure set.

The Type 2, two figure set depicts two of New Japan's top stars Hiroshi

Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura.

                                 

The top of the packaging includes a "40th Anniversary" logo, celebrating
New Japan Pro-Wrestling's inception back in 1972.

The back of the packaging reads:

"Pro-Kaku Heroes R Mini Big Head Figure
Hiroshi Tanahashi - New Japan Pro-Wrestling - Shinsuke Nakamura"

The added "R" in Pro-Kaku Heroes stands for "Realism". Here's the
official product description for the set:

"That Pro-rated Heroes is coming back !?
A total of 9 series of cumulative series. A cumulative total of 1,500,
000 pieces or more pro wrestling · fighting sports trading miniature
figure series pro series Heroes new series appeared.

Representative's skill and name line by effect. Please enjoy together
with realistic face molding. We are looking forward to the new line
-up in 2012!"

Hiroshi Tanahashi is sculpted in a shouting pose complete with mic

and a comic book style representation of his signature catchphrase"愛
してい ます!" - Aishiteimasu - which translates to "I love you!")

Shinsuke Nakamura is also sculpted in his "Bomaye" finisher
along with an animated hit effect of his own!

Tanahashi also comes with a tiny IWGP Championship belt slung
over his left shoulder as a decoration.
                            

Like other Mini Big Heads, both figures feature removable heads.
Tanahashi's shout effect is also removable from Tanahashi's ring
base.

Neither figure can be removed from their respective bases.

The Hiroshi Tanahashi 2012 and 2004 Vol. 1. Mini Big Head.
                             

The Nakamura 2012 and 2004 Vol. 1. Mini Big Heads showcases

a drastic change in Nakamura's image as well as the improvement
in quality of facial detail.

In true Character Product fashion, New Japan Pro-Wrestling would also
release a limited edition pre-release "Type 1" version with alternate
colouring.

The Type 1 version was only available as a gift to customers who
pre-ordered advanced tickets to New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom VI
event and is limited to 500 pieces worldwide.

Hirooki Goto Figure Strap

Our coverage of Character Product and New Japan Pro-Wrestling figure
straps continues with another current New Japan star, the Fierce Warrior
of Chaos: Hirooki Goto!

                   

Released in 2009, this would be Hirooki Goto's first ever (and only)
figure to date.

                           

The back of the packaging contains the standard material information
along with Hirooki Goto's name in Japanese along with "New Japan
Pro-Wrestling LTD." at the bottom.

The Hirooki Goto figure (with strap removed) stands roughly 1 inch
in height.

When compared to the scale of Character Product's Kaz Hayashi
(Vol. 1./1.5.) Mini Big Head.

Unlike Character Product's figure straps, the New Japan versions are
not repaints of pre-existing Pro-Kaku Heroes, but entirely brand new
figures in their own rights.

Other NJPW figure straps include:Masahiro Chono,
Super Strong Machine,
Yuji Nagata,
Hiroshi Tanahashi,
Togi Makabe,
Tiger Mask IV
& Jushin Thunder Liger.



Not for sale Pro-Kaku Heroes Kazuchika Okada Mini Big Head.


Dubbed the "rarest figure of 2013", the Pro-Kaku Heroes line would
release an exclusive Mini Big Head:

The Rainmaker himself: Kazuchika Okada - finally makes his Mini Big
Head debut!

Okada is posed in his signature "Rainmaker" taunt and comes on a

unusual black coloured Mini Big Head style display base.

The Kazuchika Okada Pro-Kaku Heroes figure was only available when
ordering New Japan's "King of Pro-Wrestling" (also known as "King
Box") trading card hobby box.

As a mystery gift, the Okada figure came in a white box which reads:

"Pro-Kaku Heroes
Hiroshi Tanahashi * Kazuchika Okada (in this case, Okada's name
is circled)
Not for sale (in Japanese)
NOT FOR SALE
(C) 2013 NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING CO. LTD."

Scale-wise, the Okada Pro-Kaku figure is slightly taller and bulkier
than Character Product's original Mini Big Head series. The choice
of skin tone for the Okada figure is also noticeably different.