Character Product Akira Maeda Bronze Type figure review

The largest source of Japanese Pro-Wrestling figures and collectibles continues
to expand with blog #84 which goes for a stiff, high kick against Character
Product's limited edition "Bronze Type" figure.


Let's take a look!

Character Product had first created the Bronze Type series in 1997 under New
Japan Pro-Wrestling's "Toukon Shop" label. The Bronze Type figures were
standard Wrestler molds painted entirely black to give the impression of a
classic, bronze statue.

The Bronze Type figures were made as a side series for New Japan/Toukon
Shop's "Super Star Figure Collection". Wrestlers who were given the Bronze
treatment included Keiji Mutoh, Antonio Inoki, Jushin Thunder Liger and
Masahiro Chono (among others).

As Character Product became it's own company in 1999, a handful of Bronze
Type figures were also produced alongside Charapro's early licenses.

One of Character Product's earliest Bronze Type figures (and first action figure
of the legend in general) is of famous shoot fighter Akira Maeda.

As a limited edition variant of Akira's first-ever action figure, a special, gold
-foil sticker is also included on the packaging which reads "発売記念ブロン
ズタイプ限定1000体" (memorial release bronze type limited to 1000 pieces).

The inscription is most likely a reference to Maeda's retirement from active

competition the same year.

As an officially licensed product, Akira Maeda's Fighting Network RINGS
promotion logo is included as a sticker inside the blister.

The back of the packaging contains Character Product's original logo (Charapro)
along with an individually numbered sticker attached to the top left portion of
the packaging.

This particular figure is numbered #318 out of the 1000 total bronze pieces that
were made.

Once removed from the packaging.

The "bronze" look is simply a coat of black painted over the figure. These figures tend to be less desirable to collectors inside and outside of Japan.

The markings on the back read "(C) RINGS CHINA" - since this figure was licensed by Akira's RINGS promotion.