Welcome to the largest source of Japanese Pro-Wrestling collectibles information
anywhere on the web.
In this blog, you will find hundreds of photos, collections, purchase links and even
the history behind the items themselves. From Puroresu's earnest beginnings to the
global phenomenon that it is today, it's all here.
Whether you're a long time collector looking to discover new rarities, a casual fan
looking to brush up on their fandom, or someone just discovering Puroresu, you've
come to the right place!
For blog #135, we'll be taking a look at figures from Bandai's Full Color Gashapon
figure line.
Released in the mid 1990's as part of Bandai's "Full Color" series, the New Japan
Keychain lineup features 10 of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's biggest stars of the
era.
The above picture is an original advertisement for the line along with a photo
anywhere on the web.
In this blog, you will find hundreds of photos, collections, purchase links and even
the history behind the items themselves. From Puroresu's earnest beginnings to the
global phenomenon that it is today, it's all here.
Whether you're a long time collector looking to discover new rarities, a casual fan
looking to brush up on their fandom, or someone just discovering Puroresu, you've
come to the right place!
For blog #135, we'll be taking a look at figures from Bandai's Full Color Gashapon
figure line.
Released in the mid 1990's as part of Bandai's "Full Color" series, the New Japan
Keychain lineup features 10 of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's biggest stars of the
era.
The above picture is an original advertisement for the line along with a photo
example of the gashapon gumball machine (bottom right corner) that the figures
were originally sold in.
The sign above the machine itself reads that the figures are referred to as "soft
vinyl key holders", there are ten figures to collect, each capsule contains one
figure and that each capsule cost 200 yen (about $6 in today's money).
(Clockwise from top) Keiji Mutoh, Jushin Thunder Liger, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Masahiro
Chono. (Bottom row, left to right) Shinya Hashimoto, El Samurai, The Great Muta,
Riki Choshu, Shiro Koshinaka and Kensuke Sasaki.
were originally sold in.
The sign above the machine itself reads that the figures are referred to as "soft
vinyl key holders", there are ten figures to collect, each capsule contains one
figure and that each capsule cost 200 yen (about $6 in today's money).
(Clockwise from top) Keiji Mutoh, Jushin Thunder Liger, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Masahiro
Chono. (Bottom row, left to right) Shinya Hashimoto, El Samurai, The Great Muta,
Riki Choshu, Shiro Koshinaka and Kensuke Sasaki.
The first figure is The Great Muta looking devious in his classic red and black
facepaint with green lips.
facepaint with green lips.
Next up is Jushin Thunder Liger; taking advantage of Bandai's "Full Color"
treatment.
Also keep an eye out for alternate colour variants of the NJPW keychain
figures; such as the obscure blue variant Jushin Thunder Liger figure!
One of the earliest figure examples of Masahiro Chono's controversial heel turn.
There aren't too many figures that feature Chono with a smirk and blinking eye!
Fellow team wolf and NWO Japan team mate, Hiroyoshi Tenzan with
signature bullhorn entrance helmet!
I believe this keychain is Tenzan's very first figure as well!
The "King of Destruction" Shinya Hashimoto with first raised and
iconic hatchimaki headband.
El Samurai's first figure uses a similar body sculpt to The Great Muta's.
portions sticking out easily.
The last figure we'll be looking at from the line today is Kensuke Sasaki.
As one of Kensuke's earliest figures, this design is based on Kensuke's
early 1990's break out success as a singles Wrestler away from his
involvement as a member of the Hellraisers tag team.
The back of the Kensuke keychain includes a small sticker with the letter B.
The "B." represents "Bandai".
Bandai would take full advantage of these keychain molds by also releasing
a ring and motorized figure box set called the "Toukon Battle Royal" playset
around the same time.
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