How to recognize an authentic Banpresto figure? A complete guide
If you collect anime figurines, you've definitely come across Banpresto . From Dragon Ball to One Piece to Demon Slayer , the brand has become a must-have. But its global success has a downside: counterfeits are rife. And believe me, I've seen more than a few of them while buying figurines of my favorite anime.
The first time I was ever scammed? A “super deal” on eBay: a Goku sold for €15. The result: the paint was so smeared that he looked more like Yamcha than a Super Saiyan… Since then, I only trust direct Japanese channels and my local contacts. Here is a practical guide, based on our daily experience as an importer, to help you distinguish an authentic Banpresto from a dubious copy.
Why are Banpresto products copied so much?
In Japan, you only need to walk past a UFO catcher to understand: Banpresto floods arcades with exclusive figurines every month. These “prize figures” are inexpensive but surprisingly well-made. The result: a perfect target for counterfeiters.
- 🌍 Their global popularity : Dragon Ball, One Piece or Demon Slayer are universal.
- 💰 Price differences : an original €25-40, a copy €10-15.
- ⚠️ Demand in Europe : many fans don't have access to direct imports and get trapped.
The signs that don't lie: the collector's eye
1. The box (your first magnifying glass)
At Japan Sama, this is the first check we make. An official Banpresto box always features:
- The Banpresto / Bandai Spirits logo.
- An official sticker (gold, silver, holographic depending on the license).
- Mentions in Japanese – proof of a genuine import.
A copy? Blurry box, dull colors, no sticker, sometimes even a spelling mistake...
2. Painting (where everything happens)
A real Banpresto is clean painting, worked gradations, expressive eyes. A fake? Overflows, rough flat tints, a blank stare. I once received a fake Tanjiro whose green/black haori looked like a Monopoly checkerboard...
3. Weight and material
A real Banpresto made of dense PVC feels good in the hand. Copies, on the other hand, sound hollow, almost light. It's a detail you can't see in the photo, but you can feel it immediately.
4. The base (often neglected in copies)
Every Banpresto figure comes with a suitable, stable base. Counterfeiters, on the other hand, sometimes send wobbly bases, or none at all – resulting in the figure falling over at the slightest vibration.
5. Visual comparison (the ultimate weapon)
Before purchasing, compare with the official visuals on MyFigureCollection . A different color, a misplaced hand, a base that's too wide? You're looking at a copy.
Comparison table: authentic vs. counterfeit
| Criteria | Authentic Banpresto | Counterfeiting |
|---|---|---|
| Box | Clean logo, official sticker, Japanese texts | No sticker, blurry printing, errors |
| Paint | Precise details, vivid colors | Overflows, dull colors |
| Weight | Dense PVC, solid figure | Lightweight, fragile plastic |
| Base | Present, stable | Often absent or unstable |
Concrete example: real vs fake Banpresto figurine (Inosuke Hashibira)
To show you how obvious the difference is, here's a real-life example. The Inosuke Hashibira (Demon Slayer) figure below was found on Vinted and sold as an original Banpresto. In comparison, on the right, you see a genuine Banpresto Kizuna no Sou Vol.9 imported directly from Japan and controlled by Japan Sama .
❌ Fake figurine (Vinted) - Seller with over 250 sales!
✅ Authentic Banpresto figure
👉 On the fake: the paint is rough, the facial proportions are approximate, and the packaging lacks finesse and many elements. 👉 On the authentic: precise details, faithful colors, Bandai Spirits logo present, clear printing on the box.
What we do at Japan Sama
First and foremost, we carefully select our Japanese partners and work with them in complete confidence. In addition, each shipment is manually checked when opening the packages: seal verification, sticker verification, detail inspection, comparison with official references. We even have a scale to verify the exact weight of the figures during checks. It is thanks to this process that we guarantee 100% that all our Banpresto are authentic, directly imported from Japan.
FAQ – Banpresto Figures
How to know if a Banpresto is fake?
Box without stickers, smeared paint, figure too light. If in doubt, compare with the official visuals.
Do Banpresto figures still have a base?
Yes, with rare exceptions. If you are sold a figurine without a base, run away.
Why are some Banprestos more expensive than others?
Some limited editions (Ichiban Kuji, anniversary editions) are only produced in small quantities. Their rarity explains their price.
Conclusion
Counterfeits exist, and they will continue to flood the market. But with a collector's eye—box, paint, weight, base—you'll know how to avoid them. And if you prefer to sleep easy, trust specialized importers like Japan Sama : all our Banpresto items are individually checked and guaranteed 100% official.
👉 Discover our new Banpresto products now – direct import from Japan, limited stock.