Wonder Festival 2025 winte: Limited Figures, Garage Kits & Event Review

Introduction – What is Wonder Festival?

Wonder Festival, commonly known as “WonFes,” is one of the largest figure and garage kit events in the world. It is held twice a year, in winter and summer, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The event is organized by Kaiyodo, a well-known company in the figure and model kit industry.

WonFes is a paradise for figure enthusiasts, showcasing a wide variety of scale figures, garage kits, and limited-edition collectibles. It serves as a platform where professional manufacturers and independent creators (also known as “garage kit circles”) unveil and sell their latest works.

What is a Garage Kit?

A garage kit is a type of resin model kit that requires assembly and painting. Unlike mass-produced plastic figures, these kits are often made in small batches and feature detailed sculpting and unique designs. Many garage kits are produced by independent artists and small studios, offering a level of craftsmanship and originality that cannot be found in commercially available figures.

What is “One-Day License” (Tōjitsu Hankenshō)?

One of the unique aspects of WonFes is the “one-day license” (当日版権, Tōjitsu Hankenshō) system. This special licensing arrangement allows independent creators to sell figures and garage kits based on copyrighted characters for one day only—specifically, during the event. Normally, producing and selling figures of existing anime, manga, or game characters without permission would be a copyright violation. However, WonFes provides a framework where companies grant temporary, single-day licenses, enabling fans and artists to legally create and sell character-based works.

This system has fostered a rich creative culture within the event, allowing sculptors and modelers to showcase their talents while also giving fans access to rare, high-quality pieces that are unavailable elsewhere.

With all this in mind, let’s dive into my experience at Wonder Festival!

2. Atmosphere & Booth Highlights at Wonder Festival

This year’s Wonder Festival was an electrifying event filled with creativity, excitement, and a vibrant crowd of figure enthusiasts. As soon as I stepped into Makuhari Messe, I was met with a bustling atmosphere—the air buzzing with anticipation as collectors, hobbyists, and industry professionals gathered to explore the latest in the figure and garage kit world.

This Year’s Theme & Key Highlights

Each WonFes has its own unique trends, and this year was no exception. One of the major highlights was [mention any specific theme if applicable, e.g., “retro anime resurgence,” “large-scale dioramas,” or “cutting-edge 3D printing technology”]. Several major figure manufacturers and production companies also unveiled highly anticipated prototypes and limited-edition figures, drawing huge crowds to their booths.

Another standout trend was the rise of indie creators and original character garage kits, showcasing the ever-evolving creativity of the community. Whether it was elaborately detailed mechas, expressive anime heroines, or hyper-realistic creatures, there was no shortage of artistic ingenuity on display.

Corporate Booths – Leading Exhibitors

One of the unique aspects of WonFes is the coexistence of corporate booths and independent dealer booths, each offering a distinct experience.

• Kaiyodo (海洋堂)
  As the organizer of Wonder Festival, Kaiyodo had one of the most prominent booths at the event. The company showcased its latest Revoltech series, high-quality resin models, and upcoming collaborations. Fans gathered to see the intricate detailing and dynamic articulation of Kaiyodo’s latest works, reinforcing its status as a leader in figure craftsmanship.
• Tatsunoko Production (株式会社タツノコプロ)
  Tatsunoko Production, a legendary animation studio known for classics like Gatchaman, Time Bokan, and Yatterman, had a special booth at this year’s WonFes. The booth featured figures and memorabilia celebrating the studio’s iconic characters, as well as announcements of upcoming collaborations and new merchandise. Nostalgic fans and collectors were drawn to the high-quality collectibles and reimagined figures based on Tatsunoko’s legendary works.
• Aniplex (アニプレックス)
  Aniplex, a major player in the anime industry, had one of the most popular booths at the event. The company displayed new figure releases from hit anime series such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Grand Order, and Lycoris Recoil. Fans lined up to see exclusive prototypes, limited-edition figures, and breathtaking dioramas, making this booth a must-visit for anime lovers.
• AmiAmi Hobby Camp (あみあみホビーキャンプ)
  AmiAmi, one of Japan’s largest online hobby stores, hosted the AmiAmi Hobby Camp booth, featuring a wide range of figures from various manufacturers. This booth served as a comprehensive showcase for the latest releases in the figure industry, offering attendees a sneak peek at upcoming collectibles across multiple brands. The display included both pre-painted scale figures and model kits, making it a paradise for collectors searching for their next must-have item.

Independent Dealer Booths – The Heart of Creativity

On the other side of the event, the independent dealer area had a much more hands-on, DIY feel. Here, garage kit artists and small creative circles showcased their handcrafted, limited-run model kits. Many of these were one-of-a-kind pieces that could not be found anywhere else.

The “one-day license” (Tōjitsu Hankenshō) system played a big role here, allowing fans to purchase fan-made figures based on popular anime, manga, and game characters—a rare opportunity exclusive to WonFes. Many visitors explored this section to find unique garage kits that expressed the individuality and artistic skill of their creators.

Crowd & Atmosphere

As expected, WonFes attracted a massive turnout. The venue was packed with a mix of hardcore collectors, casual fans, industry insiders, and cosplayers, all eager to explore the latest figure trends. The corporate booths were especially crowded, with long lines forming for exclusive merchandise. Meanwhile, the independent dealer area had a more relaxed, exploratory feel, though some popular garage kit creators also had long queues as fans rushed to grab limited-edition kits before they sold out.

Despite the huge crowd, the overall atmosphere remained friendly and enthusiastic, with attendees eagerly discussing their favorite figures, taking photos, and sharing their love for the craft. The event also had a notable international presence, with visitors from overseas coming to experience Japan’s premier figure festival.

With such an incredible lineup of figures and creators, WonFes once again proved why it remains the ultimate event for figure enthusiasts.

The Appeal of Independent Dealer Booths

One of the most exciting aspects of Wonder Festival is the independent dealer area, where talented creators and small-scale sculptors showcase their garage kits and original works. Unlike the mass-produced figures found at corporate booths, these booths offer a chance to discover unique, handcrafted collectibles, often in limited quantities.

The Charm of Garage Kits & Original Creations

Garage kits are a staple of WonFes, and this year was no exception. These resin model kits, which require assembly and painting, are prized for their intricate details and artistic craftsmanship. Many garage kits feature characters from anime, manga, and video games, licensed under the one-day license (Tōjitsu Hankenshō) system, allowing fans to purchase exclusive figures that won’t be found in regular stores.

In addition to fan-made character kits, many independent dealers also showcased their original creations. From stylized anime-inspired characters to hyper-realistic fantasy sculptures, these works reflected the boundless creativity of their makers. It was a great opportunity to see how different artists interpret character design and storytelling through sculpture.

Spotlight on Notable Dealers & Creators

Each WonFes highlights a mix of returning veterans and rising stars in the garage kit community. Some well-known sculptors had long lines at their booths, as fans eagerly waited to purchase limited-edition kits.

A few standout creators this year included:

ZHILA STUDIO

Artist Name: Carla

Carla is an artist from Thailand who has gained popularity through her participation in various international events, including TTF (Taipei Toy Festival). She is also known for her work as an official painter for Godzilla figures, demonstrating her exceptional painting skills and craftsmanship.

During Wonder Festival, her booth attracted a large number of fans from both Japan and abroad, making it one of the most lively and well-received independent dealer booths at the event.

・instagram>>>https://www.instagram.com/zhila_kaiju/

Mole

I was instantly drawn to Mole’s stylized and deformed character designs. The figures on display were absolutely charming and captivating, making them stand out among the many unique creations at the event.

Seeing these beautifully sculpted figures made me feel inspired to try my hand at painting one myself, adding a personal touch to the already amazing designs.

Twitter>>>https://x.com/Mole3311

The Appeal of Limited-Edition & Handmade Figures

One of the biggest draws of the independent dealer booths is the exclusivity of their creations. Many garage kits are produced in extremely limited numbers, often selling out within hours of the event opening. Because these figures require hand-casting, sanding, and detailed finishing, their rarity adds to their value and appeal.

Beyond garage kits, some creators also sold hand-painted, one-of-a-kind figures, allowing collectors to own truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Unlike mass-produced figures, these creations often have a distinct personal touch, making them prized collectibles for serious figure enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The independent dealer booths at Wonder Festival offer a completely different experience from the corporate sections, providing a glimpse into the world of passionate artists and sculptors. Whether you’re looking for a rare character garage kit, a beautifully sculpted original piece, or a handcrafted, limited-run figure, this area of the event is a must-visit for figure enthusiasts.

For me, exploring the independent booths was one of the highlights of WonFes, as it truly showcased the artistic passion and craftsmanship that make this event so special.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

As Wonder Festival came to an end, I found myself reflecting on just how exciting and inspiring this year’s event was. From highly anticipated figure reveals at the corporate booths to incredible garage kits and original creations by independent dealers, WonFes once again proved why it remains the ultimate event for figure enthusiasts.

Highlights of This Year’s WonFes

One of the most striking aspects of this year’s Wonder Festival was the sheer diversity and creativity on display. The event showcased a wide range of figures, from high-end scale models to experimental indie creations, proving that the figure industry continues to evolve.

Some of the most memorable highlights included:

• Impressive displays by major manufacturers like Kaiyodo, Tatsunoko Production, Aniplex, and AmiAmi Hobby Camp, showcasing upcoming releases and event-exclusive figures.
• A strong presence of international artists, such as Carla from ZHILA STUDIO, who brought a global influence to the event.
• The ever-growing creativity of independent dealers, with many artists presenting unique garage kits and original sculptures that could only be found at WonFes.
• The welcoming and enthusiastic atmosphere, where figure fans, collectors, and creators could connect over their shared passion.

Attendee Reactions & Community Buzz

The excitement of Wonder Festival extended far beyond the venue, as fans shared their experiences, photos, and favorite finds on social media. Many attendees expressed their amazement at the quality and variety of figures on display, while others were thrilled to have secured rare and exclusive collectibles.

Some common attendee reactions included:

• “The independent dealer booths were amazing! I found some truly unique garage kits that I can’t wait to build.”
• “The corporate booths had some jaw-dropping figure prototypes. The new releases from Aniplex are a must-buy for me!”
• “I love seeing artists from around the world at WonFes. Carla’s work at ZHILA STUDIO was breathtaking.”

It was clear from the reactions that Wonder Festival is more than just a figure convention—it’s a celebration of artistry and craftsmanship that brings together fans and creators from all over the world.

Looking Forward to the Next Wonder Festival

With another incredible WonFes behind us, anticipation is already building for the next event. Wonder Festival Summer 2025 is scheduled to take place on July 27, 2025, at Makuhari Messe. Fans are already speculating about what surprises the next edition will bring, and it’s expected to be another must-attend event for figure enthusiasts.

For those planning to attend next time, here are a few tips:
✅ Arrive early – Popular booths and exclusive items sell out fast!
✅ Bring cash – While some vendors accept digital payments, many independent dealers prefer cash transactions.
✅ Plan your route – Make a list of must-visit booths beforehand to maximize your time.
✅ Stay updated on event announcements – Follow the official WonFes website and social media for the latest information on exhibitors, ticketing, and event policies.

Ticket Information – Afternoon Discount Tickets

If the ticketing system remains the same as this year, Wonder Festival will likely offer “Afternoon Discount Tickets” (午後割チケット), which can be purchased up until the day before the event. These tickets provide a more affordable option for those who just want to experience the atmosphere without committing to a full-day pass. If you’re new to WonFes or simply curious, the Afternoon Discount Ticket is a great way to explore the event while avoiding the early-morning rush.

As the figure industry continues to evolve, I can’t wait to see what new trends, artists, and innovations the next Wonder Festival will bring. If you’re a fan of figures, this is one event you don’t want to miss!