Negora is a small Godzilla like feline originating from Japanese company KONATSU and also produced by American company MAX TOY CO.
Name: Negora
Line: N/A
Manufacturer: Konatsu/Max Toy Co.
Released: 2010
Price: 3,150 YEN – MIB
Scale: 4 – 5 inches height
Accessories: N/A – Max Toy Co version comes with a fish.
In a recent trip to Japan, mostly for family business, I will always make time for toy hunting, Being in Japan how can you not resist the urge? I’ve found a fair number of good places to visit, mainly through toy guides found on the internet or the very helpful Tokyo Underground by Super 7.
It was during one of these outings – to Sibuya and the Mandrake store there, while browsing through the many soft vinyl figures on display, (mainly looking for Ryusei Ninjas) that I came across this Negora. I’ve only just recently gotten into Japanese soft vinyl figures or Sofubi, so I had a little bit of an idea what there is available from companies like RealxHead etc, there’s some pretty cool stuff out there, if you can find it!
I liked the design and being a cat person I decided to pick this one up (Btw I did end up buying a black Ryusei Ninja for 1,200 YEN too)
SCULPTING
The figure is very nicely sculpted, I would have to say in an anime style, there is some nice detailing on the stomach and around the face as well as other small sections on the figure, It’s in a standing pose with it’s arms outstretched and mouth slightly open.
I quite like this sculpt, its very cute and the two tails and Godzilla like scales or “ruffles” as I call them along the back are very cool! The tails do a great job of keeping Negora upright.
PAINT
Negora is cast in a white base colour with greys and blacks added to most of the body to mimic fur patterns, according to the back of the box, translated by my always helpful wife, that the patterns are created by the fish that Negora eats.
There is some yellow for the eyes, red mouth, striking blue and red for the scales on the back, as well as pink for the nose, ears and paws. All the paint is expertly applied and there is no slop at all.
ARTICULATION
there is only one joint here and that’s a cut waist which swivels 360 degrees it adds a little play value and doesn’t look too out of place, I don’t find it too distracting.
ACCESSORIES
Nothing. It would be nice to have a fish for Negora, But this isn’t a Max Toy Co version.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Not really anything I can think of, unless you somehow scratch the paint, this is one rock solid toy.
PRICE
3,150 YEN was fine by me, it’s roughly 35-45 AUD and no shipping costs because I bought it back in my suitcase – always a good thing
OVERALL
I really like Negora, It’s a fun little toy which not only looks cute, but won’t take up too much space either, the hard part can be getting a variation that you like, I missed out on a X-Ray version from Max Toy Co. But still really like this one. If you are like me and getting into soft vinyl figures, at least one Negora should be in your collection!
