"What exactly is POP UP PARADE?"
"How is Poppare different from a prize figure?"
"It's cheaper than a scale figure - but is the quality worth it?"
"How big is it? Is it easy to display?"
"What should I look for when buying one secondhand?"
If you've been browsing anime figures, chances are you've come across the name POP UP PARADE. It's pronounced "Pop-Up Parade," and fans often shorten it to Poppare (Poppare in Japanese).
POP UP PARADE is a figure series by Good Smile Company. According to the official product description, the series is designed around three core values: an accessible price point, a display-friendly size of around 17-18 cm, and fast delivery to fans. Good Smile Company Official Shop
It sits in a sweet spot - not as imposing as a scale figure, yet more polished and collectible than a prize figure. That makes it one of the most beginner-friendly figure lines on the market today.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything: what POP UP PARADE is, typical sizes and prices, how it compares to scale figures, prize figures, and Nendoroids, how to choose one, and what to watch out for when buying secondhand.
The Short Answer: POP UP PARADE Prioritizes Display-Friendliness and Collectibility
Simply put, POP UP PARADE is a finished, ready-to-display figure series designed to be accessible for first-time buyers - whether that means the price, the size, or the sheer number of characters available.
Most standard POP UP PARADE figures stand around 17-18 cm tall, a size confirmed by official product listings, with specific examples cited at approximately 170 mm. Good Smile Company Official Shop
Here's a quick overview of what makes the series stand out:
- Most figures stand around 17-18 cm - easy to place on a desk or shelf
- Fully finished - no assembly required
- Usually listed as non-scale
- Most come with a dedicated display base
- More accessible pricing than typical scale figures
- More collector-grade than prize figures
- Easy to line up characters from the same series
- Good availability on the secondhand market
That said, POP UP PARADE isn't trying to compete with premium scale figures on sheer detail and craftsmanship. It's better understood as a series that balances price, size, sculpt quality, and lineup breadth - all at once.
What Is POP UP PARADE?
POP UP PARADE is a figure series produced by Good Smile Company. According to the official 5th Anniversary special site, the brand was created with a clear mission: to deliver figures at an accessible price point, in a display-friendly size, as quickly as possible - making the hobby more open to newcomers. Good Smile Special
The name itself says it all: "POP UP" evokes the excitement of a figure bursting into life, while "PARADE" captures the joy of lining up an entire cast of beloved characters side by side.
That vision has clearly resonated. POP UP PARADE spans anime, games, manga, and film - with an enormous and ever-growing roster of characters. By October 2023, the 5th Anniversary site reported that the lineup had surpassed 500 different items, with total shipments reaching approximately 5 million units. Good Smile Special
How Big Is a POP UP PARADE Figure?
Standard POP UP PARADE figures are approximately 17-18 cm tall. This is highlighted in official product descriptions as one of the series' defining features. Good Smile Company Official Shop
That said, not every figure hits exactly the same height. The actual measurement depends on the character's proportions, their pose, the included base, costume volume, hair style, and any weapons or effect parts.
For reference, official product specs frequently list POP UP PARADE as: painted finished PVC figure, non-scale, with dedicated display base, total height approximately 170 mm. Good Smile Company
In practical terms: standard POP UP PARADE figures are smaller than most scale figures but noticeably larger than Nendoroids - right in the middle of the spectrum.
POP UP PARADE Also Comes in L Size and XL Size
POP UP PARADE isn't limited to its standard size. The series also offers L size and XL size variants.
According to the official 5th Anniversary special site, the lineup expanded beyond the original size with L size (comparable to a 1/7 scale figure) and XL size (comparable to a 1/4 scale figure). Good Smile Special
L size figures are noticeably bigger than standard ones - official product examples list heights of around 220 mm and 240 mm. XL size goes even further, with at least one official product listed at approximately 40 cm tall. Good Smile Company Official Shop
| Type | Approximate Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard POP UP PARADE | ~17-18 cm | Beginners, desk and shelf displays |
| POP UP PARADE L Size | ~20-24 cm (examples vary) | Those wanting more presence |
| POP UP PARADE XL Size | ~40 cm (examples vary) | Large-scale display centerpieces |
| Nendoroid | ~10 cm | Cute, compact displays |
| 1/7 or 1/8 Scale Figure | ~20-26 cm (commonly) | Showcasing sculpt detail and presence |
When shopping for POP UP PARADE, always check whether you're looking at standard, L size, or XL size - the name alone doesn't always make it obvious.
How Much Does POP UP PARADE Cost?
POP UP PARADE figures are generally priced more accessibly than scale figures.
Older standard-size releases have sold for as low as 3,900 yen (tax included), while more recent releases commonly come in around 4,800 yen. However, pricing varies depending on release date, figure specifications, size, the series, the retailer, and the secondhand market. L size and XL size figures cost significantly more.
| Type | Pricing Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard Size | Most accessible price point in the lineup |
| L Size | Higher than standard, but with added presence |
| XL Size | Premium pricing for a large-format display piece |
| Secondhand | Varies by popularity, condition, and reprint status |
When shopping secondhand, prices can go lower than retail - but popular characters and discontinued releases can also command premiums above original retail price. Never judge by price alone. Always check the condition, box status, base, accessories, and authenticity.
POP UP PARADE vs. Scale Figures
POP UP PARADE and scale figures can look similar at a glance, but they're built around different goals.
Scale figures - typically 1/7 or 1/8 scale - are premium collectibles designed for detailed sculpting, precise paintwork, elaborate bases, and faithful costume recreation. They're the flagship of serious figure collecting.
POP UP PARADE, on the other hand, is engineered around accessibility: a standard height of around 17-18 cm, friendlier pricing, and a large character roster that's easy to build out.
| Feature | POP UP PARADE | Scale Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Usually ~17-18 cm (standard) | Often 20 cm+ for 1/7 and 1/8 |
| Scale Designation | Usually non-scale | Typically 1/7, 1/8, etc. |
| Price | More accessible | Can be quite expensive |
| Sculpt Focus | Balance of looks and value | Maximum detail and presence |
| Base | Usually simple | Often themed to match the series |
| Best For | First-time buyers, multi-character collections | Showcasing a single favorite character |
In short, POP UP PARADE is the more approachable entry point into finished, collectible figures.
POP UP PARADE vs. Prize Figures
This is another comparison that trips up a lot of newcomers.
Prize figures are produced primarily as arcade crane game prizes. They're fun to get, widely available, and often feature popular characters - but they're not typically sold through standard retail channels.
POP UP PARADE, by contrast, is a retail product. You can find it through online stores and preorder pages, with clearly listed specs and pricing.
| Feature | POP UP PARADE | Prize Figure |
|---|---|---|
| How to Get It | Online stores, shops, preorders | Crane games, secondhand shops |
| Size | Usually ~17-18 cm | Varies widely |
| Price | Fixed retail price | Depends on how you get it |
| Sculpt Consistency | Consistent within the series | Varies by product |
| Collectibility | Easy to build a matching set | Fun and casual to collect |
| Beginner-Friendly | Easy to research and purchase | Accessible but condition may vary |
POP UP PARADE lands in a comfortable middle ground - easier to buy as a deliberate purchase than prize figures, and far more wallet-friendly than most scale figures.
POP UP PARADE vs. Nendoroid
Both POP UP PARADE and Nendoroid are extremely popular with newcomers, but they offer very different experiences.
Nendoroid figures stand around 10 cm tall and feature a chibi style with swappable face plates, hands, and props. They're designed to be posed and played with.
POP UP PARADE figures are closer to realistic proportions, in a fixed pose. You display them as-is - no swapping, no reconfiguring.
| Feature | POP UP PARADE | Nendoroid |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Closer to realistic proportions | Super-deformed / chibi |
| Size | Usually ~17-18 cm | Usually ~10 cm |
| Interaction | Display and admire | Swap parts and pose |
| Accessories | Relatively minimal | Includes face plates, hands, props |
| Best For | Displaying your character naturally | Cute, playful expressions and setups |
Want a cute, playable figure? Nendoroid. Want your favorite character displayed in their iconic look? POP UP PARADE.
Is POP UP PARADE Good for Beginners?
Display-Friendly Size
At around 17-18 cm for standard figures, POP UP PARADE fits comfortably on a desk, shelf, or in a figure display case. Not too big, not too small - just right for a first display setup.
Great Balance of Price and Quality
With more accessible pricing than scale figures, POP UP PARADE lets you start collecting without a major financial commitment. You can even build out a set of characters from the same series without breaking the bank.
Huge Character Roster
The lineup spans countless anime, game, and manga titles - and many series have multiple characters available, so you can create a cohesive shelf dedicated to your favorites.
Fully Finished - No Assembly Needed
POP UP PARADE figures come pre-painted and fully assembled. Unlike model kits, there's nothing to build or paint. Attach the base and you're done.
How to Choose a POP UP PARADE Figure
1. Start with the Character You Love Most
This sounds obvious, but it matters. POP UP PARADE is approachable - but you're still spending money on something that will live on your shelf. Your first figure should be someone you genuinely want to look at every day, not just a popular pick.
2. Always Confirm: Standard, L Size, or XL Size?
Don't assume. Check the product name and specs before buying - it's easy to accidentally order an L size when you expected standard, or be surprised by just how large an XL size is in person.
- Does the product name include "L Size" or "XL Size"?
- What is the stated total height (in mm)?
- Is the base included in that height measurement?
- What are the width and depth?
- Will it fit in your display space?
3. Look at Condition, Not Just Price
When buying secondhand figures, a low price tag often means a reason. Missing box, missing base, scratches, paint transfer, stickiness - these all affect the value and your enjoyment.
- Is the box included?
- Is the inner blister tray present?
- Is the display base included?
- Are there any scratches or scuffs on the figure?
- Any chips or breaks on hair, accessories, or clothing tips?
- Paint wear or chipping?
- Paint transfer, especially on skin or white areas?
- Stickiness from storage conditions?
- Sun fading or yellowing?
- Does the price feel suspiciously low?
If you're buying purely to display it, a missing box may not be a dealbreaker. But a missing base often is - many POP UP PARADE figures won't stand properly without it. See also: Is it okay to buy a figure without the box?
4. Plan Your Display Space First
POP UP PARADE figures are easy to collect - which means they add up fast. Decide where you'll display them before you start buying.
Good spots: dedicated figure display case, collector's shelf, next to your desk, one section of a bookshelf, a case away from direct sunlight, or enclosed shelving to reduce dust.
Spots to avoid: near windows with direct sunlight, hot or humid environments, heating or cooling vents, unstable surfaces, near the kitchen, or anywhere pets or young children can reach.
Secondhand POP UP PARADE: What to Check
| Checkpoint | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Box present? | Affects resale value and confirms authenticity |
| Blister tray present? | Useful for safe storage and transport |
| Display base present? | Essential for displaying the figure |
| Figure body condition | Scratches on the face and hair are especially visible |
| Paint wear | Common in secondhand figures |
| Paint transfer | Especially noticeable on pale skin or white parts |
| Stickiness | Indicates poor storage conditions |
| Sun fading | Causes visible color changes and degradation |
| Price vs. condition | Is the asking price justified by the figure's state? |
| Seller reputation | Is this a trusted shop or seller? |
For figures that include support stands or pegs, check those aren't missing - they can make the difference between a figure that displays properly and one that won't stay upright.
Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
Don't Judge It Like a Scale Figure
POP UP PARADE prioritizes balance: reasonable price, good looks, collectible variety. It's not trying to replicate the micro-level detail of a premium 1/7 or 1/8 scale figure.
Each Figure Looks Different Up Close
Even within the standard size range, characters look quite different depending on their design. A seated character, a petite character, or a figure with a large weapon or effect part may look much smaller - or much wider - than you expect from photos alone.
For Secondhand: Box Matters Less Than Base and Condition
Missing boxes are common in the secondhand market and don't necessarily indicate a problem - especially if you're buying purely to display. But a missing base is a real issue: some POP UP PARADE figures won't balance without it.
Secondhand priority order: base, figure condition, price, box.
Popular Characters Can Cost More Than Retail on the Secondhand Market
While POP UP PARADE is generally accessible, sold-out or discontinued figures - especially from fan-favorite series - can exceed original retail prices on the secondhand market.
Who Is POP UP PARADE Best For?
First-Time Figure Buyers
POP UP PARADE's combination of size, price, and simplicity makes it one of the easiest entry points into figure collecting. If you've been hesitant to spend big on a scale figure, this is a much safer first purchase.
Fans Who Want Their Character in Natural Proportions
Not everyone wants the chibi look of a Nendoroid. If you want your favorite character displayed closer to how they actually look in the anime or game, POP UP PARADE delivers that without the cost of a full scale figure.
Series Collectors Building a Full Roster
POP UP PARADE's broad lineup means it's often possible to collect an entire main cast from a single series. Lined up on a shelf together, they make a striking display.
Budget-Conscious Collectors
You love collecting figures, but your budget has limits. POP UP PARADE lets you enjoy the hobby without dropping big money every time.
Hunting for Older Releases Secondhand
Discontinued POP UP PARADE figures regularly turn up on the secondhand market. If you missed a release when it was new, there's a good chance it's still findable - just do your condition checks carefully.
Tips for Displaying POP UP PARADE Figures
Group by Series
Arranging characters from the same series together creates a unified, visually satisfying display. Pay attention to height differences and pose directions - figures that face each other or complement each other's poses look especially good together.
Use a Display Case to Keep Dust Out
Anime figures attract dust - especially in fine details like hair strands and costume folds. If you want your figures to stay clean with minimal maintenance, a proper display case is the best investment you can make.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV exposure causes paint fading, plastic yellowing, and material degradation over time. Keep your figures away from windows and anywhere sunlight hits directly.
Use Risers for Depth and Visibility
If you're displaying multiple figures on the same shelf, tiered risers or acrylic display stands let you see every figure clearly - rather than having the front row block everything behind it.
Find Your POP UP PARADE at MIYABIYA
POP UP PARADE is one of the most welcoming figure series for newcomers and experienced collectors alike. Whether you're picking up your very first figure or adding to an existing collection, there's almost certainly a character that fits.
When buying secondhand, always verify: box status, base included, overall condition, scratches, paint transfer, stickiness, sun fading, and whether the price reflects the figure's actual state.
At MIYABIYA, you'll find POP UP PARADE alongside prize figures, Nendoroids, scale figures, and much more in our secondhand figure lineup. Browse by character, check the condition notes and accessory details, and find the right figure for your shelf.
Summary: POP UP PARADE Is One of the Best Ways to Start Collecting
POP UP PARADE is a figure series by Good Smile Company that strikes a careful balance between accessibility, display size, and a roster broad enough to keep collectors coming back.
Standard figures stand around 17-18 cm tall - easy to fit on a desk or shelf. L size and XL size options exist for collectors who want more presence without fully committing to a high-end scale figure.
- Beginner-friendly by design
- Standard size fits almost any display space
- More affordable than most scale figures
- More realistic proportions than Nendoroids
- More polished than prize figures
- Easy to build a full-series lineup
- Good availability in the secondhand market
For collectors who prioritize exceptional detail, elaborate bases, and show-stopping craftsmanship, a premium scale figure will ultimately be more satisfying. POP UP PARADE trades some of that ceiling for accessibility and variety.
FAQ
Q. What is POP UP PARADE?
POP UP PARADE is a finished collectible figure series by Good Smile Company. Standard figures are typically around 17-18 cm tall and are designed to be accessible in both price and display size.
Q. How do you pronounce POP UP PARADE?
Pop-Up Parade. Fans often abbreviate it as Poppare.
Q. How tall are POP UP PARADE figures?
Standard size figures are typically around 17-18 cm. The exact height varies by character pose, base, and design. L size and XL size versions are also available.
Q. What's the difference between POP UP PARADE and scale figures?
Scale figures are premium collectibles with a focus on detailed sculpting and paintwork. POP UP PARADE is non-scale, prioritizing accessible pricing and a display-friendly size over maximum detail.
Q. What's the difference between POP UP PARADE and prize figures?
Prize figures are distributed mainly through arcade crane games. POP UP PARADE is a retail product, available through online stores and preorders, with consistent specs and a defined collector series identity.
Q. Is POP UP PARADE good for beginners?
Yes. The combination of manageable size, accessible pricing, and the fact that figures come fully assembled makes POP UP PARADE one of the easiest figure series to start collecting.
Q. Do POP UP PARADE figures come with a display base?
Most do. Official product listings frequently specify a dedicated display base. If buying secondhand, always verify the base is present.
Q. What is POP UP PARADE L Size?
L Size is a larger version of the standard POP UP PARADE. The official 5th Anniversary site describes it as comparable in scale to a 1/7 scale figure.
Q. What is POP UP PARADE XL Size?
XL Size is the largest variant in the lineup, described on the official site as comparable to a 1/4 scale figure. One official product example lists a total height of approximately 40 cm.
Q. What should I check before buying a secondhand POP UP PARADE?
Check: box, blister tray, display base, figure body for scratches or chips, paint wear, paint transfer, stickiness, sun fading, and whether the price matches the overall condition.
Q. Is it okay to buy a POP UP PARADE without the original box?
If you're buying purely to display, a missing box usually isn't a problem. The important things are the base, the figure's condition, and any included accessories. If you plan to resell in the future, a box does improve value.
Q. Who is POP UP PARADE best suited for?
First-time figure buyers, fans who want their favorite character displayed in natural proportions, series collectors building a full cast lineup, budget-conscious collectors, and anyone hunting for older or discontinued releases on the secondhand market.
