Quick Answer

Banpresto and Ichiban Kuji are both popular ways to get anime figures, but they work differently. Banpresto figures are typically sold individually at a set price, while Ichiban Kuji is a lottery-style system where you buy tickets for a chance to win one of several prizes. If you want a guaranteed specific figure, go with Banpresto; if you enjoy the thrill of chance and the possibility of exclusive prizes, Ichiban Kuji is your game.

If you've browsed anime merchandise online, you've likely seen both Banpresto figures and Ichiban Kuji tickets. Both come from the same parent company, but they serve different purposes and appeal to different types of collectors. Understanding the distinction can save you money and disappointment.

In this comparison, we'll break down how each system works, what you can expect to receive, and which one aligns better with your collecting style. We'll also look at a few real examples from our store to illustrate the differences in practice.

What Is Banpresto?

Banpresto is a brand known for producing a wide range of anime figures, often at a more accessible price point than high-end collectibles. These figures are typically sold as single items, and you know exactly what you're getting before you pay. For example, the Sega Ram Day After Luminasta Figure is a standalone figure you can purchase directly, with no element of chance.

This makes Banpresto figures ideal for collectors who want a specific character or design without any surprises. The trade-off is that you usually don't get the same level of exclusivity or the chance to win larger, more elaborate prizes that you might find in a lottery system.

  • Guaranteed purchase: you receive the exact figure you ordered.
  • Set price: you know the cost upfront, no additional draws.
  • Wide availability: many figures are produced in large quantities.

What Is Ichiban Kuji?

Ichiban Kuji is a lottery-style system where you buy a ticket (or several) for a chance to win one of a range of prizes. The prizes are tiered, from A Prize down to lower-tier items, with rarer and more valuable prizes at the top. For example, the Ichiban Kuji - Natsume's Book of Friends - Welcome to Anime 15th Anniversary Party offers 70 items to be won, including an A Prize figure of Takashi Natsume and Nyanko Sensei, a B Prize plush, and a C Prize blanket.

The excitement comes from not knowing exactly what you'll get. You might win a highly coveted A Prize or a smaller charm. This makes each draw a unique experience. However, it also means you could spend money without getting your most-wanted item. Some stores, including ours, offer live video streams of the drawing, so you can watch the outcome in real time.

  • Lottery style: you purchase a ticket, not a specific item.
  • Tiered prizes: from high-value A Prize to smaller consolation items.
  • Exclusivity: many prizes are exclusive to the kuji and not sold separately.

Key Differences at a Glance

The core difference is certainty versus chance. With Banpresto, you pay a set price and receive a specific figure. With Ichiban Kuji, you pay for a chance to win any of the prizes in the lineup, which can include figures, plushies, and other merchandise.

Another difference is the price point. Banpresto figures are typically priced higher than a single kuji ticket, but you're guaranteed the figure. Kuji tickets are cheaper individually, but you may need to buy multiple to get what you want, and there's no guarantee. For example, a single Ichiban Kuji ticket might cost around $6.50, but the A Prize figure could be worth much more than that. In contrast, a Banpresto figure like the Ram Luminasta is priced at $44.95, but you know exactly what you're paying for.

  • Banpresto: predictable, direct purchase.
  • Ichiban Kuji: unpredictable, lottery-based, potentially more exciting.
  • Consider your budget and tolerance for chance.

Which Is Better for Collectors?

There's no universal 'better' option; it depends on your goals. If you're a completionist who wants a specific character or a complete set, Banpresto is the safer route. You can order exactly what you need without risking duplicates or missing out on a particular prize.

If you enjoy the thrill of the draw and the possibility of scoring an exclusive prize, Ichiban Kuji offers an experience that Banpresto can't match. Plus, many kuji prizes are exclusive to the lottery, so you might get a unique item that other collectors can't easily find. For example, the Attack on Titan - Choice and Consequence kuji includes exclusive Chokonokko plush toys and figures that you won't find in regular retail.

The Trade-Offs: Banpresto vs. Ichiban Kuji

  • Guaranteed vs. Chance: Banpresto gives you exactly what you pay for. Ichiban Kuji is a lottery, so you might win a top prize or a lower-tier item. If you can't handle disappointment, choose Banpresto.
  • Cost per Item: A single kuji ticket is cheaper (e.g., $6.50), but you may need to buy many to get what you want. A Banpresto figure might cost more upfront but is a one-time purchase. Set a budget and decide if you're willing to spend more for certainty.
  • Exclusivity: Kuji prizes are often exclusive and not sold separately, making them more collectible. Banpresto figures are mass-produced and easier to find. If you value rare items, kuji might be worth the risk.

Real Product Examples

  • Ichiban Kuji - Natsume's Book of Friends - Welcome to Anime 15th Anniversary Party: There are 70 items to be won! Buy any number of cards for a chance to win any of the items in the images. There will be a video streaming of the drawing of the items after you have purchased the cards. Prizes lineup: A Prize - Takashi Natsume & Nyanko Sensei Anniversary Figure (1 design, 1pc), B Prize - Nyanko Sensei Plush (1 design, 2pc), C Prize - Blanket (2 design, 4pc)... This kuji offers a mix of figures, plushies, and practical items like blankets, so you have multiple chances to win something you like, even if you don't get the top prize.
  • Sega - Re:Zero - Starting Life In Another World Ram Day After The Luminasta Figure: Introducing the stunning Ram Day After Luminasta Figure from the beloved series Re:Zero - Starting Life In Another World! This meticulously crafted figure beautifully captures the essence of Ram, showcasing incredible attention to detail that fans will adore. Standing proudly in her signature outfit, complete with her chibi-style charm and iconic twin tails, this figure is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts... This is a direct-purchase figure, so you know exactly what you're getting. It's a great example of the Banpresto-style approach, where you pay a set price for a specific, high-quality figure.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

  • Collectors who want a specific character or design without gambling.
  • Those who prefer a straightforward purchase with a known price.

Not for

  • Collectors who enjoy the excitement of a lottery and the chance to win exclusive prizes.

In the end, the choice between Banpresto and Ichiban Kuji comes down to your personality and collecting goals. If you value certainty and direct ownership, go for Banpresto figures. If you're willing to take a chance for the potential of a rare and exclusive prize, Ichiban Kuji offers a thrilling experience. Whichever you choose, both can be rewarding additions to your anime collection.