Good Smile Company

Good Smile Company is a Japanese manufacturer of hobby products, specializing in figures and toys based on popular anime, manga, and video games. Founded in May 2001 by Aki Takanori, the company initially began as a talent and event management agency. Takanori, who previously worked at Konami and Banpresto, transitioned the company's focus towards hobby-related products after establishing a cooperative agreement with Max Factory. This shift proved successful, and the company's main business now involves the planning, production, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of its products globally.

The company's business model centers on producing and distributing high-quality collectible figures. Revenue is generated through the direct sale of these products. Good Smile Company serves a worldwide market of anime and gaming enthusiasts, distributing not only its own products but also those of partner companies like Max Factory, FREEing, and Phat! Company. Key product lines include the highly popular 'Nendoroid' series, introduced in 2006, which features chibi-style figures with large heads, smaller bodies, and interchangeable parts for different expressions and poses. Another significant line is the articulated 'figma' series, developed with Max Factory and launched in 2008, which focuses on realistic and poseable action figures. The company also produces detailed scale figures, plastic models, and a more affordable line called 'POP UP PARADE'.

Significant milestones include the release of the first Good Smile Company branded figure in 2004 and the launch of the Nendoroid series in 2006. The company has also expanded into anime production, with involvement in projects like 'Black Rock Shooter', and operates a professional racing team, Good Smile Racing, which competes in the Super GT series. In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the company launched the 'Cheerful JAPAN!' campaign, donating profits from special edition merchandise to the Japanese Red Cross. Good Smile Company has established international offices in the USA and China to promote pop culture globally.

Keywords: collectible figures, Nendoroid, figma, Japanese hobby products, anime merchandise, scale figures, pop culture collectibles, manga figures, video game figures, PVC statues, action figures, Aki Takanori, Max Factory, POP UP PARADE, Good Smile Racing, character goods, Japanese toys, otaku culture, hobby industry, anime production, plastic models