BANDAI’s “METAL BUILD” line moves beyond mechs with new Hatsune Miku figure
Bandai Spirits has officially announced a new Hatsune Miku figure as part of their “METAL BUILD” range.
It will be part of the “METAL BUILD EX PROJECT,” a groundbreaking new initiative for the “METAL BUILD” figure brand.
This project is set to expand the brand’s horizons beyond its traditional focus on robotic characters as part of the METAL BUILD brand’s 15th anniversary in 2026.
The “METAL BUILD” brand is renowned among collectors for its high-quality, pre-assembled figures, which feature intricate detailing, extensive articulation, and die-cast metal parts.
While historically focused on mecha from popular anime franchises like “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” which is receiving several METAL BUILD figure re-releases due to its 30th anniversary, the “EX” in the new project’s name signifies a deliberate expansion beyond mecha.
It stands for “EXTEND,” broadening the scope of the product lineup, and “EXTRAORDINARY,” promising unique arrangements and interpretations of characters not limited to robots.
This new approach aims to unlock new possibilities for the METAL BUILD brand, appealing to a wider range of collectors.
As the inaugural phase of this ambitious new project, BANDAI SPIRITS has announced that product development plans are already underway for three characters: Kamen Rider Zero-One, Sagittarius Seiya, and Hatsune Miku.
The inclusion of Hatsune Miku in this inaugural lineup marks a particularly large departure for the METAL BUILD brand.
Hatsune Miku is not a character from a traditional anime or manga like the subject of most METAL BUILD figures.
She is a virtual idol and mascot of the Vocaloid voice synthesizing software, originally developed by Crypton Future Media.
Launched in 2007, Vocaloid technology allows users to create synthesized singing voices by inputting lyrics and melodies. Miku’s character, initially designed to personify this software, quickly transcended her origins to become a global phenomenon.
She has headlined sold-out holographic concerts, appeared in countless user-generated songs, art, and video games, and will soon be touring across both Japan and Asia.
In keeping with the standards of the METAL BUILD line, this Hatsune Miku figure will likely be an exceptionally detailed representation several steps above the numerous Hatsune Miku figures previously released by other brands.
The other announcements for the METAL BUILD EX PROJECT line focus on two hugely popular series in Japan, Kamen Rider and Saint Seiya.
Kamen Rider Zero-One is the hero from the first “Kamen Rider” series to debut in Japan’s Reiwa era (beginning 2019).
The “Kamen Rider” franchise is a cornerstone of Japanese tokusatsu entertainment, featuring masked, motorcycle-riding superheroes who battle various antagonists.
Sagittarius Seiya hails from the classic TV anime “Saint Seiya,” renowned for its mythological themes and elaborate, often golden, armor designs known as “Cloths.”
Seiya, the main protagonist, is most famously associated with the Pegasus Cloth, but this figure takes inspiration from when he briefly wears the powerful Sagittarius Gold Cloth in the original series.
Early prototypes of these figures will be given their first public exhibition at “ANI-COM & GAMES HONG KONG 2025,” an international pop culture event scheduled to take place from July 25th to July 29th in Hong Kong.
Leaked images taken prior to the event’s opening have shown the Kamen Rider Zero-One and Sagittarius Seiya figures on display.
Further details and additional information regarding the “METAL BUILD EX PROJECT” and its subsequent releases are expected to be announced at future events, including “Wonder Festival 2025 Shanghai,” which will be held in October 2025.
Source: Official X Account
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