By Michael Moore, PWTorch Collectibles specialist

In Brief: Fans looking for a figure of IWGP Heavyweight champion Hiroshi Tanahashi can find one made by Charapro in 2002.

Action Figure Spotlight #59: Hiroshi Tanahashi

Many readers of this column are quite familiar with U.S. wrestling figures, from the 1984 LJN WWF Wrestling Superstars line to Mattel’s current WWE product. But there are also plenty of toy lines from other countries, including Japan and Mexico.

The amazing Wrestle Kingdom 9 pay-per-view from New Japan Pro Wrestling introduced many U.S. fans to that promotion’s top stars. Some fans may be wondering which of the wrestlers on that show have been included in past action figure lines.

The brightest star shining on New Japan’s biggest stage was Hiroshi Tanahashi, who defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Kazuchika Okada. While New Japan doesn’t have the multitude of action figures of WWE, there is one figure of Tanahashi that may appeal to U.S. collectors.

A figure of Tanahashi was included in the New Japan Pro Wrestling toy line from Charapro. This series includes many names familiar to U.S. wrestling fans, including the Great Muta, Jushin Liger, Masahiro Chono, Kensuke Sasaki, Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu, and Antonio Inoki. There are plenty of rare variants for who collectors who enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

The figures look somewhat similar to the big rubber LJN WWF figures from the ‘80s, but with some points of articulation, such as movable arms. Tanahashi’s lone figure in this series was released toward the end of the line in 2002. It is a very basic figure, with Tanahashi in red trunks and white boots with his hands on his hips.




Given Tanashashi’s superstar status in Japan, these figures are relatively affordable and fairly easy to find. Loose figures tend to sell in the $15-25 range, with most mint-on-card figures selling in the $30-50 range. One signed figure is being sold on eBay for $60 or best offer.

It can be difficult to find information on Japanese wrestling figures. Your best bet is to look at action figure forums, especially HERE. This thread from 2010 is a great place to start - @MMooreWriter.

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