2021 is drawing to a close! With the Year of the Tiger on the horizon, now's the time to start looking toward the future and seeing what 2022 has in store in the world of anime and gaming.
For many of you out there, that can only mean one thing: new anime figures!
We've already taken a look at handsome husbando anime figures, so in this two-part blog post we'll be focusing on 18 wonderful waifus you can expect to see hit store shelves in 2022.
Which cute anime girls (and anime-style game girls) are waiting to be added to your collection Get your calendars and display cases ready, as you're about to find out.
Here's the first nine in our list, in order of their release during the first half of 2022!
Contents
#1: Kuroha “Kuro” Shida
Name of figure
CAworks Kuroha Shida Swimsuit Ver.
Character quote
“Haru, let’s get revenge.”
Release date
January 2022
Details
If happy-go-lucky Kuroha Shida from Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won’t Lose is the first adorable anime figure you pick up in the New Year, suffice to say your 2022 will be an amazing year indeed.
Taking inspiration from her appearance in the Osamake Comic Anthology, Kuroha flashes a cheerful smile and peace sign, all in a cute two-piece swimsuit and pareo skirt ensemble.
For those of your in the northern hemisphere, this beach-themed Kuroha figure could be just the ticket you need to warm up and keep your mind set on spring and summer on the horizon. She's sure to brighten your day, every day!
#2: Kaguya Shinomiya
Name of figure
Kaguya Shinomiya Bunny Ver.
Character quote
“Jeez! I want to fall in love too!”
Release date
January 2022
Details
Also hitting shelves in January 2022 is the charming, intelligent Kaguya from Kaguya-sama: Love is War.
Of course, on any normal day Kaguya wouldn't be caught dead in a bunny suit -- especially in front of Miyuki -- but for you, today, she's making an exception. With real fishnet stockings, large rabbit ears, and a winning smile, if anything it's a testament to how dedicated everybody's favorite student council vice president can be when it comes to love (and war)!
The anime's third season, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-, debuts in April 2022, so kick your romantic engines into high gear early with this kawaii figure!
#3: Aqua
Name of figure
Aqua Oiran Ver.
Character quote
“Heaven isn’t the dreamy place you all imagine it to be.”
Release date
March 2022
Details
Another goddess on this list, Aqua gets a brand new anime figure based on her appearance in the movie KonoSuba: Legend of Crimson.
Aqua is the epitome of style and grace in this iteration, decked out in a sweeping blue kimono that features an elegant peony flower design (a common fixture of Japan's traditional dress) and a turquoise bow that complements her hair to a T.
Blue is the color of loyalty, honesty, and trust -- and you can definitely trust that Aqua will serve as an indispensable member of your figure collection for years to come!
#4: Kurumi Tokisaki
Name of figure
Kurumi Tokisaki Oiran Ver.
Character quote
“You were ready to kill another creature!”
Release date
March 2022
Details
Kurumi Tokisaki from Date A Bullet also gets the oiran kimono treatment in 2022 -- but unlike Aqua above, this figure may very well be less about loyalty and more about luxury (or lust!).
Wearing a sheer black kimono decorated with falling momiji (autumn leaves) and red-and-gold accents, there's something undeniably racy -- yet regal -- about Kurumi's appearance here. Coupled with her naturally black hair and red flower hairpiece, it all makes for a perfect contrast with the innocent Aqua we covered above.
If you're after the perfect combination of alluring and adorable, then this Kurumi most definitely needs to be on your wishlist for 2022.
#5: Ichika & Miku Nakano
Name of figure
Ichika Nakano & Miku Nakano
Character quote
"Look at me, nobody else."
Release date
March 2022
Details
Double trouble, but five times the fun!
With the Quintessential Quintuplets movie (and, unfortunately, the finale to the anime franchise) slated for a May 2022 release, this generous pairing of eldest Nakano sister Ichika and third sister Miku is the icing on the cake for loyal fans of the story.
The figures capture each sister's personality perfectly: Ichika's strong will and outgoing nature shines through with her lively wardrobe and pose, while Miku's more understated appearance hints at her shy yet well-meaning demeanor. At least they're happy enough together to be able to share the same floatie, though (events in the anime's second season notwithstanding)!
The beach theme also ties in well to the media franchise as a whole, given the summer setting of the two Quintessential Quintuplets games for home consoles: Summer Memories Come in Fives hit the PS4 and Nintendo Switch in 2021, and Five Memories of My Time with You arrives in June 2022.
#6: Yume Minami
Name of figure
Yume Minami 1/6 Scale Figure
Character quote
“I hope they stay with us forever.”
Release date
April 2022
Details
The Spring 2021 anime season gifted us with SSSS.DYNAZENON, the sequel to 2018's epic mecha extravaganza SSSS.GRIDMAN. It also gave viewers an awesome present in the form of one of the most charming anime girls in recent memory: Yume Minami, fiery high schooler and mecha pilot extraordinaire!
This cute figure is modeled after an illustration by creators STUDIO TRIGGER themselves, and appears to show Yume inside the cockpit of mecha DYNA WING. Some fancy visual tricks make it seem like Yume is floating in midair, along with all her signature character elements: controller, backpack, keychain, and more! (Yume herself, of course, doesn't seem too bothered by her dilemma.)
If you’re a fan of SSSS.DYNAZENON or even SSSS.GRIDMAN, then make sure you bring Yume home next April!
#7: Mary Saotome
Name of figure
Mary Saotome 1/7 Scale Figure
Character quote
“No hugs.”
Release date
May 2022
Details
All bets are off when Mary Saotome from KAKEGURUI hits the scene in May 2022. The only question is, are you game enough to play?
The skilled gambler comes clad in her signature school uniform (perhaps brazenly?) with her long blonde hair sprawled out underneath her. Lying on top of a poker table with cards and chips scattered about, it's a striking scene to say the least -- and with the ace of hearts in her hand and a cheeky grin on her face, the appeal here is undeniable.
Poker doesn't get as much love in the anime world when compared to other hobbies or sports, but KAKEGURUI (not to mention smartphone game Poker Chase) do an amazing job of it. So for something a little offbeat -- but decidedly unique -- take a gamble on this adorable anime figure!
#8: Rena Ryugu
Name of figure
Rena Ryugu Tragedy Ver.
Character quote
“There’s only one world for us.”
Release date
May 2022
Details
Rena from 2020's epic Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU gets a special Tragedy Version anime figure in mid-2022.
Lilac is the color of innocence and tranquility -- but you'd never guess it here, as Rena's lilac dress (and the base you stand her on) is covered in the blood of goodness knows who! With her dreaded nata machete in hand and a glazed euphoric look in her eyes, this is one crime scene you might very well be better off not getting to the bottom of.
A tragedy no doubt, but one that can infuse your anime figure collection with just the right amount of oomph and impact.
#9: Haruhi Suzumiya
Name of figure
Light Novel Edition Haruhi Suzumiya
Character quote
“Dreams start by believing!”
Release date
May 2022
Details
The iconic uniform and orange armband here really bring us back -- and if you were a fan of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (or anime in general) in the 2000's, no doubt they will for you too.
KADOKAWA has gone the light novel route with this Haruhi iteration, but all the hallmarks of the legendary character are still there -- whether it be the confident crossing of arms, or the dramatic pointing off into the distance with a look of determination in her eyes!
No matter what anime figures you end up getting in 2022, make sure this one is on your list! Club President Haruhi Suzumiya decrees it!
Recap
Here's the first nine anime figures in our list of 18 adorable new releases you can expect in 2022.
- Kuroha Shida (Osamake)
- Kaguya Shinomiya (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)
- Aqua (Persona 5 Royal)
- Kurumi Torisaki (Date A Bullet)
- Ichika & Miku Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets)
- Yume Minami (SSSS.DYNAZENON)
- Mary Saotome (Kakegurui)
- Rena Ryugu (Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU)
- Haruhi Suzumiya (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)
- ?
- ?
- ?
- ?
- ?
- ?
- ?
- ?
- ?
Head on over to Part 2 to see what other nine game and anime girls made the cut!
Have a field day with cute anime figures
Figure makers like Good Smile Company, Kotobukiya, and MegaHouse grace us with new creations each and every year, so for collectors there's never a dull moment. The only dilemma is deciding which figures to get, and how to make space for them once they've made it home with you!
For anime figure enthusiasts, the more scope for choice the better, so you'll definitely want to check out the anime product showcase at ZenPlus. With thousands of Japanese store listings for figures, Nendoroids, miniatures, dolls, and more, you're bound to find your favorite game and anime girl characters in designs and poses you never knew existed!
Tap or click the button below to get the ball rolling!
Over to You!
Who are some of your favorite game and anime girls?
How big is your anime figure collection at the moment?
What other cool anime merch besides figures do you own?
Let us know on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)! We’d love to hear from you!
ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese. Click here to browse our massive range of figures, Nendoroids, and other anime merch direct from Japan!
About the Author
Jasmine is a Canadian otaku and university student who dwells in a harbor city on Vancouver Island. She dreams of one day becoming a magical girl — or a published author. Following the world of anime, manga, and Japanese culture since her days in high school, she now works as a freelance writer to spread her love and passion to the rest of the community — and invite new faces to it as well.
This blog post was edited and published by ZenPlus.
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