some Kaiyodo "puzzle" figures

So it turns out I'm now completely hooked on the Kaiyodo ChocoQ Egg "puzzle" figures. So much so, I've almost completely stopped caring about Schleich figures. It's scary. Thanks go out to those of you who have posted pictures and talked about them here on STS. Christophe and Harriet come to mind, but I know there are others. Thank you!

For the very few of you out there that don't already know all about this, here is my understanding of what all these names and terms mean: [EDIT: see the later, helpful, explanations by sphyrna18 -- on about pages 5 and 6 -- of the relationship between the companies Kaiyodo, Furuta, and Takara; as well as some of the subsequent discussion. It is really helpful for learning about these figures.]

(1) Kaiyodo is the company. They make lots of Anime PVC models, which makes it hard sometimes to find animals figures on eBay.
(2) Kaiyodo makes several different lines of plastic animals. These ones are "choco egg" figures because, apparently, at one time or another, they could be found inside chocolate eggs; much like "Kinder Eggs." Eat the chocolate, there's a plastic capsule inside. Open it up and find the puzzle and instructions.
(3) Okay, perhaps there was never any chocolate involved, ever. Honestly, I really don't know. [EDIT: There was. See Kiki's comment below, on this page, and sphyrna18's and Kiki's comments on pages 5 and 6.] But I have had some arrive in "egg"-shaped plastic capsules that open up by pulling them apart into two pieces. Others just came in small clear plastic bags.
(4) Regardless, inside one will find a piece of paper with information and instructions (see below for a picture) and about 3-5 pieces of plastic which, when put together properly, make a lovely little animal figurine. The fact that you have to put them together is apparently why they are sometimes called "puzzle" models by many people. No glue is required; they just snap together. And one doesn't actually need to "puzzle" anything out. It is very simple; and there are instructions.

Here is a picture of one of the leaflets included with a figure:

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On the other side is a list (with pictures) of somewhere between 12 to 40 other figures that belong to a particular series (in this case, it's series 9).

Here are pictures of two of some of my many favorites from this line: the Copper Pheasant and the Female Green Grass Lizard. After posting these, I'll do a brief "walkaround" of the Northern (or Hokkaido) Red Fox (vulpus vulpus schrencki).

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I think they are gorgeous. I know some people in the forum are not keen on the fact that one can (usually) see where the parts come together. I seem to remember Andreas remarking somewhere that being able to see the seams made the animal look like it had been chopped apart and put back together. I completely understand and I'm surprised that it no longer bothers me. It is especially prominent on the fox (as you'll see below). I've learned not to care, but I completely understand if you do. C'est la vie.

Here is my (very brief) "walkaround" (it is a walkaround-lite, if you like) of the Kaiyodo ChocoQ Northern Red Fox. Hands down my favorite fox of the figures I own. (In fact, I'll end with a comparison shot).

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And finally, here is my skulk of foxes (except for the two kits), all by Schleich except for the tiny Kaiyodo in the middle. As you can see, he is quite small.
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Wonderful animals Scott! I love them Congratulations!
Fox is indeed probably the most beautiful fox figure from any brand
I also love the pheasant and lizard and Kaiyodo brand

Congratulations!!! Wonderful animals!! My favourite is the pheasant, i think i will add him to my zoo.

Congratulations! I like the fox too!!

CONGRATULATIONS, Scot

They are absolutely wonderful, these little puzzles, I adore them also

Yes, the fox is (also) a masterpiece, - the way he tilts his head a little, listening for the sound of a mouse. The way he moves ! He really moves, doesn`t he ?

Thankyou also for the description of the Kayodo.
Often we forget that there are provbably people who have never heard of them befor...I never had , before I joined this forum

Scott, this topic is presented in a very interesting way and Susanne already explained why. Thanks for opening it. :)
I don't have a single Caiyodo, only a Furuta fox I received from Ken but of course it kills me to see such a fantastic fox missing in my collection... and an identified subspecies!
Watching your nice pictures and from other members I can see the brand is very accurate, more realistic than regular brands in general but a completly different line, I guess. Maybe they don't work as a replacement for Schleich or similar brand. :studyOnly a different line. :)
Congratlations for all of your figures, Schleich included.

Congrats Scott! Though I am one of the ones that do not really like being able to see the puzzle lines, I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that pheasant!

-Kristie

They are gorgeous Scott, congratulations! Good you're hooked on Kaiyodo now too it's terribly contagious
That must be the best fox figurine I've seen yet, he's so nice. The copper pheasant is on my wish list, beautiful figure.

They are fantastic !

Congratulations ! :)

Thanks to everybody for your thoughtful and generous comments!

Roger wrote:

I don't have a single Caiyodo, only a Furuta fox I received from Ken but of course it kills me to see such a fantastic fox missing in my collection... and an identified subspecies!

Roger, FURUTA models are KAIYODO, FURUTA made the chocolate and KAIYODO the animal

widukind wrote:

Congratulations!!! Wonderful animals!!

I agree absolutely!

Kikimalou wrote:

Roger wrote:

I don't have a single Caiyodo, only a Furuta fox I received from Ken but of course it kills me to see such a fantastic fox missing in my collection... and an identified subspecies!

Roger, FURUTA models are KAIYODO, FURUTA made the chocolate and KAIYODO the animal

Ah hah! That is interesting! Thank you Christophe. More information. I love it.

Kikimalou wrote:

[justify]
About the joint lines, they are less visible than on the pics and I also "forget" them when the animals are on a display. What I don't forget is the accuracy and the details on Japanese models.

Thank you for all your kinds words earlier. And I agree entirely with what you said (above) about the joint lines. I just don't see them when I have the figure in my hand and am admiring it in person. The detail is so impressive, and it is exactly the type of enjoyment I felt when I first started collection Schleich animals.

Another set of animals which you introduced me to as well is the Colorata sets. I got a hold of the Reptile set after seeing you post on the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and the Komodo. My favorite, however, is the Boa. Amazing.

Kikimalou wrote:

Roger wrote:

I don't have a single Caiyodo, only a Furuta fox I received from Ken but of course it kills me to see such a fantastic fox missing in my collection... and an identified subspecies!

Roger, FURUTA models are KAIYODO, FURUTA made the chocolate and KAIYODO the animal

Christophe, honestly it was exactly it what I wanted to hear. As I don't have the chocolate you are telling me that I am the proud owner of a Caiyodo series 7 thanks to Ken, the man that told me the way to this place where we have fun with friends, learn and smile! :) Thanks Kiki!

SUSANNE wrote:

Yes, the fox is (also) a masterpiece, - the way he tilts his head a little, listening for the sound of a mouse. The way he moves ! He really moves, doesn`t he ?

That's absolutely a perfect way of describing it Susanne. thank you!

Roger wrote:

As I don't have the chocolate you are telling me that I am the proud owner of a Caiyodo series 7 thanks to Ken, the man that told me the way to this place where we have fun with friends, learn and smile! :) Thanks Kiki!

You will have to post pictures Roger!

Roger wrote:

Maybe they don't work as a replacement for Schleich or similar brand. Only a different line. :)

Thanks for all your comments, but I wanted to note my agreement with this. My affection for the Kaiyodo doesn't replace my interest in Schleich, Papo, and the other comparable brands. They complement each other nicely.

ana wrote:

I also love the pheasant and lizard and Kaiyodo brand

widukind wrote:

My favourite is the pheasant, i think i will add him to my zoo.

Kristie wrote:

I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that pheasant!

HKHollinstone wrote:

The copper pheasant is on my wish list, beautiful figure.

Anna, Andreas, Kristie, and Harriet: The Pheasant is amazing; my standout favorite of the Kaiyodo so far and likely on my all-time top-ten animal list. I am hoping that you all find yourselves with the figure one day very soon.

Here is the Colorata Boa, by the way. Just wonderful.

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a picture of an actual boa, for comparison purposes.
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(and with that, I'll try to slow down my current commenting frenzy.)

scot(t) wrote:

Another set of animals which you introduced me to as well is the Colorata sets. I got a hold of the Reptile set after seeing you post on the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and the Komodo. My favorite, however, is the Boa. Amazing.

Great, my favorite in this set is... ... ... My favorite !

scot(t) wrote:

Roger wrote:

Maybe they don't work as a replacement for Schleich or similar brand. Only a different line. :)

Thanks for all your comments, but I wanted to note my agreement with this. My affection for the Kaiyodo doesn't replace my interest in Schleich, Papo, and the other comparable brands. They compliment each other nicely.

The point when we began this forum was to spread Collector's world and enjoyed Collector's life, there is so much fantastic models, brands and animals with their own style, we really don't need to narrow what we have to like There is enough place, at least in our mind and heart to enjoy many many figurines.

scot(t) wrote:

Here is the Colorata Boa, by the way. Just wonderful.

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It's amzing to see how wildlife is able to imitate COLORATA By the way I like your square pics

scot(t) wrote:

ana wrote:

I also love the pheasant and lizard and Kaiyodo brand

widukind wrote:

My favourite is the pheasant, i think i will add him to my zoo.

Kristie wrote:

I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that pheasant!

HKHollinstone wrote:

The copper pheasant is on my wish list, beautiful figure.

Anna, Andreas, Kristie, and Harriet: The Pheasant is amazing; my standout favorite of the Kaiyodo so far and likely on my all-time top-ten animal list. I am hoping that you all find yourselves with the figure one day very soon.

Yes, pheasant is amazing How luckily, I have it too and must say it also is on my top list (which cannot be as narrow as top ten )

scot(t) wrote:

Here is the Colorata Boa, by the way. Just wonderful.

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a picture of an actual boa, for comparison purposes.
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(and with that, I'll try to slow down my current commenting frenzy.)

Wonderful boa!!! Incredible, I love it And note that I'm not the real fan of snakes Many congratulations!!!!

Kikimalou wrote:

Roger wrote:

I don't have a single Caiyodo, only a Furuta fox I received from Ken but of course it kills me to see such a fantastic fox missing in my collection... and an identified subspecies!

Roger, FURUTA models are KAIYODO, FURUTA made the chocolate and KAIYODO the animal

Gosh
I have to change that on my site

THANKYOU, Christophe

The Colorata Boa is so realistic!! Let me think about buying...

Very Realistic !

Love it