From Box to Shelf: The Art of Unboxing Hirono Figures

Opening Hirono figures is an experience every devotion figure collector looks forward to. Each piece holds multilayered storytelling and artistry. For some, it’s an unboxing. For others, it’s an experience. The art of unboxing a Hirono figure adds value to the collection, both in joy and in preservation.

To some, every bit of packaging is an annoying chore. In the case of Hirono figures, it is a large part of the experience. The packaging has to be treated gently, and a knife to scale to minimize damage is the most professional grade way to slice open a box. After safely unboxing the figure, neatly stack the extra pieces of packaging in case the figure is later resold or stored. A figure in mint condition and with the original packaging is worth much more than one that is missing it.

Should you enjoy documenting and narrating your collection journey on social media platforms, unboxing provides the first opportunity to do so. Set up your workspace under soft, preferably natural or diffused light, and place your camera at an angle where your hands and the figure at the center of the frame are well captured. This technique fosters a sense of immersion in the unboxing experience. To ease the editing process, record in short videos instead of a long continuous clip. And remember, do your future self (or various followers and participants in your collection journey) a favor by keeping your workspace neat and organized.

After cracking open the figure’s packaging, take a few seconds to peruse the figure in case of defects. Examine the paint lines, joints, and accessories. If you notice imperfections, remember that it may be possible to repair minor defects, but you should reach out to the seller promptly for major issues that cannot be repaired at all. Always be gentle with the figure and hold it by the sturdy parts instead of the more fragile sections.

As a figure collector, assembling the accessories of each figure could be the most overwhelming part of your collection journey. To remedy almost all overwhelming instances that assembling may cause, the most helpful tip is to sort out all of the accessories beforehand by organizing them. Lay out everything that is included with the figure on a clean cloth, categorizing them by the same type and by using the instruction guide to check them off. To avoid losing really small parts, use a small container that can be labeled.

In assembly and posing, being patient is key. When moving joints, do so slowly to avoid creating stress marks and do not forcibly move pieces that resist. When figures have interchangeable pieces, it’s best to warm those up slowly using a hairdryer on low–doing so makes the plastic softer and swapping pieces is less risky. Before putting the figure on display, dust off the figure and any leftover factory residue using a soft microfiber cloth. 

Lastly, placing your Hirono on the shelf is perhaps the moment where your personal expression augments the artistry. Through considerate unboxing and meticulous arrangement, you have the opportunity to customize the figure and make it a focal piece in your collection, one that encompasses your memory and emotions tied to the unboxing experience.