There are various themes in the world of figures, but works that combine ”kemono” (beast) elements with character cuteness exude a unique charm. The original project ”Bunnimals” developed by Sakura-Gear is a series where you can fully appreciate that very appeal. The third entry in the series is the character ”Xiaoju.” Even if you are hearing her name for the first time, she is sure to leave an impression the moment you see the figure. The design, which incorporates beast elements into the glamorous motif of a bunny girl, results in a finish where cuteness and individuality can be felt simultaneously, making it a piece that further expands the world of the series.

The design of this figure was handled by the popular illustrator ”Kawarage.” Bringing the atmosphere of an illustration directly into the third dimension is no easy task, but in this work, that charm is faithfully reproduced. Ryoichi Itou, who handled the prototyping, carefully sculpted everything from the character's expression and body lines to the balance of the pose, creating a natural sense of three-dimensionality as if she stepped right out of the illustration. A highlight of this piece as a work of sculpture is how it maintains the impression of the original illustration while firmly establishing its presence as a figure. The sculpting, which preserves the character's atmosphere, reveals various expressions depending on the viewing angle.

An indispensable part of Xiaoju's charm as a character is her dynamic pose. Despite being a static figure, there is a lightness as if she might start moving at any moment, with expressions that allow one to imagine her personality. The balance is exquisite, conveying an energetic and active vibe while also offering a hint of mature charm, leaving an impression that goes beyond mere cuteness. Looking at the figure gives you a sense that you can naturally imagine the character's story and world, which is the interesting part of this work. It is an impressive finish that makes you realize how much an impression can change based on a single pose.

Looking at the costume design further conveys the dedication put into this figure. Xiaoju wears a bunny outfit that incorporates the atmosphere of a cheongsam, resulting in a unique design slightly different from the typical bunny girl image. The flow of the fabric and the placement of decorations are crafted with great detail, with the gold decorative parts in particular serving as glamorous accents that tie the whole look together. These decorations function less as mere accessories and more as vital elements expressing the character's individuality, with the costume itself significantly elevating the work's appeal. Thanks to the combination of sculpting and painting, differences in texture are also carefully expressed, so you will never tire of looking at it up close.

The size is also one of the highlights of this figure. The 1/7 scale is a size that offers a solid sense of presence among collection figures, with a total height of approximately 250mm including the base. It won’t get lost when displayed on a shelf and will naturally draw the eye within a room. This size—neither too large nor too small—is suitable for enjoying the fine details, allowing for close observation of the costume decorations and the character's expression. Its size also makes it easy to balance with display space, making it a convenient addition to any collection.

Since this product is sold as a pre-painted complete figure, you can display it immediately after taking it out of the box. Unlike models that require assembly or painting, a major feature is being able to enjoy the work's charm in its finished state. ABS and PVC materials are used, balancing stability as a figure with the reproducibility of fine details. Furthermore, a dedicated base is included, ensuring stability when displayed. M.I.C. Co., Ltd. cooperated in the production, suggesting that careful attention was paid not only to the sculpting but also to the quality as a product.

The Bunnimals series is also attractive because each character has a distinct personality. Xiaoju, with her setting as a rookie bunny girl, brings a fresh atmosphere to the series. If you already own other characters, displaying them together will further expand the series' worldview; even if this is your first time picking one up, this character might spark an interest in the rest of the series. While the figure is sufficiently charming on its own, it’s also interesting to see how different ways of enjoying it emerge when viewed as part of a series.