When looking at figures, I think there are those where you just think, ”That’s beautiful,” and move on, and others where your body unconsciously moves forward, thinking, ”Oh, I want to see that a bit closer.” The ”Date A Live V Mukuro Hoshimiya Witch Style Ver. 1/7 Scale Pre-Painted Figure” is exactly the latter type. The first thing that catches your eye is her cuteness, but moving your gaze just a little reveals a mysterious air drifting around her. And as you keep looking, you begin to feel a strange sense of movement, even though it should be completely static. There is a sense of floating that makes you think, ”Is she soaring through the sky at this very moment?” It leaves an impression that it doesn't just sculpt the character, but attempts to shape even a momentary movement and the flow of air.

Sculpted this time is a special appearance of Mukuro Hoshimiya from ”Date A Live V,” expressed in FuRyu's original ”Witch Style.” A new costume for a character can sometimes end up being nothing more than a change of clothes. However, this Witch Style does not give that impression. It feels closer to saying ”Mukuro with a new charm drawn out” rather than ”Mukuro who changed her outfit.” The mysterious and fantastical atmosphere associated with the word witch naturally overlaps with the mysterious air that Mukuro herself possesses. It is not just about cuteness, nor is it just about dignity; a unique charm that lies right in the middle is firmly shaped.

I think one of the highlights of this figure is the sculpting of the hair and cloak. Normally, hair falls over the shoulders and a cloak flows naturally along the back, but it is different here. By fluttering wildly in the wind, it creates an effect as if a flow of air actually exists in that space. Figures do not move. However, through sculpting, it is possible to make one imagine the ”next moment.” This piece is quite impressive in that regard. Since the direction of movement appears to change every time you alter your viewing angle, there is a strange sensation, such as, ”When viewed from here, it feels like she is heading toward the sky, but when viewed from the opposite side, she looks like she is in the middle of landing.” There is a slightly interesting contradiction there: it is quiet yet full of dynamism.

And speaking of Mukuro, one absolutely cannot omit her iconic ”Michael.” In this figure, Michael is reproduced with a highly impactful sculpt. It is not simply large; the combination of clear parts and metallic painting makes for an interesting texture that changes its expression depending on the angle you look at it. When light hits it, a sense of transparency emerges, and when you change the angle slightly, a metallic weight appears. It is not just placed as a weapon or an ornament, but has a presence that seems to support the very world-view of Mukuro. Standing next to the main character while never becoming a mere sidekick is very impressive.

The size of approximately 226 mm in total height is an exquisite scale that is easy to display while firmly letting you feel its presence. And because it is a completed product, I think it is also a delightful part that you can enjoy its charm from the moment you open the box. However, I feel this figure is unlikely to be something you just look at once and be done with. If you look at it from the front, a strong sense of loveliness is felt; if you look up at it from slightly below, the floating sensation stands out; and if you look from the side, the flow of the cloak and hair becomes even more impressive. Before you know it, you find yourself repeatedly changing how it is placed, trying out, ”Let’s look at it from this side this time.” Rather than a figure, it might be closer to the feeling of displaying a scene from a small stage. It feels like a piece that has cast a new magic on the charm of Mukuro Hoshimiya.