Figures are mysterious things that create a sense of anticipation even before you open the box. And I felt that “ZakoZako-chan” is an existence that exceeds that anticipation in an instant. The first thing that catches your eye is an expression that doesn't just stop at being cute, but contains a bit of a provocative and mischievous spirit. It has an atmosphere that makes you want to say, “If you look at me like that, I can't help but look.” The gesture of sticking her tongue out just a little looks like she is teasing or playing around, making it an exquisite expression that changes how it is received depending on the viewer. The character feels as if she is about to strike up a conversation with you, resulting in a finish where you can feel her very presence, not just the beauty of a simple sculpt.

It is often said that a character's impression changes greatly depending on their hairstyle, and this piece conveys a very strong commitment to that specific part. The hair, which has a distinct sense of volume, isn't just voluminous. The light purple gradient that naturally transitions toward the hair tips creates a depth that cannot be produced by flat coloring. Another charm is that her expression changes subtly depending on how the light hits it, and the impression alters bit by bit every time you gaze at it from a different angle. What makes it interesting is that you cannot simply decide that “the front is the best”; looking from the side makes the movement of the hair stand out, while looking from behind draws your eye to the intricate sculpting. It's a finish that makes you unconsciously want to change its direction and look at it over and over again when displaying the figure.

While the outfit is a bold bikini style, it doesn't simply emphasize exposure but functions as a design to draw out the charm of the character as a whole. The body lines are sculpted with awareness of softness and presence, and the impression of the illustration is firmly translated into three dimensions through natural flesh-like expressions. Instead of extreme exaggeration, the sense of balance that makes you feel, “They must have wanted to shape this kind of charm,” is impressive. As you look at it, you can tell that rather than just pursuing a slender style, they are trying to express even the amiability and friendliness that the character possesses.

When looking at a three-dimensional work, I think not a few people care about “whether the atmosphere of the original illustration remains properly.” Even if it was charming in the illustration, it can sometimes feel like a completely different person the moment it becomes a three-dimensional figure. However, “ZakoZako-chan” is likely to make you forget that worry. The unique world view and character atmosphere drawn by Mr. Shimanun are firmly preserved, providing a persuasiveness that makes you think, “Didn't she just come straight out of the illustration?” If you place her in front of you, you might experience a sensation as if a tiny character has entered your space, rather than it being just a mere decoration.

An interesting figure doesn't end with a single look. First your eyes are stolen by the expression, next you become curious about the sculpting of the hair, and after that your gaze shifts to the overall silhouette and details. “ZakoZako-chan” is precisely a piece that seems capable of offering such enjoyment. Once you turn your eyes to her, she has a charm that makes you naturally look for where to look next. Before you know it, you might be talking to yourself in front of your desk or shelf, saying, “This angle is nice too.” I think that an existence which makes you want to look back so many times is exactly the kind of figure you want to keep by your side for a long time.