The character “Kurumi Tokisaki” is often expected to have an “eye-catching presence” among numerous figures, but I felt that this “TENITOL TALL Date A Live V Kurumi Tokisaki Race Queen ver.” is a piece that has met those expectations head-on. The moment you place it on a shelf, it has a powerful impact that makes you think, “Ah, this is the type of figure that changes the atmosphere,” and simply displaying it tightens the impression of the entire collection space. The benefit of the TALL size of approximately 29 cm is greater than imagined, providing an overwhelming presence that looks as if it is stepping one pace ahead of ordinary figures. Yet, it does not end with just being large; the high level of perfection of this model can be felt in how the details of the sculpting and the charm of the paintwork are clearly conveyed.

First to catch the eye is the presence of the race queen outfit centered on red and black. It is not a generic flashiness, but a color scheme that naturally brings out the bewitching charm and dangerous aura of the character Kurumi Tokisaki, possessing a persuasiveness as if it were an “outfit tailored specifically for Kurumi.” Furthermore, the glossiness from the enamel paintwork is truly effective, and because the impression changes depending on the angle the light hits it, the atmosphere looks different between day and night. It is not just simply highly glossy, but also expresses smoothness and texture, making it perhaps the type of figure that feels more charming in person than when viewed in photos.

And a point that cannot be left out when talking about this figure is the posing. The bold posture of leaning the body forward carries an air that seems to provoke the viewer, creating a sense of tension as if it is “in the middle of moving right now” despite being a static sculpture. In addition, the twin-tails that spread out widely to the left and right create a flow for the line of sight, so the silhouette does not become monotonous from any angle. Viewed from the front, the bewitching charm stands out; viewed from a diagonal, the spread of the hair generates a sense of dynamism; and viewed from behind, the beauty of the outfit's lines emerges. In other words, it is established as a “three-dimensional object you want to keep gazing at” that does not end with just one direction.

Speaking of the TENITOL series, it is known as a brand developed in a relatively accessible price range, but regarding this Kurumi Tokisaki, I felt it was created with a very strong awareness of providing satisfaction beyond its price. In particular, there are few compromises in the details of the outfit, and the fine lines and the three-dimensional feel of the parts are firmly crafted, achieving both a gorgeousness when viewed from a distance and a wealth of information when viewed up close. The point that it satisfies both “looking great on display” and “never getting tired of looking at it” must be a very significant appeal for collectors.

The sculpting by Oage + Sparrow, who was in charge of the prototype production, was impressive for establishing an original arrangement without destroying the character's personality. While the theme of a race queen can sometimes end up as a mere costume change depending on the case, this work firmly retains the bewitchment and composure characteristic of Kurumi. In addition, the paint expression by Tomofumi (WATANA BOX), who was in charge of the coloring production, goes extremely well with it, and the contrast between the depth of the black and the vividness of the red is particularly exquisite. The fact that it looks luxurious rather than cheap despite being flashy is largely due to the skillfulness of the paint balance.

A figure does not remain in one's heart simply by turning a favorite character into a three-dimensional form. It needs a “reason to want to display it.” In this Kurumi Tokisaki Race Queen ver., that reason is firmly packed inside. The impact from the size, the glamorous costume, the pose that seems to dominate the space, and the arrangement that emphasizes the charm of the character Kurumi without destroying it. With all of these coming together, it seems to be completed not as a mere character merchandise, but as a “figure meant for showing off.” It was a piece with such a mysterious attraction that you find yourself looking at it over and over again before you know it.