Apex Toys and Joker from Persona 5 Royal
What most people don't know is that Apex Toys is positioning this release as an official premium statue aimed at fans of Persona 5 Royal. The company confirmed that pre-orders will open on 17 April 2026. Guess what? The figure represents Joker, the protagonist of Persona 5 Royal, who’s often celebrated for his signature mask and Phantom Thief persona.
It's early morning in Kyoto. Street vendors in traditional markets won't sell this kind of item, yet collectors in Akihabara and Nakano Broadway will watch the pre-order window closely. Speaking of which, the figure ties directly to the game's imagery, so expect sculpt details that reference Joker's costume and props. The best part is that Apex Toys listed this as a 1/8 scale collectible, a popular size that balances display presence and shelf space. Convinced yet?
Design, Scale and What the 1/8 Scale Means
Let's be honest: 1/8 scale figures usually stand between 20 and 25 centimetres tall for an average adult character. Plot twist: height varies by pose, but that gives you an idea for shelf planning, whether you keep figures in a glass case or atop a desk. What I especially like is that a 1/8 scale keeps fine costume details readable without taking up an entire display cabinet.
Sculpt and Pose
But let's stick with sculpt details for now. The promo images show Joker in a dynamic stance, cape flowing, which means Apex Toys likely prioritised movement and line in the sculpt. What most people don't know is that Japanese sculptors often work from detailed CAD files before hand-painting masters by studio teams. While we're at it, check for signature elements like the 仮面 (kamen) mask and the Phantom Thief motif, which in Japanese is 怪盗 (kait)ō. See what I mean?
Paint, Materials and Base
Guess what? High-quality 1/8 figures usually use PVC and ABS, with polystone bases sometimes added for weight. My tip is to look for photos of the prototype under different light to judge paintwork and gloss. The base design often hints at the scene, so a Joker figure might include a stylised Metaverse pattern or a playing card motif. But that's not all.
Pre-orders, Where to Buy, and Collector Tips
Question: When should you reserve one? Pre-orders begin on 17 April 2026, according to Apex Toys' announcement. The company hasn't confirmed the final retail price yet, but similar 1/8 licensed figures from Japan commonly fall within a broad range depending on sculpt complexity and included accessories. The best part is that if you shop early through trusted Japanese shops, you'll often avoid overseas markups and secure the item during the initial allocation.
Speaking of which, reputable shops in Japan and international retailers will list the item once pre-orders go live. My tip is to set alerts on hobby retailers you trust and prepare an account with a shipping-forwarder or a shop that ships internationally. While we're at it, joining collector communities on Reddit or Discord can give you real-time updates and screenshots of the official listing. See what I mean?
Language and Collector Culture: A Quick Note for Learners
Let me show you why learning a few Japanese words helps when buying from Japan. Retail listings often use kana or kanji like 受注 (juchuu) for "orders" and 発売 (hatsubai) for "release." Learning these short words will speed up navigation on Japanese pages and help you understand release schedules, payment windows, and cancellation policies. Simply brilliant.
In pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
When do pre-orders start?
Pre-orders begin on 17 April 2026.
What scale is the figure?
This Joker figure is a 1/8 scale collectible.
Where can I buy it internationally?
Check major hobby retailers and trusted Japanese shops; set alerts and prepare accounts before pre-orders open.
