Cerberus Project’s guitar girl Arisa is a kit I’d been lusting after since I first saw her in resin at Wonder Festival Winter 2006, so when news came last July that Yamato was going to produce a PVC rendition of her the extent of my chortling glee can scarcely be underestimated. I’ve been in high tension mode ever since, wondering just how Yamato would treat her – fears that I am very happy to say were largely needless. Read on for a look at what turns out to be one of the loveliest kits of the year.
Original Design: Yamashita Shunya
Sculptor: Sunny Day (Cerberus Project)
Bass Guitar Sculptor: N.S Gun
Source: Yamashita Shunya original
Scale: 1/7 (24 cm tall)
Materials: PVC, ABS
Release Date: November 29th, 2007
Production: Yamato
Price: 7,140 JPY (tax included)
Current Availability: [KNC] [HLJ] [HS] [TL] [AAA]
Support HD!: [PA] [JLIST]

Character Description
Arisa is one of the myriad creations of artist and illustrator Yamashita Shunya. Unlike many of the recent figures produced from his designs the Arisa illustration predates the figure, and seems to have served as spontaneous inspiration for more than one kit (the version pictured in our Wonder Festival 2006 Winter coverage isn’t the Cerberus Project version, though both were present at the event).
It’s worth noting that in her original incarnation Arisa goes unnamed, and is shown holding a bass that is definitely a Rickenbacker; hence her description on Cerberus’s site as “Rickenbacker and Girl“. When Yamato decided to produce their PVC version they commissioned a second illustration of the character, dubbed her Arisa, and changed the headstock of the guitar to deviate slightly from the classic Rickenbacker hook.
![Heisei Democracy [ERO] Figure Review: Yamato's Yamashita Shunya designed, Cerberus Project (Sunny Day) sculpted, Creators' Labo CL#014 Guitar Girl Arisa PVC](http://heiseidemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/arisa_original.thumbnail.jpg)
![Heisei Democracy [ERO] Figure Review: Yamato's Yamashita Shunya designed, Cerberus Project (Sunny Day) sculpted, Creators' Labo CL#014 Guitar Girl Arisa PVC](http://heiseidemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/arisa_original_2.thumbnail.jpg)
original Rickenbacker & Girl illustration and her revised Arisa counterpart
Sculpt
This is personally one of my favorite Cerberus Project sculpts by any of the members of the very skilled Korean sculpting cooperative. Something just *clicked* here that works extraordinarily well for me; the proportions, lines, curves, volume and facial composition all combine harmoniously in what is one of the sexiest kits of the past few years. I’d venture to say that it is superior in most ways to the original Yamashita illustration.
While the pose doesn’t seem particularly dynamic, the mere act of putting her on her tip-toes creates all sorts of exciting possibilities for body lines that don’t typically stand out on most kits. The concave arch of her back down to the billowing curve of her rear is simply divine, and the casual display of her breasts (whether cast on or off) with her head cocked to look at you inquisitively is a combination I find irresistible. I could go on and on, but I think the general thrust of my argument comes across here well enough – Sunny Day knows what he’s doing, and this kit is S-E-X-Y.
Production
This was the most worrisome aspect of the kit, and I’m happy to report that Yamato did a very good job here overall. Breaking it down into the casting and the paint job, let’s tackle the paint first: this kit is painted in a deliberate, almost voluptuous style that I must say I find very attractive despite some flaws in the detail work. The trim on the garters, sailor suit and thigh highs is less than perfect, and there’s not much shading on the stockings, but otherwise it’s hard to find criticism for the paint job here. Her skin is luxuriously shaded in delicate tones of pink, the nipples are done deliberately but in an inoffensive tone, shading on the blouse is abundant and looks good. A range of textures and finishes is used that while not incredibly broad complements the color scheme nicely.
In terms of casting things are generally solid, but one major flaw stands out: the split on the left sleeve of her blouse. Try as I might I could not get it to hold together until I removed it and managed with some difficulty to force it closed; I tried to do the same after putting it on her again with no success. This is a pretty major flaw, but – and this is a big but – there’s a reason for it: the interior of the blouse is coated with a second layer of clear plastic, no doubt there to assure a safe and flawless castoff. This makes the garment much less flexible, but I’m willing to forgive part of the sin of the horrible seam in light of it. The only other minor quibble I have with the casting is that her left arm tends to fall off rather easily just by brushing up against it, but that’s not a big deal.
A final production note must go to the bass guitar, which is done up in truly epic style. Though it’s perhaps a bit large for the scale of the kit it’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship from Cerberus member N.S Gun, and compliments the kit incredibly nicely. It even comes with a second set of strings (made of silver thread), and you can remove the bridge to replace them. A touch that definitely bespeaks Yamato’s commitment to quality with this kit, as does the inclusion of three pairs of glasses and the removable skirt (the slight scratches you may notice on her belly are from my fumbling to put it on and take it off, not from any factory defect).
Conclusion
Yamato’s “guitar girl” Arisa is a figure I can enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend to any collector of bishoujo PVCs. They largely met the challenge of duplicating Sunny Day’s amazing original sculpt, and the confidence displayed in their production values bodes very well for future offerings from the maker. This is an item I’m proud to have in my collection, and I can’t sing her praises loudly enough (I have to shout over the din of her bass playing in the background…). Despite a few minor drawbacks in production, I’d say she’s worth considering as one of the top kits of the year.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
+ stunningly sexy original sculpt
+ faithful casting job preserves the glorious curves of her figure
+ bold, confident coloring pulls through where it matters most
+ nice set of detailed extras, from the amazing guitar work to the glasses
o paint job trim work is less than perfect
o mirror base shows fingerprints easily
– left arm has a tendency to fall off
– precautionary clear coating makes it impossible to close her blouse
– when I tried to confess my love she was rocking out so hard she couldn’t hear me
If you’d like to support HD I’d highly recommend purchasing her at Play Asia, and J-List has her as well. If you hurry she’s still barely in stock at HLJ, but I’d recommend acting fast… Yamashita Shunya’s artbook Sweet Dreams is available as well, for those looking to go to the source.
As always, an insightful and entertaining review. My only gripe (personal preference really) is that the nipples aren’t fully covered with her top on. I was hoping to keep this one on permanent display without having to take her down when certain people visit.
None the less, this is an outstanding figure that I can’t wait to get in the mail.
Argh Shingo, such lovely pics, making me lust over her more.
Still awaiting on HLJ to process my order, hope they hurry, can’t wait to see her for myself.
Going by the pics she looks much better than I anticipated, i’m glad I decided to order her in the end after my initial non-interest.
Just put in my order at PA (with an $8 off coupon that makes it the best deal around).
To tell you the truth I was far from on the fence on this one. I really did not and still do not like the glasses. But they are just a minor gripe.
Your review did me in Shingo and I thank you, now enjoy the affiliate cash that I just sent ya ;)
>>HammerOC
It may be that the top will fit more snugly on your version; I’m guessing mine was particularly ill-fitting due to the issue with the sleeve. Still, a rather risky figure for permanent display in a high-traffic area…
Glad you enjoyed the review!
>>Manning
Yeah, I’m really happy with the good work Yamato did here. I’m resting much easier now in my preorder of their Dynamite Kanu. :D
>>Y
I deliberately chose to shoot her primarily with glasses off for that reason; I don’t find them to be a drawback, but I realize others might.
Thanks for choosing to shop with an HD affiliate! It’s always nice when PA manages to pull off the low price coup.
grr, waiting on hlj to process my pre-order as well :[
A wonderful review as usual.
I knew Yamato would get this one right. They put out better quality product than they ever get credit for, and they work with the best GK sculptors around (Toushirou, REFLECT, Cerberus Project). Now the near endless waiting for her to reach US distribution and for my order to arrive after it finally does. It will be awesome though when it finally arrives in my hot little hands.
I wonder why they don’t make her a Guitar Hero…?
I already have a pre-painted resin kit of her, so I can’t afford to buy the PVC. Nice photos, though :)
Very delicious indeed.
Just a question Shingo. Does her shirt cover much of her boobies? I was just wondering because I want to display her on my desk but wouldn’t want her nipples showing when my girlfriend comes around. >___<;; From the prototype photos and box art, her shirt seems slightly longer and covered just enough to make her not too erotic. I would really love to send some affiliate cash your way. ^____^ Cheers.
>>shawn
The shirt was rather ill-fitting on my copy, such that I couldn’t bring the front down any lower than you see it in the photos here; you might get lucky and get a slightly better-cast blouse which would fit more snugly over her breasts, but either way I think it’s a bit too short for comfort if you plan to display it in a public area, alas. :(
-she`s not the guitar girl, she is the RICKENBACKER 4000 series bass girl.
I’m so, SO tempted by this one… I have the other Yamashita meganekko figure, and I love it.
But I’m already running out of space in my new apartment, even though I left most of my old figures back at my folks’ place. >.<
Gah! ;_;
OK, i did notice after reading the whole article that Rickenbacker bass was already named here. But after a closer look on the instrument i have to say it`s impossible to play in tone. The frets are spaced in a unprecise way, so it`s immpossible to really get it in tuning.
Wow!! Great great figure!!
I got the resin and was veryhappy with how she came out but I didn’t get the eyes just right…..
oh wel,I order this baby too through Play-Asia and I am very hapy I did so.
Quick Q- Shingo- does this site do a figure of the year review?? Or is that a thread for HD’s forums??
Thanx for the great review!
I’m concerned like Shawn, if only the shirt was a bit longer! I have to think some kind of mod to stretch it.
>>Work_Ethic
I’ve been thinking about doing some kind of “best of the year” post for figures, it’s just a matter of finding the time to put it together. Keep an eye out if you’re interested though, it’ll probably show up in a few weeks.
>>Shingo
The blouse and the skirt are entirely made/cast from clear soft plastic and painted on the exterior… many cast off figures use this method/material, as the clear plastic does not mar the skin shading/paint app. Among some figures includes Yamato’s TT Lynx
>>oopai power
A very good call, sir! Once again your powers of perception leave me in awe. Even a second close inspection of her blouse made me think that it was two layers of plastic, but your explanation makes more sense from a production perspective. I am indebted to your knowledge once again. I must say that this is the first figure I have seen that uses such a tactic (that I can think of off the top of my head, at least).
I have Yamato’s Lynx but I’m not sure where the bra is (orz) so I can’t verify it myself – would you happen to have photos of any other kits using a similar technique?
I should note that in the case of Arisa the plastic is NOT soft – it’s quite hard and brittle, and I was worried I would break it if I tried forcing the seam together with too much pressure.
Again, I learnt something new today: Rickenbacker is a bass guitar.
And my friends said collecting erotic figures isn’t an adult thing to do. (One wonders which kid has money to splurge on hundred dollar figures…maybe millionaires’ ones I suppose… 8) )
Again, nothing short of a GREAT review, Shingo. Waiting eagerly for my copy to arrive from HLJ. I guess I will have to wait till next week as they don’t work over the weekend. How I wish I work for such a company…
Something else I learn today: N.S Gun, sculptor of the Rickenbacker, also sculpt 1 of my favorite Mahjong game characters:
http://hompy.jocoso.jp/album.nwz?tmsrl=115623&bsrl=8&_pg=0&act=read&aseq=729584
As Kintaro of the Golden Boy comics said “Study, Study, Study!” 8)
Very very good figure. Very sexy! I was gonna get it untill I saw the nipples can’t be covered up…
Good to hear Shingo- I had a feeling that the megahouse Tsuka Jun’s Hanoko (I soooooo butchetred that guys name- forgiveness please) was going to get the great review it did.
Now, to go post there……
I just got mine in the mail today and I have to say it’s pretty well made. The skirt seems to stand a little higher in the waist than in the images here but her nipples are not showing at all so the top is in place as it’s supposed to be. It seems, in my case at least, that the nipple issue is not a problem at all. Taller than I expected, which is a plus. Overall a great model.
I picked mine up last week. I really love the look of this figure in any of the numerous configurations, the nipples do not show with her shirt on at all in the one I’ve got. One question for everyone though- are the smaller pieces(bows, the sash, etc) on your Arisa figures REALLY touchy? Mine fall off with the smallest touch… Otherwise, shes really great.
Thanks for the review. It helped me select this lady as my first figure to purchase. It’s a lovely figure and looks great on my shelf. Mine holds together fine, nips are covered just fine when dressed.