Heisei Democracy returns to the world of figure reviews with the imposing work of artifice that is Daiki Kougyou’s Koyori PVC from Psikyo / X-nauts’ classic shooting game Sengoku Blade. How well does she stack up against her Megahouse-produced counterpart released last January, and is any PVC figure worth 15,000 yen? One man’s answer lies within. Caution: those offended by the sight of molded plastic breasts will not enjoy this post.

Original Design: Tsukasa Jun
Sculptor: Cobra-kai
Source: Sengoku Blade
Scale: 1/4
Materials: PVC, etc.
Release Date: November 18th, 2006
Production: Daiki Kougyou
Price: 15,750 JPY (tax included)
Current Availability: Hobby Link Japan



I had seen this resin at Wonder Festival in the past, but given Daiki Kougyou’s spotty track record in the PVC department I was cautious about committing to the substantial investment required for the PVC version. When a sample of the actual production model appeared in Toranoana my doubts were dispelled however, and I’m glad they were – this is without a doubt the finest PVC figure to come out of Daiki Kougyou’s as-yet fledgling production house (thanks largely to the original sculpt, no doubt). That said, there are always nitpicks that arise at this price point…

The Good

  • The sheer volume of the kit is impressive. It’s a heavy chunk of PVC, and feels worth it.
  • The body lines of the original sculpt are amazing, and this PVC rendition keeps them intact – short of a rotating platform I’m almost inclined to display her with her back facing me.
  • The removable kimono and replacement arms are a very welcome addition, as is the inclusion of the pillow.
  • It’s cheaper, the PVC looks better, and it comes with more options than an equivalent cold cast kit from Musashiya or Aizu.
  • It’s roughly the same price as the original resin, but I didn’t have to paint it.

The Adequate

  • Riding primarily on the strength of the sculpt and the natural shading achieved by the contours of the body, the paint job suffers by comparison. It does the job, but not brilliantly.
  • The connecting seams at the hips and shoulders stand out more than perhaps they should.
  • The kimono right arm attachment fits a bit loosely, requiring occasional readjustement.
  • The figure comes with tape seals applied. I never understood their point on the original kit, and surely leaving them as an option would have reduced production costs? The residue left over from removal was minimal, thankfully.
  • The miko staff and necklace are fine, and the fact that both can be removed is appreciated, but not particularly to my taste as accessories.
  • While an expected and understandable addition, the original kit’s lack of fundoshi was certainly one of its charm points.

The Ugly

  • Cheap, blue, clear plastic lizardmen. What? Not present in the original kit, nor were the knobs on the hips needed to attach them. This was as poor a design choice as they come. I’m seriously considering an attempt to sand those knobs down.
  • A scar-like blemish was left over on the upper right back from contact with the kimono. This could have been avoided by including another sheet of protective plastic wrap between the two surfaces (several of the other components were covered), and seems like a careless omission.

Overall Score: 8/10

Daiki Kougyou has produced a very nice kit here, but given the price point, a few unfortunate design decisions, and lack of precision craftsmanship in the seams and paint job, it falls short of the perfect 10 achieved by Megahouse’s incarnation. At this point it seems I may be doomed to pick up ebcraft’s attempt as well, so stay tuned come January of ’07!