If you love Hatsune Miku, you’ve probably seen or own a figure made by Good Smile Company (GSC).

GSC is famous for turning Miku’s many designs into amazing collectibles, from cute Nendoroids to detailed scale figures.

For over a decade, they’ve brought Miku to life for fans all around the world.

In this article, we'll discover about:

• What is Good Smile Company and its history
• How GSC became known for Hatsune Miku figures
• The different Miku figure lines they produce
• The talented artists and sculptors behind the figures
• Community events, contests, and fan collaborations

Let’s dive in and see what makes Good Smile Company and Hatsune Miku figures so special!

Good Smile Company Logo

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What is Good Smile Company and Its History

Good Smile Company, or GSC, is one of Japan’s most well-known figure makers. It was founded by Aki Takanori in 2001 in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, originally as an event management and talent company.

GSC soon began working with Max Factory on hobby products, a partnership that shifted its main focus to figures and collectibles.

Today, Good Smile Company handles the planning, production, manufacturing, and sales of figures and toys, and also distributes products for other popular brands like Max Factory, FREEing, and Phat! Company. They often share booth space at big events like Wonder Festival.

In 2012, GSC moved its headquarters from Matsudo to the Tokyo Skytree’s East Tower, which they now share with Max Factory.

The name “Good Smile” comes from the founder’s wish to make people smile through creative work. True to that, the company runs Kahotan’s Blog, a fan-favorite site that shares product news in English and Japanese, giving collectors a behind-the-scenes look at new releases.

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How GSC Became Known for Hatsune Miku Figures

Good Smile Company became closely linked with Hatsune Miku not long after her debut in 2007.

In 2008, GSC released some of its earliest Hatsune Miku figures, including scale figures and Nendoroids based on her original illustration by the artist KEI, who designed her official character art.

At the time, there was huge demand from fans who wanted to own a physical version of Miku’s iconic look. GSC saw this growing fan culture around Miku and recognized how important it was to capture her charm with high quality and attention to detail.

These early figures were a big success and proved that virtual idols could inspire real-world collectibles.

After that, GSC continued to expand Miku’s figure lineup, collaborating with Crypton Future Media and fans to turn new outfits and designs into figures every year.

Special releases like Snow Miku, Racing Miku, and Magical Mirai made collecting Miku figures an exciting tradition for fans around the world.

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The Different Miku Figure Lines of GSC

Good Smile Company offers many Hatsune Miku figure lines, each with its own style and appeal. Here are some most iconic lines:

• Nendoroid: Cute, chibi-style figures with swappable faces and parts. Includes special variants like Nendoroid Petite (smaller size) and Nendoroid Doll (with cloth outfits and more posing options).
• Scale Figures: Larger, fixed-pose figures that capture Miku’s detailed designs with dynamic sculpting and beautiful paintwork.
• Figma: Poseable action figures with great articulation and fun accessories for dynamic displays.
• POP UP PARADE: Affordable, easy-to-collect figures with quality sculpts at a smaller scale — a good entry point for new collectors.

GSC Miku figure lines examples

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The Talented Artists and Sculptors Behind the Figures

Behind every Hatsune Miku figure is a team of creative artists and sculptors who bring her to life in 3D.

• KEI: The original illustrator of Hatsune Miku’s iconic look — many early figures are based on his art.
• Sculptors: Skilled figure sculptors like Takayuki Kawahara, Chieri, and others turn 2D designs into detailed sculpts.
• Guest Illustrators: Popular artists like Rella, Tda, and iXima design new outfits for Miku Symphony, Racing Miku, and special collabs.
• Collaboration with Fans: Some Miku figure designs come from fan contests, where the winning artwork is turned into an official figure.
• Good Smile’s Team: GSC’s in-house planners, painters, and production teams add finishing touches to ensure each figure captures Miku’s charm.

This mix of official designers, fan creators, and master sculptors is what makes each Hatsune Miku figure so unique and loved by collectors worldwide.

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Community Events, Contests, and Fan Collaborations Held by GSC

Good Smile Company plays a big part in supporting the Hatsune Miku community through special events, design contests, and collaborations that turn fan ideas into real figures.

• Snow Miku Contest: Since 2010, GSC and Crypton Future Media have held an annual fan art contest for Snow Miku. The winning costume design is turned into a figure and appears as a mascot at the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido every February.
• Racing Miku: Good Smile Racing, managed by GSC, picks a new Racing Miku design each motorsport season. Popular artists like Tony Taka and Tsuji Santa have contributed, and fans often vote on team visuals and merch.
• Magical Mirai Exhibits: GSC has a major presence at Hatsune Miku Magical Mirai — an annual event with live concerts and an exhibition area where fans can see prototypes, vote for new figure ideas, and buy exclusive merch.
• Fan Illustration Contests: GSC occasionally runs illustration contests for special figures. For example, Snow Miku’s vehicle designs and pet companions often come from separate fan design contests.

By hosting design contests, pop-up events, and fan-voted collaborations, Good Smile Company keeps Hatsune Miku figures fresh, unique, and truly inspired by the fans themselves.

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Wrap Up

Whether you’re a longtime collector or just starting your Miku figure journey, Good Smile Company’s dedication to quality and creativity makes every piece feel truly special.

Their passion and the support of the global Miku community keep inspiring new designs, collaborations, and unforgettable events year after year.

So next time you add a new figure to your shelf, you’ll know the heart and craftsmanship that goes into every smile.

Happy collecting — and keep celebrating Hatsune Miku together!