EVERETT, WA-–   Funko  signed Japanese toy manufacturer and licensee Bandai as its exclusive distributor for products in Japan. Bandai replaces Hot Toys as Funko’s distributor in Japan. Hot Toys will selling through its remaining inventory by Q3, a Funko spokeswoman said

Bandai will take full control of  distribution in Q4, with the goal of bringing gaming, anime, movie and television Pop! vinyl figurines to mass market inJapan.

“Japanese pop culture fans will be overjoyed to know that we have exclusively partnered with Bandai to distribute Funko Pop! vinyl figures, soft lines, plush and board games within Japan,” said Brian Mariotti, CEO of Funko. “Partnering with Bandai is yet another example of the investment we are making in our global distribution and commitment to service our retail partners and consumers across the world.”

“We are delighted that we now have a business partnership with Funko. We recognize that Funko Pop! is one of the most popular vinyl figures in the world and they’ve established a strong brand in the market. We look forward to expanding Pop! in our market and in global business together,” said Shinjiro Kaji, General Manager of Asia Toy Strategy Department of BANDAI CO., LTD.

Funko has an extensive portfolio of content providers and licenses within the anime genre. Some of the bestselling properties include Dragonball Z, My Hero Academia and Naruto.

About Funko, Inc.

Headquartered in Everett, Washington, Funko is a leading pop culture consumer products company. Funko designs, sources and distributes licensed pop culture products across multiple categories, including vinyl figures, board games, action toys, plush, games, apparel, housewares and accessories for consumers who seek tangible ways to connect with their favorite pop culture brands and characters.

About BANDAI CO., LTD

BANDAI CO., LTD (“BANDAI”) is the manufacturer across multiple categories, including Toys, Vending, Life style product and toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in toys and animation, interactive entertainment in Japan. The vision of the three-year plan since 2018 is “Break Out of the Box. Wow the World!”. BANDAI aims to become global leaders in the character and entertainment businesses.