Figure collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby but it has a few downsides… figure prices just keep going up, you can quickly run out of space to add to your collection and finding that perfectly sculpted oshi can be a challenge.Luckily, MegaHouse has created a relatively new figure concept that may be the solution to our woes, whether you are new to the hobby or a hardened veteran. In this article we will be exploring MegaHouse's Tenohira lineup!The Tenohira (てのひら) series, meaning palm of the hand is just that. This is a collection of figures that are a little smaller and posed in a way that they can sit in your hand as you hold them. Having seen these figures at several events in Japan over the past few months, they have really grabbed my attention for a number of reasons.First, despite the smaller size they have a good level of detail. I usually avoid smaller figures in favor of scales for the added detail and dynamic posing but the Tenohira figures look quite good. Second, the price point keeps them a competitive option. Currently, most of them are priced below 10,000¥ which makes them fairly reasonable and a potential alternative to prize and Pop Up Parade figures. Lastly is the utility. The compact nature and sitting pose makes them very easy to display and add to a collection.Unlike noodle stoppers, the Tenohira figures don't need to sit on a ledge or hang off a shelf. They are even discrete enough to sneak on your desk at work and not draw too much attention.Currently, MegaHouse has combined their G.E.M. series with the Tenohira concept and created a brand new series called Melty Princess for more palm sized goodness!

Megahouse's G.E.M. Series is the dazzling gem of the figure world, stealing the spotlight with its high-quality renditions of beloved anime and comic characters. Originally designed to entice female enthusiasts, this gem of a series first burst onto the scene in 2009, bringing iconic characters to life in mesmerizing 1/8 scale forms. Aptly named, the GEM series, aspire to be as enchanting as precious jewels, setting hearts aflutter among collectors. Over the years, they have moved away from solely focusing on husbandos and gave something that male fans may also flock to. As of writing this article, they have a very good collection from My Hero Academia......a fairly extensive catalog for the Demon Slayer crew......your favorite Spy x Family trio......and it seems the next focus will be on Haikyuu!!

While the G.E.M. series may be catering to a female audience, the Melty Princess series focuses on bishoujo figures. According to their website, the series began with a simple yet profound idea: make figures of waifus you can admire in the palm of your hands!! Fueled by the passion to spread the joy of cute girls far and wide, the team at Megahouse set out to create a collection that would evoke those unforgettable heart-stopping moments for enthusiasts. Each figure gets a dynamic pose, packed with excitement and portrayal that captures the essence of your favorite oshi. Currently there are only three Melty Princess figures available: Roxy...

...Bocchi......and Mahiro.

Mihari from Onii-chan wa Oshimai! and a childhood version of Raphtalia from Season 3 of shield hero have been announced but no prototype images have been released as of yet. Expect to see more cultured figures in the future ( ಠ ͜ʖಠ)
If you are spatially challenged, Tenohira could be the key to keeping your collection going while you patiently hunt and wait for the perfect scale to cross your path. If you are new to the hobby, this could be a great way to get started without breaking the bank. As they continue to expand into more series, it could also be a great way to complete a themed set if you feel some of the characters aren't worth a big price tag. They are affordable, compact and won’t steal the spotlight, but further highlight your oshi or favorite series!Thank you for reading!

Until next time!