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Gunpla — Gundam plastic model kits — are the perfect gateway hobby: cheap to start, no glue or paint required, and weirdly relaxing. Here’s how the grades work and which kit to buy first.
Understanding the grades
- Entry Grade (EG) — the easiest; snap-fit, minimal parts, great for a first build.
- High Grade (HG) — 1/144 scale, affordable, huge variety; the sweet spot for beginners.
- Real Grade (RG) — 1/144 but highly detailed and complex; step up once you’re comfortable.
- Master Grade (MG) — 1/100 scale, inner frames, more advanced and satisfying.
- Perfect Grade (PG) — huge, expensive, expert-level showpieces.
What to buy first
Start with an EG or HG kit — an EG RX-78-2 or an HG of a design you like. They cost little, build in an evening, and teach you the basics without frustration.
Tools you actually need
- A good side cutter (nipper) — the one upgrade that matters most for clean parts.
- A hobby knife or file to tidy nub marks.
- Optional: panel-line marker and Gundam markers for detail; no paint needed.
Where to buy
The best selection and prices come from Japanese hobby stores that ship worldwide — see our guide to buying figures and kits from Japan (HLJ , AmiAmi, CDJapan). Amazon also stocks popular HG and EG kits and nippers. Buying in Japan? Yodobashi and hobby shops in Akihabara are a paradise.
Tips for a clean first build
- Take your time cutting parts from the runner — cut away from the part, then trim the nub.
- Follow the manual; it’s picture-based and easy even in Japanese.
- Panel-lining is the easiest way to make a kit look pro.
Looking for a gift for a fan? A beginner kit plus a nipper is perfect — see best gifts from Japan.