The landscape for US-based collectors of Japanese figures is undergoing significant changes this December 2025, with Good Smile US at the center of critical operational updates. The subsidiary of the globally renowned Good Smile Company, best known for the beloved Nendoroid and Figma lines, is navigating complex international trade policies that directly impact pre-orders, shipping times, and even the future availability of some products. This article breaks down the most recent and essential news you need to know, from major policy shifts to the highly anticipated product releases shipping out this month.
As of December 2025, the figure collecting community is buzzing with news of major policy revisions and exciting product drops. From the immediate concern of a potential US shipment suspension to the joy of new figures hitting shelves, staying informed is crucial for managing your collection and pre-order queue. We have compiled the five most critical updates and a complete company profile to give you the freshest, most actionable information.
Good Smile Company US, Inc. Profile & Key Entities
Good Smile Company US, Inc. serves as the official North American subsidiary of the Japanese figure manufacturing giant, Good Smile Company (GSC). It is the primary distributor and online retailer for GSC products within the United States and Canada, helping to streamline the process for Western collectors.
- Parent Company: Good Smile Company (Founded 2001)
- Key Role: North American distribution and sales for GSC's extensive product line.
- Primary Product Lines: Nendoroid (chibi-style figures), Figma (highly articulated action figures), and POP UP PARADE (affordable, non-scale statues).
- Exclusivity: Often carries US-exclusive figures, early access to sales, and special promotional offers not available through third-party retailers.
- Operational Difference: Good Smile US (goodsmileus.com) ships domestically within the US and Canada, whereas the Good Smile Global Online Shop ships directly from Japan.
- Key Subsidiaries/Brands Mentioned in 2025 Releases: FREEing, Good Smile Arts Shanghai.
The 5 Critical Updates for Good Smile US Collectors in December 2025
The following are the most recent and significant pieces of information impacting the Good Smile US shopping experience this month, covering everything from logistics to new figures.
1. Looming US Shipment Suspension and Trade Policy Concerns
The most pressing news for collectors is the potential for a temporary suspension of shipments to the United States from the Good Smile Company Global Online Store. This is reportedly scheduled to begin around Thursday, August 28, 2025. This action is cited as a response to recent changes in US government trade policy.
While the Good Smile US store (goodsmileus.com) operates separately and sources figures via different logistics channels, the overarching trade situation is causing significant ripple effects across the entire Good Smile ecosystem. The company has stated they are reviewing alternative shipping methods to resume shipments, but this news highlights the volatility in the import market, which can affect pricing and delays even for US-based orders.
2. Retroactive Pre-Order Price Changes and Policy Revisions
Collectors have been advised that Good Smile US may not be honoring existing pre-order prices for some items. This retroactive change is unusual for the industry and has been a major point of discussion within the collecting community. The changes are likely a direct consequence of the same trade policy shifts and rising shipping charges that are impacting the global supply chain.
It is crucial for customers with long-standing pre-orders to check their email for notifications regarding price adjustments. While a change in the price of a pre-ordered item is generally frowned upon, the current economic and trade environment has forced the company to make difficult policy revisions to manage costs.
3. December 2025 Product Release Waves are Confirmed
Despite the logistical challenges, the figure release schedule for December 2025 is moving forward with confirmed shipping dates. Good Smile Company has announced multiple waves of releases shipping out from Japan, which will then make their way to the Good Smile US warehouse for domestic distribution.
Key products shipping out in December 2025 include:
- POP UP PARADE Okarun (Transformed): A highly anticipated figure from the popular series.
- FREEing - Shiro: Bunny Ver.: A large-scale figure that is a highlight for many collectors.
- Huggy Good Smile Subaru Akehoshi and Huggy Good Smile Hokuto Hidaka: New additions under the Good Smile Arts Shanghai banner.
Collectors should note that US release dates typically lag behind the Japanese release dates by approximately one month due to the time required for international freight and customs processing.
4. The Good Smile US vs. Global Shop Dilemma
The operational differences between the Good Smile US shop and the Good Smile Global shop have never been more important.
- Good Smile US (goodsmileus.com): Serves US and Canada, offers domestic shipping, and may have slightly higher base prices but with generally better-managed domestic shipping costs. Orders are fulfilled after the figures arrive from Japan, leading to a longer wait time.
- Good Smile Global Shop (global.goodsmile.com): Ships directly from Japan. While this can mean faster receipt of the figure (closer to the Japanese release), it is the store facing the August 2025 shipping suspension and is subject to international shipping rates and potential customs/tax issues for US customers.
Given the suspension news, US-based collectors may be safer ordering from the Good Smile US shop for the time being, despite the slightly longer wait, to avoid the immediate risk of international shipping complications.
5. Smile Fest 2025 and Future Announcements
Looking ahead, the Good Smile Company's major figure exhibition event, Smile Fest 2025, is confirmed to be returning. While the physical event will take place in Tokyo and Osaka, the online announcements from this event are where the figure collecting world gets its first look at hundreds of upcoming Nendoroid, Figma, and scale figure prototypes.
Monitoring the official Good Smile US updates page and social media channels during and after Smile Fest 2025 will be the best way to secure pre-orders for the next wave of must-have collectibles.
Navigating the Good Smile US Pre-Order Process
With the current instability in shipping and pricing, understanding the pre-order system is vital. Good Smile US primarily offers a window of time to place a pre-order, often without requiring immediate payment. Payment is typically charged when the product is ready to ship from the US warehouse. However, the recent policy changes mean collectors must be vigilant.
To ensure a smooth experience:
- Check Email Regularly: Be prepared for potential email notifications regarding shipping charge revisions or retroactive price adjustments on existing pre-orders.
- Sign Up for Updates: Subscribing to the Good Smile US newsletter can provide early access to sales, product updates, and exclusive offers, including a potential 10% off your next order.
- Monitor Release Schedules: Use the official Good Smile US or Good Smile Company Japan release schedules to estimate when your figure will arrive. Remember to factor in the one-month transit time from Japan to the US warehouse.
The figure collecting hobby is inherently tied to global logistics, and December 2025 is proving to be a challenging but exciting time. By staying informed about the shipping suspension, policy changes, and the latest releases, collectors can successfully navigate the current market and continue to enjoy their passion for high-quality anime figures.
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