The Kaiyodo figure models are accurate representations of anime characters. Provided to China Daily

More than 3,000 figure models by Kaiyodo, the world-renowned Japanese figure maker, are being exhibited in Shanghai.

It is the first time such a large collection of figure models, all imported from Japan, are being displayed on the Chinese mainland. The exhibition covers popular cartoon characters from the past 40 years.

Chinese born after 1970 generations will encounter familiar figures from their childhoods, such as Sailor Moon and Fist of the North Star. Teenagers will also find classical animation figures like Ultraman and Hatsune Miku.

Figure models, or garage kits, are made of resin that is sculpted and painted into miniature figurines of creatures.

In Japan, figure models are an important part of Otaku, a subculture group that refers to people with obsessive interests, commonly in the realm of the anime and manga fandom. The figures and manga could be the Otaku's spiritual pillar against the pressures of modern society.

Miyawaki Shuichi, head of Kaiyodo, is confident that figure models can be accepted and enjoyed by people from all countries.