BANPRESTO's Naruto: Shippuden Akatsuki Project! Members of the Infamous Organization Assemble! (Part 1)

BANPRESTO is a top-class Japanese brand that has been regularly reproducing the unique characters of Naruto, featuring them in a variety of products almost every month for fans to enjoy.

Starting in May, BANPRESTO will be unveiling 10 figures of the widely popular Akatsuki group from Naruto: Shippuden back-to-back!

Information on the Akatsuki member products will be split into 3 articles!

This time, the Akatsuki members have been developed into figures with the help of two of BANPRESTO's series.

The first one could be said to be the core of BANPRESTO's Naruto figure lineup: VIBRATION STARS.

The second one is EFFECTREME, which is known for its large effect parts incorporated in its products.

Plus, some Akatsuki members that have been released as figures in the past will be coming back!
This lineup will appeal to fans who missed out on the chance to get them.

But before we go into the details, let's have another look at the EFFECTREME series.

When the Rasengan—Naruto Uzumaki's signature ninjutsu—is reproduced using EFFECTREME's characteristic clear parts, the powerful surging winds are made visible and clearly convey its power.

Leveraging translucent parts to create dynamic yet captivating figures is the hallmark characteristic of the EFFECTREME line.

This series has fastidiously reproduced various scenes and ninjutsu from Naruto.

Leading the charge for this project, just like in the series, is a member of the artistic duo that raided the Village Hidden in the Sand! Introducing NARUTO SHIPPUDEN EFFECTREME-DEIDARA-!

Along with Sasori, Deidara raids the Village Hidden in the Sand and faces off against the Kazekage, Gaara. Thanks to his powerful explosive attacks, Deidara is able to defeat Gaara and abduct him from the village.

There's no doubt that plenty of fans were shocked by his strength.

The Akatsuki cloak, billowing from the bomb blasts.

A belligerent expression that reeks of provocation.

Either of those qualities alone would make this figure a perfect fit for the first release!

Pay special attention to Deidara's distinctive palms.

The mouths on both his hands are synced up with the expression on his face, leaving that much more of an impact when you look at it straight on.


And of course, no Deidara figure would be complete without his signature explosions!

"Art is an explosion!" Deidara's philosophy towards his art is embodied by the bold clear effects that come with him.
Deidara's abilities are faithfully reproduced in 3D thanks to the immersive workmanship of the EFFECTREME series.

And since Deidara has arrived...naturally his partner Sasori is hot on his heels, coming in June!

Notice that while the selling point of this series is typically the use of clear parts to create effects, this figure instead leverages an iron sand effect!

Opaque materials have been used to show off the characteristics of his techniques.


Of course, no detail was spared for these effects.

This figure is inspired by Sasori manipulating the puppeted Third Kazekage's Kekkei Genkai to use Magnet Style abilities. The fine grains of sand along with the semi-gloss coloring adds a layer of realism to the cold iron sand, which perfectly reflects Sasori's personality.

Sasori's stone-cold gaze with which he meets even his grandmother Chiyo is also elegantly recreated.


The effects, coloring, and composition of this figure all come together to make a lifelike final product.

And finally in July, we'll come face to face with a legendary man from a legendary clan...!

Out of the many ninjutsu Itachi Uchiha has mastered, this time he has been recreated using the Uchiha clan's signature Fireball Jutsu!
The visual impact of Itachi floating in the air as he unleashes a fireball conveys both his power and coolness all in one figure!

His stoic gaze as he launches a fireball is also emblematic of Itachi's character.

Fans will find themselves remembering Itachi's complicated life due to his superior skill as a shinobi. Despite his abilities, he must carry a heavy burden due to the twisted ideals of his organization.

The glorious giant fireball effect projects power and strength, a testament to the EFFECTREME brand.

The bottom is flat, which allows it to be placed on flat surfaces without rolling over.

Deidara, Sasori, and Itachi Uchiha are the three BANPRESTO EFFECTREME Akatsuki figures we introduced this time.

Who will be next out of the remaining seven...?
Stay tuned for the latest news on BANPRESTO's upcoming Akatsuki line!

We'll reveal more details in part 2!