Have you ever wanted to recreate scenes from your favorite anime or Ghibli films with your own hands? Now’s the perfect time to try character paper models—craft as you go and immerse yourself in the world of your favorite stories!

In this article, we’ll introduce two paper model series from Japan: ENSKY’s “Paper Theater” and Sankei’s “Miniature Art” (みにちゅあーと). Each kit is labeled with a difficulty level (from ★1 to ★5) and estimated build time, making them perfect whether you're looking for a quick creative break or a more involved project to focus on. 

Ready to see which popular characters and series are featured? Let’s dive in!

ENSKY "Paper Theater" Series

Photo Reference: PR Times

ENSKY’s “Paper Theater” series features 3D paper model kits made by layering precisely laser-cut colored paper and wood pieces. These kits bring iconic scenes from beloved characters to life in a beautifully dimensional way. With just three simple steps—cut, glue, and assemble—you can easily create your own piece of paper art.

Each component is crafted using laser-cutting technology, capturing even the subtlest facial expressions of the characters. Combined with the warm tones of the paper and wood materials, the finished piece is not only collectible but also makes for a charming interior decoration.

All models come with a difficulty rating from ★1 to ★5. The more detailed and colorful the design, the more time and effort it requires. These kits are perfect for those who enjoy relaxing handcraft time. Just pick your favorite scene, follow the step-by-step guide, and enjoy building a memorable moment from your favorite series!

Paper Theater

1 “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” PAPER THEATER – The Hero’s Party

A PAPER THEATER model from the popular anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is now available! This piece features the Hero’s Party—Frieren, Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen—and captures memorable scenes from their ten-year journey together. 

Every detail, from Himmel’s sword and Eisen’s axe to the characters’ flowing hair, is precisely cut using laser technology, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. What makes this version extra special is its size—twice as large as standard models—bringing out the characters’ expressions and the overall atmosphere in even greater depth. A must-have for both display and collection!

Photo Reference: PR Times

Product Name: “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” PAPER THEATER – The Hero’s Party（葬送のフリーレン PAPER THEATER(ペーパーシアター) / 勇者一行 PT-L83）
Shop: ENSKY
Price: JPY 3,520 
Wesbite: https://www.enskyshop.com/　
Difficulty: ★★★★★
Estimated Assembly Time: 5+ hours

©山田鐘人・アベツカサ／小学館／「葬送のフリーレン」製作委員会

2 “Dragon Ball DAIMA” PAPER THEATER

The all-new “Dragon Ball DAIMA” PAPER THEATER brings the iconic scene of Shenron soaring through the sky to life with a dynamic 3D design. Layers of carefully stacked paper create a strong sense of depth, adding dimension between the characters and the background that makes the scene feel truly immersive—almost as if the animation is about to leap off the page. Featuring a unique frame structure, this model not only ensures stability but also gives the central Shenron and characters a floating effect, delivering a stunning and distinctive visual experience!

Photo Reference: PR Times

Product Name: “Dragon Ball DAIMA” PAPER THEATER（ドラゴンボールDAIMA　PAPER THEATER）
Shop: ENSKY
Price: JPY 3,300
Website: https://www.enskyshop.com/　
Difficulty: ★★★★

Estimated Assembly Time: 3+ hours

*Available from June 2025.

©バード・スタジオ／集英社・東映アニメーション

3 “Animal Crossing” PAPER THEATER

Beloved characters from the hit game Animal Crossing are now part of a charming papercraft series! With seasonal themes of Spring and Summer, these models beautifully capture the characters enjoying their peaceful lives in nature, delicately reflecting the healing scenery of changing seasons. 

The “Spring Tanuki Shop” is adorned with full-bloom cherry blossoms, radiating a cheerful spring atmosphere, while the “Summer Resident Services” showcases lush greenery, bringing to life the vibrant energy of summertime.

Photo Reference: PR Times

Spring Tanuki Shop（春のタヌキ商店）

Photo Reference: PR Times

Summer Resident Services（夏の案内所）

Photo Reference: PR Times

Product Name: “Animal Crossing” PAPER THEATER（どうぶつの森 PAPER THEATER）
Shop: ENSKY
Price: JPY 2,090 Each　　
Website: https://www.enskyshop.com/　
Difficulty: ★★★★
Estimated Assembly Time: 3+ hours

©Nintendo

Paper Theater Ball

“PAPER THEATER Ball” is an innovative papercraft series presented in a spherical design, capturing the essence of each work inside a transparent capsule to create a stylish and dimensional decorative piece.

The interior is constructed by layering intricately cut paper pieces, with a transparent front and a semi-transparent back. This combination allows light to pass through and creates a beautiful sense of depth and perspective. Perfect as a tabletop ornament or collectible display, each set also comes with a silicone base, allowing you to securely stack multiple spheres and arrange them freely to create your own mini exhibition.

4 One Piece Paper Theater Ball

Iconic ships from the hit anime One Piece are now available as spherical papercraft models, offering a unique perspective on the crew’s grand adventures. Housed in a custom transparent capsule, each piece is not only easy to display but also enhances the three-dimensional feel—making it a standout collectible with great visual appeal.

Going Merry（ゴーイング・メリー号 PTB-30）

Photo Reference: https://www.enskyshop.com/

Thousand Sunny（サウザンド・サニー号　PTB-31）

Photo Reference: https://www.enskyshop.com/

Product Name: One Piece Paper Theater Ball（ワンピース PAPER THEATER -BALL- ）
Shop: ENSKY
Price: JPY 2,640 Each　
Website: https://www.enskyshop.com/　
Difficulty: ★★★★★
Estimated Assembly Time: 5+ hours

©尾田栄一郎／集英社・フジテレビ・東映アニメーション

5  SPY×FAMILY PAPER THEATER -BALL- / Anya Forger

The beloved Anya from the hit anime SPY×FAMILY is now available as an adorable spherical paper craft! Featuring a layered paper design, this model captures Anya’s charming expression and personality within a clear display capsule, making it a perfect collectible for fans.

Photo Reference: https://www.enskyshop.com/
 

Product Name: SPY×FAMILY PAPER THEATER -BALL- / Anya Forger （SPY×FAMILY PAPER THEATER -BALL- / アーニャ・フォージャー PTB-29X）
Shop: ENSKY
Price: JPY 2,640　
Website: https://www.enskyshop.com/　
Difficulty: ★★★

Estimated Assembly Time: 2+ hours

©遠藤達哉／集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会

Paper Theater Wood -wood style-

6  Cardcaptor Sakura PAPER THEATER Wood Style Premium — The Birth of a Cardcaptor

The beloved anime Cardcaptor Sakura introduces a premium wooden paper craft set that captures Sakura’s charm with a warm and elegant touch. This handcrafted kit combines laser-cut colored paper with finely textured wood, layering soft hues and natural materials to recreate iconic scenes in stunning detail. The result is a beautifully delicate piece that doubles as a stylish and cozy addition to your home décor.

Photo Reference: https://www.enskyshop.com/

Product Name: Cardcaptor Sakura PAPER THEATER Wood Style Premium — The Birth of a Cardcaptor（カードキャプターさくら PAPER THEATER Wood Style Premium / カードキャプター誕生 PT-WP08）
Shop: ENSKY
Price: JPY 7,700 
Website: https://www.enskyshop.com/　
Difficulty: ★★

Estimated Assembly Time: 1+ hours

©CLAMP・ST / 講談社・NEP・NHK

Sankei “Miniature Art” (みにちゅあーと) Series

Sankei’s “Miniature Art” series takes paper modeling to the next level, capturing not just shapes, but the passage of time within a scene. Each piece transports you into a specific moment from the story, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder—almost like stepping into a time machine.

The crafting process is surprisingly simple. You’ll only need basic tools like a craft knife, tweezers, glue, and a ruler—nothing more than what a schoolchild might have. All parts are pre-cut using laser technology, making assembly smooth and accessible. This time, we’ve selected a series of models inspired by Studio Ghibli films. The finished pieces are highly detailed and beautifully crafted—perfect for display and collecting!

7 Studio Ghibli Series – Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Tiger Moth

The model recreates Dola’s pirate ship, the Tiger Moth, with stunning delicacy and detail. No matter which angle you view it from, you can feel the full extent of the craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Photo Reference: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/

Product Name: Studio Ghibli Series – Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Tiger Moth（スタジオジブリ作品シリーズ　天空の城ラピュタ 【タイガーモス】 S=1/300）
Shop: Rakuten Ichiba sankei shop
Price: JPY 7,480
Website: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/　
Difficulty: ★★★
Estimated Assembly Time: 15+ hours

© 1986 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli

8 Studio Ghibli Collection — Castle in the Sky: Locomotive and Automobile

This model recreates the iconic scene from the film Castle in the Sky, where Pazu escapes from the pirate Dola's Gang while protecting Sheeta by boarding a small locomotive and leaving town. The Dola's Gang quickly notices and chases after them, driving cars along the railway in an intense and thrilling pursuit! The model intricately captures this dynamic chase scene, immersing you in the animation’s tense atmosphere and exciting story.

Photo Reference: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/
 

Product Name: Studio Ghibli Collection — Castle in the Sky: Locomotive and Automobile（スタジオジブリ作品シリーズ　天空の城ラピュタ 【機関車とオートモービル】 S=1/150）
Shop: Rakuten Ichiba sankei shop
Price: JPY 6,248 
Website: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/　
Difficulty: ★★★

Estimated Assembly Time: 7+ hours

© 1986 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli

9 Studio Ghibli Collection — My Neighbor Totoro: Totoro Filled 3D Diorama

This detailed 3D diorama beautifully captures the iconic characters and scenes from the movie My Neighbor Totoro, offering a full 360-degree view with astonishingly intricate details. The warm and playful color palette makes you feel as if you’ve stepped right into that magical world full of nature and wonder.

Photo Reference: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/

Product Name: Studio Ghibli Collection — My Neighbor Totoro: Totoro Filled 3D Diorama（スタジオジブリ作品シリーズ　となりのトトロ 【トトロがいっぱいジオラマ】 non-scale）
Shop: Rakuten Ichiba sankei shop
Price: JPY 24,420
Website: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/　
Difficulty: ★★★★
Estimated Assembly Time: 28+ hours

© 1988 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli

10 Studio Ghibli Series — Spirited Away 3D Diorama

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Spirited Away, this special 3D diorama compresses the story into a single space. Simply change your viewing angle to relive the film’s most iconic scenes. The intricate building models are crafted with exceptional detail, requiring over 100 hours to complete! Are you ready to take on this challenge?

Photo Reference: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/

Product Name: Studio Ghibli Series — Spirited Away 3D Diorama（スタジオジブリ作品シリーズ 千と千尋の神隠し 【千と千尋の神隠しジオラマ】non-scale）
Shop: Rakuten Ichiba sankei shop
Price: JPY 44,000
Website: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/sankeishop/　
Difficulty: ★★★★★
Estimated Assembly Time: 100+ hours

© 2001 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli, NDDTM