Before modern figures, sofubi revivals, and high-end collectibles, there was EdoMae.
The EdoMae figure line remains one of the most ambitious and character-faithful toy releases ever produced for Kyatto Ninden Teyandee / Samurai Pizza Cats — and it’s long overdue for a proper archival overview.
🌍 Two Regions, Two Very Different Releases
The EdoMae line was released in Japan and Europe. Both releases had their own strengths, appealing to different types of collectors, with notable differences between regions:
🇯🇵 Japan (1990)
Figures were released as model kits requiring assembly.
Packaging was colorful, lively, and toyetic.
Included the full lineup, plus: Nyagoking And an exclusive Rescue Team 4-pack.
🇬🇧 Europe (1991)
Released a year after the Japanese version, and before the show aired in the UK, so the general public did not have a frame of reference for any of these characters.
Figures were pre-assembled.
Boxes were larger, cleaner, and display-oriented.
Featured a hinged front panel that could be flipped open to reveal the figure inside.
🐱 Character Lineup
Europe received:
The Nyanki/Pizza Cats
1. Yattarō (Speedy Cerviche)
2. Pururun (Polly Esther)
3. Sukashii (Guido Anchovy)
The Rescue Team
4. Gotton (Meowzma O’Toole)
5. Rikinoshin (General Catton)
6. Mietoru (Bat Cat)
7. Nekkiy (Spritz T. Cat)
Japan got all of the above, plus:
‼NOTE: the European packaging misspells Speedy’s surname as “CEVICHI”.
🔢 Fun Fact: The Nyanki Numbering System
In the original Japanese series, the citizens of Edoropolis did not know the true identities of the Nyanki. Instead, the heroes were referred to by numerical designations. For example:
Yattarō — Nyanki No. 1
Pururun — Nyanki No. 2
Sukashii — Nyanki No. 3
This anonymous numbering system was carried over into the EdoMae product line, where the figures were labeled according to their in-universe designations rather than by name alone.
Interestingly, Nyagoking was not part of this original naming scheme in the show — but for the sake of product-line consistency, he was assigned No. 8 in the EdoMae lineup.
It’s a small detail, but one that shows just how closely the EdoMae line respected the structure and worldbuilding of the original series.
⚙ Features & Gimmicks
The EdoMae line wasn’t just about display — it leaned fully into play and transformation:
The main three Nyanki figures included:
Every figure had a unique weapon
The Rescue Team’s weapons could combine into a single oversized amalgamated weapon. Was it ridiculous? Absolutely. Was it accurate to the show and completely on-brand? Also absolutely.
This is a reference post — a foundation.
As I eventually acquire individual EdoMae figures, I’ll be doing dedicated highlight posts for each one (just like Bat Cat). There’s no rush here — debt first, collection filling later.
But the EdoMae line deserves to be documented now, as one of the most important and character-complete figure lines in the franchise’s history. So far.
If you grew up with these… welcome back!
If you’re discovering them for the first time — welcome to the deep end. 💚
