Nekopara - Nendoroid

Since 2014, Nekopara has been a favorite visual novel game amongst catgirl fans. Short for "Neko Paradise," Nekopara allows players to experience a fantasy world where they can grow close to a diverse cast of catgirls. Of the many catgirls in the series, twins Chocola and Vanilla see the most screen time and merchandise appearances. As of early 2022, Chocola and Vanilla are the only Nekopara Nendoroids in circulation, as seen in "Nendoroid Nekopara Chocola" and "Nendoroid Nekopara Vanilla."

Nendoroid Nekopara Chocola

The dog-like, energetic catgirl of La Soliel joins the Nendoroid family with this adorable chibi figure. Chocola wears her cafe uniform, complete with a ruffled apron and a red and pink accent motif. Her cat attributes, fluffy ears, and long tail feature delicate sculpting that naturally blends with her curly twintails. The figure includes three faceplates to showcase Chocola's wide range of emotions: smiling, crying, and cheerfully purring. A cake slice and tray accessory allows fans to pose Chocola as a charming waitress serving customers. Notably, the figure includes her silver bell around her neck, denoting her success as a neko.

Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Taketomo
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"

Nendoroid Nekopara Vanilla

La Soleil's youngest catgirl joins her energetic twin sister as an adorable Nendoroid figure. Like the companion Chocola figure, Vanilla wears her cafe uniform with pale blue accents. Vanilla's fluffy white pigtails appear weightless, with curled ends, and perfectly match her fluffy ears. The gold bell around her neck contrasts with the delicate painting on the figure in metallic brilliance. Faceplates include Vanilla's gentle stare, a serene smile, and silly, smug expression. Arm pieces feature classic catgirl paw options as well as options suited for a skilled waitress. Accessories include a serving tray for helping customers alongside Chocola.

Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Keita Tagami
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"

About Nekopara

Nekopara is a series of visual novels from developer Neko Works. The series combines catgirl and isekai genre standards within a cafe setting with strong adult content. As of April 2020, the series had over 3 million downloads worldwide.

About Nekopara: Story

Nekopara follows young adult Kashou Minaduki as he leaves home to start his own cafe business. In this universe, humans exist alongside hybrid humanoid catgirls, called "neko." After relocating, Kashou discovers two of his family neko, Vanilla, and Chocola stowed away in his belongings. He allows them to stay with him as employees and pets in his cafe. Over the following volumes, more of the Minaduki family neko visit to help Kashou with his business. As an adult visual novel, the storyline includes increasingly mature themes with each volume.

About Nekopara: Characters

The main draw of Nekopara is the cast of diverse catgirls. The story first introduces the twin catgirls Vanilla and Chocola. Vanilla is quiet and reserved while Chocola is excitable, impulsive, and almost dog-like in her behavior. The other four Minaduki catgirls appear periodically throughout the series: Azuki, Coconut, Maple, and Cinnamon. Azuki is a munchkin catgirl with a responsible, yet brash personality. Coconut, based on a Maine Coon, is emotional and playful. Maple is an American Curl catgirl who is more prideful, mature, and independent than the other neko. Finally, Cinnamon is a Scottish Fold catgirl with a relaxed, yet motherly personality.

Nekopara Series Development

The first volume of Nekopara appeared for download on Windows in December 2014. Since the original release, the series has expanded to include four volumes, multiple platform versions, and an anime adaptation.

Nekopara Series Development: Production

Volume One of Nekopara came with two versions upon release: an all-ages censored version and an explicit adult version. The first volume sold over 100,000 in the first half of 2015, prompting an all-ages fandisc release in August 2015. Volume Two of the story came out in February 2016. By May of that year, the series had sold over 500,000 copies. The third volume came out in May 2017, a month after sales surpassed one million. The long-anticipated fourth season came out in November 2020. Volumes one through three received ports for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in 2018 in partnership with publisher CFK. In November 2021, NekoWorks announced development for a new volume.

Nekopara Series Development: Reception

Upon its release, Nekopara received mixed to positive reviews. Positive reviews highlighted the light, fluffy nature of the storyline and appeal for catgirl fans. More critical reviews pointed out the alienating nature of the series' sexually explicit storylines. Fans of the series got involved in a Kickstarter campaign to produce an OVA detailing the early life of Chocola and Vanilla. The campaign launched in December 2016 and exceeded its long-stretch one million USD goal in February 2017. A 12-episode all-ages anime adaptation of the series premiered in January 2020. As of February 2022, franchise sales have exceeded 5 million copies.