Short answers, pulled from the story.
Figma was created by Max Factory CEO Max Watanabe and designer Masaki Asai. The first figure, a special edition Haruhi Suzumiya with product code SP001, was released on the 31st of January 2008 as a bundled bonus with the PS2 game Suzumiya Haruhi no Tomadoi. The first standard-catalog figma, Yuki Nagato, followed in February 2008.
Figma figures are produced by Max Factory and distributed by Good Smile Company.
Figma was conceived as a direct counter to the Kaiyodo Revoltech figurines, with articulation as its central focus. Flexible plastic is used in areas such as skirts and scarves to prevent joints from being blocked, and each figure includes interchangeable faceplates, multiple hand sets, and an articulated stand. Some parts are cross-compatible between different figma releases.
Figma figures stand approximately 13 to 16 centimeters tall, with the height varying to match the proportions of the character being reproduced. They are made from ABS and PVC plastic.
The figma line focuses primarily on characters from Japanese anime, manga, and video games. It occasionally includes Western characters or real people who have achieved cultural significance in Japan, such as Billy Herrington, who became well known in Japan through internet memes.
The figma family includes di:stage display stage units (discontinued after 2009), ex:ride scaled vehicles such as motorbikes, figma vehicles for Girls und Panzer tanks including the Panzer IV Ausf. D released in October 2015, figFIX non-articulated static figures, figma Styles fashion items and fabric doll clothing, and figma Plus for dioramas and miscellaneous compatible products.