Some of the boxes that my toys come in go directly into storage, but Hoi Hoi-San has one of those boxes you just want to keep around. I mean, the illustration on the top of the box is really cool.

Well, I didn't want to spend too long ogling over the cool illustration. After all, I had a kit to build! I opened it and started to organize all the parts. Being a bit of an OCD type, I found myself already taking pleasure in organizing them in order and prepping my work area.

I worried I might need certain tools or glue, and since I haven't built a kit in ages, I didn't have anything handy. Luckily, Hoi Hoi-San can be snapped together completely by hand with the use of no extra instruments. I did find the pieces broke more cleanly from their frames using a pair of needle-nose nippers, and so I used those and then a small nail file to remove any rough edges left behind.

You assemble this kit from the feet up. As I worked, I found her charming even in little parts. I was delighted when I finished the shoes -- how precious are they? I couldn't wait to get further, and as I did I was even more pleased when I had built the bottom half of the torso.

IT'S RIDICULOUS TO THINK ANYTHING COULD EVER BE THAT CUTE. THE END.

Anyway, suffice to say I really enjoying the entire building process. This kit was just a joy to put together, and the instructions were easy to follow despite the language barrier. The only thing I noticed was that the accessories (gun, broom, etc) were grey so they do require painting if you are a stickler for details. I am, but still haven't gotten around to buying the paint and brushes I would need to complete her.

In the end, she came out beautiful. What you see here is one of the three faces she comes with -- you can choose to have her looking left, right or ahead. The ears she wears are also adjustable, and she is fully poseable, although you must move her carefully or you risk a part popping free here or there.

Thought you might enjoy a look from the top down as well.

Want to build her? Well, you can do so for a fairly cheap price -- she can still be ordered through Hobby Search for about $32. If you're a bit handier with paint than I am, you can do some amazing things with her -- this Alice in Wonderland-styled variant is just the beginning (and let's not forget about Hoi Hoi Saber!). We definitely recommend this kit -- Kotobukiya did everything right on this one!