Jay - Kimono (Legacy)
njo579 · Ninjago
Legacy / Prime Empire · 2020. This model was a modernized reimagining of the classic 2013 Kimono Jay, released during the 'Legacy' era which updated older designs with modern printing standards and higher detail levels.
Figure ID
njo579
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2020. This model was a modernized reimagining of the classic 2013 Kimono Jay, released during the 'Legacy' era which updated older designs with modern printing standards and higher detail levels.
Rarity
Uncommon. While the figure was widely available in entry-level sets, it is no longer in production, and collectors are increasingly seeking out complete versions of the core ninja team in their Kimono outfits.
Head
Yellow skin tone with dual-sided printing. One side features a smirk with black mask/goggles and lightning detail; the other side (obscured here) usually features an angry expression. The mask printing includes silver metallic highlights.
Torso
Dark Blue Ninja tunic (Kimono style) with a light blue sash and a white lightning-bolt crest on the left chest. The right arm is dark blue, while the left arm in this specific photo appears to have a yellow arm swap (likely an error or repair) as the official njo579 features two dark blue arms.
Legs
Dark bluish gray legs with detailed printing of decorative armor plating, sash ends, and blue cross-strapped boots. The printing continues from the torso belt onto the hip piece.
Accessories
This figure originally included a blue nindroid-style headband/wrap and typically a silver katana or a gold chain weapon. The figure in the image is missing its headgear and hand-held weapons.
Color Scheme
A primary palette of Dark Blue and Medium Blue, accented by Bright Yellow skin, Dark Bluish Gray, and Silver Metallic printing details representing the element of lightning.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. Notable for the sharp jagged lightning motifs on the torso and the detailed wrap-around printed belt. The head includes high-reflectivity silver ink on the goggle portion.
Variants
This is the Legacy version (njo579). It differs from the 2013 original (njo073) by having much more complex leg printing and more refined facial features. This specific physical figure appears to be a 'misfit' variant with an incorrect yellow left arm.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the silver printing on the face mask rubbing off and torso cracks at the sides. Note: This figure has a non-standard yellow arm which suggests it has been modified or repaired with non-original parts.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete): $4.00 - $6.00 USD. Used (Incomplete/Mis-matched): $2.00 - $3.00 USD. The missing hair/mask and the incorrect yellow arm significantly lower its value to collectors.
Price (New)
Retail price context: This figure appeared in set 71708 (Gamer's Market, $29.99) and set 71701 (Kai's Fire Dragon, $19.99).
Compatible Sets
71708 Gamer's Market (2020), 71701 Kai's Fire Dragon (2020), and various Ninjago Legacy activity books.
Character Background
Jay Walker is the Blue Ninja and the Elemental Master of Lightning. He was recruited by Master Wu and is known for his fast-talking humor and his relationship with Nya. The Kimono outfit represents his power-up phase from the Final Battle against the Overlord.
Design Notes
The Legacy design philosophy was to maintain the 'DNA' of the original minifigures while utilizing 360-degree printing and more vibrant ink. The use of dark blue vs. the original's standard blue gives a more 'premium' feel to the character.
Similar Minifigures
Jay - Kimono (njo073), Jay - Legacy (njo488), Jay - FS (njo543), and other Legacy Kimono ninja like Kai (njo563) or Lloyd (njo568).
Collectibility
Medium. While Jay is a fan-favorite character, this specific version is common. However, the 'Legacy' line is highly sought after by newer fans looking to complete their rosters of the original suits.
History
First introduced in 2011, Jay's design has seen over 50 iterations. This 2020 version serves as a bridge between the classic 'Golden Age' of Ninjago and the modern high-detail era.
Interesting Facts
The 'lightning' symbol on the torso is actually a stylized 'J' in the Ninjago language. Additionally, the Legacy series was created specifically because 2013 Kimono outfits became so expensive on the secondary market.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside the other five Legacy Kimono Ninja on a tiered stand. Use a light blue translucent baseplate to represent lightning energy.
Modification Potential
High. Since this figure already has a mismatched yellow arm, it is a great candidate for a custom 'Post-Apocalyptic' or 'Battle Damaged' Jay MOC using scrap armor pieces.
Overall Assessment
This is a solid mid-tier Ninjago figure. In its current state (missing headgear and incorrect arm), it is a 'play-wear' piece rather than a 'display-grade' collector's item. Rating: 6/10.