My pre-order for the Amazon version cost me 4436JPY ($53).
Indeed. And this is the cheapest RRP we've ever seen on a Masterpiece Transformer. I don't know if it's worth the full RRP of 6090JPY ($72)... I'll decide that when I see one IRL.
Actually, traditionally TF pricing in Japan has typically been either better or on par with Australia's TF RRPs. It's only been in some more recent instances that we've seen JP RRPs well exceed AU RRPs in relative terms.
But then... who knows how much Hasbro would sell MP Sideswipe for in Australia. The cheapest RRP I recall seeing for a MP was Rodimus who initially sold at $80. If Hasbro brings the price down to $60-70 that's still not too far off TakaraTOMY's price. If they nearly halve the price to say approx. $45, that would be more impressive. But then again, I paid the pre-order price of $53 for mine, and it's the Amazon exclusive. My current impression is that the pricing seems reasonable for a Masterpiece. Again, whether it really is worth it or not is a judgement I'm still reserving for when I get to see this toy for myself (either when mine finally arrives or hopefully if I can see someone else's first).