Is this really new in box??

Yes only the Japanese Plarail comes bagged...
The early Tomy exports for global sale came only taped on the box...
Technically, if something is listed as "new", Nib, or Bnib, the seal of tape cannot be broken. If a seller lists it as anything with an "N"(new) in the title, then it cannot have ever been opened...if it turns out to not be new PayPal/ eBay will guarantee your purchase and force the seller to issue you a return/ refund, so if it's listed as new you have no worries about taking a chance.