I don't know about counters, but Steve Jackson Games makes a product called Cardboard Heroes. It contains 436 full color cardboard minitures. Of those 436, about 40 are of an "Oriental profession/class" (ie ninja, shugenja, sumo wrestler, peasant, geisha, etc.)
I think I remember paying about $20 for it. The only drawback is cutting out the figures. You can buy plastic bases for 'em too.