{"id":9160,"date":"2018-05-24T18:00:43","date_gmt":"2018-05-24T09:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/?p=9160"},"modified":"2019-06-27T14:30:39","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T05:30:39","slug":"akira-merch-rare-collectibles-from-japans-explosive-masterpiece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/anime\/akira-merch-rare-collectibles-from-japans-explosive-masterpiece.html","title":{"rendered":"Akira Merch: Rare Collectibles from Japan’s Explosive Masterpiece"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over three decades ago, Akira<\/em> transcended its genre with breathtaking artistry and a daring exploration of darker social-political themes. The manga’s success was instrumental in spreading otaku culture beyond Japan, and today both the original manga and its cinematic adaptation are considered iconic masterpieces. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the anime release, so in commemoration of this monumental milestone we\u2019ve put together a list of hard-to-find Japanese merchandise and limited-edition collaborations for fans of Akira<\/em> creator Katsuhiro Otomo\u2019s most explosive work.<\/p>\n

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Akira Apparel & Accessories<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Akira Kaneda Jackets<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Akira<\/p>\n

The famous 1988 aerial illustration of Kaneda walking toward his motorcycle set against an all-white background put the protagonist\u2019s iconic red jacket on full display, cementing its place in the ranks of anime\u2019s most recognizable attire. Whether for cosplay, streetwear, or proclaiming your Akira <\/em>pride to the world, you can get your hands on a genuine leather replica of Kaneda\u2019s jacket<\/strong><\/a> in both its traditional blazing red and alternate black and red colorways. No matter which style you choose, the defiant Capsule Gang logo imprinted on the back will leave onlookers in no doubt about where your loyalties lie.<\/p>\n

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Search for Akira Kaneda Jackets<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Supreme x Akira Apparel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Supreme<\/p>\n

With its focus on \u201cdowntown lifestyle,\u201d Supreme fuels counterculture\u2019s movers and shakers\u2014skaters, punks, hip-hop heads, and rock artists. Boasting a brand name synonymous with the same convention-defying attitudes as Akira<\/em>\u2019s protagonists, it was only a matter of time before Supreme collaborated with Katsuhiro Otomo to create a line of limited-edition hoodies<\/strong><\/a>, tees<\/strong><\/a>, and jackets<\/strong><\/a> featuring the manga\u2019s most defining panels.<\/p>\n

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Search for Supreme x Akira Apparel<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Supreme x Akira Accessories<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Supreme<\/p>\n

Supreme\u2019s Akira<\/em> collaboration accessories, featuring skateboard decks<\/strong><\/a> and stickers<\/strong><\/a>, take the brand name back to its roots as a hub for New York skate culture and deviant street art. Since these limited-edition accessories are available in many of the same graphics as their clothing counterparts, you can deck out your laptop, windshield, skateboard, or perhaps even a fiery-red motorcycle of your own in Akira\u2019s <\/em>edgy artwork.<\/p>\n

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Search for Supreme x Akira Skateboard Decks<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

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Search for Supreme x Akira Stickers<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

G-Shock x Akira Watches<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"G-Shock<\/p>\n

Over the years, the \u201cultimate tough watch\u201d G-Shock has\u00a0ganged up with a variety of popular anime<\/a><\/strong>, including a collaboration with Akira<\/em>\u2019s cyberpunk dystopia style in 2012 to commemorate the manga\u2019s 30th anniversary with two envied timepieces<\/strong><\/a> limited to 1,000 units each.<\/p>\n

The Kaneda DW-6900<\/strong><\/a> is inspired by Akira<\/em>\u2019s brash protagonist and his biker gang The Capsules with its red, blue, and white coloration and signature pill symbol revealed by activating the watch\u2019s backlight. Graphics on the watchband include the bar code of Kaneda\u2019s license and The Capsule motto \u201cGood for Health. Bad for Education.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Neo-Tokyo DW-5600<\/strong><\/a>, with its white bezel and watchband, encapsulates several of the manga\u2019s more ominous themes. The backlight reveals the anime\u2019s title, which is also custom etched onto the case back alongside Akira\u2019s experimentation number \u201c28.\u201d The watchband bears the Japanese Kanji \u5927\u6771\u4eac\u5e1d\u56fd translated as \u201cGreat Tokyo Empire,\u201d in reference to the story\u2019s authoritarian government, as well as the ominous opening line \u201cJuly 1998 \u2013 World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in Metropolis Tokyo\u2026\u201d.<\/p>\n

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Search for G-Shock x Akira Watches<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Akira Figures<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Although very few official Akira <\/em>figures have been released in Japan, these three series of collectibles are worth their weight in capsules!<\/p>\n

Medicom x Bandai: Soul of Popynica \u2013 Kaneda Bike & Figure Set<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medicom<\/p>\n

Like Tetsuo, many Akira <\/em>fans find themselves envious of Kaneda\u2019s futuristic racing bike. Perhaps the next best thing to riding the real deal is owning a 1\/12th-scale replica of the anime\u2019s most technologically advanced motorcycle, complete with a miniature Kaneda relaxing in the saddle. Although this Medicom x Bandai Kaneda bike and figure set<\/strong><\/a> was released in 2004, it\u2019s still considered one of the series\u2019 most enticing collectibles\u2014featuring functional rubber tires, removable fairings (to reveal the die-cast frame beneath), anime-accurate brand-name stickers, and an articulated front fork with spring-loaded suspension.<\/p>\n

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Search for Kaneda Bike & Figure Set<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Medicom x Bandai: Project BM! Series \u2013 Shima Tetsuo, Shotaro Kaneda, and Kaneda\u2019s Bike Figures<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Medicom<\/p>\n

In 2010, Medicom and Bandai released 12-inch fully articulated figures<\/strong><\/a> of Kaneda and his cohort-turned-rival Tetsuo (in his post-awakened state) as depicted in the anime\u2019s cataclysmic climax. Both collectibles feature alternate head pieces, fabric clothing, and display stands; Tetsuo\u2019s cape even includes malleable wires to recreate the billowing drama of his final moments. Best of all, Kaneda\u2019s covetable motorcycle returns in an impressive 1\/6th scale to match the companion figure\u2019s bigger size. With all the perks of the 2004 figure release, this variant of the iconic bike is also tricked out with light-up effects on the console and wheel rims, along with sound effects sampled from the anime.<\/p>\n

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Search for Project BM! Series Figures<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Akira Gashapon<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Akira<\/p>\n

Gashapon<\/strong><\/a> are the easiest Akira<\/em> figures to find in Japan, and their micro scale makes them a great addition to collections of any size. Packed with insane detail, each gashapon captures an octane-fueled moment or sci-fi set piece that violently brings the bizarre world to life. Some figures connect together to form diminutive dioramas, and each is also available in either a rare crystal-clear or bronze-paint edition for die-hard figurine fans to chase down.<\/p>\n

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Search for Akira Gashapon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Other Akira Collectibles from Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

30th Anniversary Limited-Edition Blu-ray<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Akira<\/p>\n

This 30th anniversary limited-edition Akira<\/em> Blu-ray box set<\/strong><\/a> comes locked and loaded with bonus extras for hardcore fans. Special features include an interview with Katsuhiro Otomo and Shoji Yamashiro, English and Japanese audio\/subtitles, the bonus disc from the 2001 special-edition DVD box set, a collector\u2019s booklet, illustrated postcards, and an all-new key visual by Otomo to commemorate this high-ticket release of one of anime\u2019s timeless classics.<\/p>\n

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Search for Akira 30th Anniversary Blu-ray<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Katsuhiro Otomo Art Books<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Katsuhiro<\/p>\n

Akira<\/em>\u2019s creator Katsuhiro Otomo introduced an unprecedented style of realistic fantasy storytelling that spread manga beyond Japan to readers not yet receptive to bishojo<\/em> eyes and comedic distortions. In tribute to Katsuhiro\u2019s pioneering work and illustrative mastery, his legacy has been honored over the years with several Japanese art books<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0filled with his most compelling characters and architecturally complex designs. Whether you first admired Otomo\u2019s detailed Akira<\/em> drawings in their original black-and-white manga format or in the fully animated world, these collectible art books represent the best of his convention-defying oeuvre.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Search for Katsuhiro Otomo Art Books<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Where to Buy Limited-Edition Akira Merchandise<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re revved up for this Akira <\/em><\/strong>gear and more<\/strong><\/a>, you can peel into a proxy service like FROM JAPAN and easily have this limited-edition merch dropped off at your door\u2014no psychic abilities required!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Over three decades ago, Akira transcended its genre with breathtaking artistry and a daring exploration of darker social-political themes. The manga’s success was instrumental in spreading otaku culture beyond Japan, and today both the original manga and its cinematic adaptation are considered iconic masterpieces. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the anime release, so […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":10360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","omw_enable_modal_window":"enable","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[37,41],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9160"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9160"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9160\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10362,"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9160\/revisions\/10362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}