Trends in Japan - CScout Japan Blog

Summer it-character Gegege Kitaro tie-in products

Written by: Rebecca Milner on July 23, 2008 at 11:51 pm | In Marketing & Ad Trends | 2 Comments

If there was any question as to whether the latest (and deemed the most authentic) TV anime adaptation of the classic manga series Gegege Kitaro has struck a chord with audiences, then the release of several products featuring the spirit-monsters ought to be proof enough.

NEC is releasing a notebook PC with the Gegege characters, as redesigned by Devil Robots, laser-engraved on the top.

Two versions, the LaVie G type L standard (in berry blue or sugar pink) and the LaVie G type C are available in limited numbers from ¥82,908 and ¥162,645 respectively. Fans can choose from all or just one of their favorite characters.

On the other end of the price spectrum, Family Mart has announced a limited edition bento for the release of a full-length live action Gegege feature, “The 1000-year Cursed Song.” The “Ghost Rice Ball” lunch box features dishes inspired by the main characters and will be available, along with other assorted character products, from July 21 to August 4 for ¥1000.

Other Gegege products we’ve come across lately include this eyeball beach ball and ghost shaped floating device.

The manga series, originally called Hakaba Kitaro, by Shigeru Mizuki, debuted in 1959 and has been adapted for anime both on TV and the big screen numerous times, usually under the name Gegege Kitaro. With the beloved story just shy of its 50 year anniversary, Kitaro has a multi-generational fan base that means product tie-ins for every age group.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Gegege, here’s what the live version looks like.