
Seiko's New ‘Initial D' Watch Puts the AE86 on Your Wrist
To celebrate the 30th anniversary ofInitial D,Seikohas teamed up with Kodansha and series creator Shuichi Shigeno to release a limited-edition chronograph inspired by protagonist Takumi Fujiwara's iconic AE86.
Measuring just under 40mm in case diameter, the timepieces arrive in a stainless steel build. The watch's dial features a striking panda-style two-tone design that mirrors the white-and-black paint job of the Sprinter Trueno, with the 'Fujiwara Tofu Shop' logo placed at the 4 o'clock position. Subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock mimic the AE86's dashboard gauges, while the 6 o'clock subdial bears a stylized 'D' emblem, referencing both 'drift' and 'dream.'Functionality meets fandom with premium features including a quartz movement accurate to ±15 seconds per month, curved Hardlex crystal and water resistance up to 10 bar. Lumibrite-coated hands and indices ensure visibility in low light, echoing the glow of a nighttime street race.
Each piece is individually numbered out of 1,995 units — a nod to the manga's original release year. The watch arrives in a collector's box styled after the AE86's monochrome livery, complete withInitial Dbranding and an exclusive illustration card. Priced at ¥65,780 JPY (approx. $446 USD), the first batch has already sold out, with a second wave of pre-order currently open via authorized retailers.
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Hypebeast
6 days ago
- Hypebeast
Seiko's New ‘Initial D' Watch Puts the AE86 on Your Wrist
Summary To celebrate the 30th anniversary ofInitial D,Seikohas teamed up with Kodansha and series creator Shuichi Shigeno to release a limited-edition chronograph inspired by protagonist Takumi Fujiwara's iconic AE86. Measuring just under 40mm in case diameter, the timepieces arrive in a stainless steel build. The watch's dial features a striking panda-style two-tone design that mirrors the white-and-black paint job of the Sprinter Trueno, with the 'Fujiwara Tofu Shop' logo placed at the 4 o'clock position. Subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock mimic the AE86's dashboard gauges, while the 6 o'clock subdial bears a stylized 'D' emblem, referencing both 'drift' and 'dream.'Functionality meets fandom with premium features including a quartz movement accurate to ±15 seconds per month, curved Hardlex crystal and water resistance up to 10 bar. Lumibrite-coated hands and indices ensure visibility in low light, echoing the glow of a nighttime street race. Each piece is individually numbered out of 1,995 units — a nod to the manga's original release year. The watch arrives in a collector's box styled after the AE86's monochrome livery, complete withInitial Dbranding and an exclusive illustration card. Priced at ¥65,780 JPY (approx. $446 USD), the first batch has already sold out, with a second wave of pre-order currently open via authorized retailers.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
Liverpool embrace Japanese tradition with calligraphy-inspired kits
Liverpool Embrace Japanese Culture with Unique Shirts for Yokohama Clash Liverpool's final game of the Asia tour will carry a distinctive aesthetic twist. When Arne Slot's side take to the pitch against Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday, they will do so wearing shirts that celebrate a cultural partnership with deep significance. In collaboration with long-term official publication partner Kodansha, the Reds will wear special-edition kits designed with the help of Japanese calligrapher Riu Akizuki. This project is not just a visual flourish but a thoughtful fusion of football tradition and Japanese artistic philosophy. As reported by LFC. Photo LFC Shirt design inspired by ancient calligraphy For one night only, Liverpool's players will wear names and numbers shaped by Shodō, the Japanese art of calligraphy. 'The style for the names and numbers on the tour shirts is Shodō. 'Sho' means writing and 'dō' means pathway,' explained Akiko Kamiya, deputy director at Kodansha Ltd. In practice, this means the names and numbers adorning each shirt will be more than simple identifiers. 'Once you put your brush on the paper, you can't go back,' said Kamiya. 'Shodō is not about drawing a character beautifully. It's about writing with intention. Every stroke carries the writer's feelings, rhythm and presence in that very moment.' Cultural values aligned through creative collaboration This isn't the first time Liverpool and Kodansha have combined to produce something with purpose. Earlier this year, the two collaborated on a clothing and accessories line incorporating manga-style panels, reinterpreting real Liverpool moments through a Japanese visual lens. The shirt initiative, however, takes the partnership further. 'This piece is more than just east or west, or writing versus drawing,' Kamiya explained. 'It is a quiet gesture of respect, imagination and connection, delivered from Japan to Liverpool.' Photo LFC Each player's shirt will be unique in its form, yet interconnected through style and purpose. 'Together, they speak with quiet strength and harmony, just like a team,' added Kamiya. Partnership reflects shared values of innovation For Liverpool, this venture represents more than a nod to their hosts. It speaks to the club's willingness to evolve while staying rooted in its history. 'Liverpool has a unique history but they are always trying to do something new,' said Kamiya. 'Kodansha also has more than 100 years of history but we want to do something challenging every time.' It is this shared commitment to innovation and respect that has made the partnership flourish. As Kamiya noted, 'This is something that really shows off our partnership. Of course there is a sponsorship element involved, but Liverpool really encourage us to get involved and the club returns a lot to us.' Wednesday's fixture at Nissan Stadium will therefore be more than just a football match. It will be a visual and symbolic expression of two cultures meeting on equal ground. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis It is uplifting to see the club embrace a meaningful cultural exchange like this. The shirts might only be worn for one game, but their symbolism goes far beyond 90 minutes on a pitch. The Shodō-inspired names and numbers add a layer of identity and narrative to what could have been a routine pre-season fixture. It is this level of detail that makes the club feel bigger than football alone. Akizuki's artwork and Kodansha's vision provide a beautiful context that elevates the experience for fans and players alike. This collaboration shows Liverpool's off-pitch decisions are increasingly thoughtful and globally minded. While other clubs might focus solely on commercial returns, Liverpool have shown a willingness to create something meaningful. It is not just about marketing in a new region, it is about honouring it. The club's unique history, now linked with Kodansha's century-long legacy, feels like a partnership that truly respects both heritage and creativity. Watching the team walk out in Japan wearing these shirts will be a moment to cherish, a proud reminder of how far the club has come, not only in footballing terms but in cultural influence too.


Business Upturn
06-07-2025
- Business Upturn
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity: 3 best characters introduced in episode 1
By Aman Shukla Published on July 6, 2025, 18:00 IST Last updated July 6, 2025, 10:22 IST The anime The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity dropped its first episode on July 6, 2025, and wow, it's already got fans buzzing! Adapted from Saka Mikami's manga, which has been a hit on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket since 2021, this CloverWorks production dives into a sweet school romance with a twist: two rival schools, one full of rough-around-the-edges boys and the other a fancy all-girls academy. Episode 1, called 'Rintaro and Kaoruko,' introduces a cast that's equal parts charming and real. Let's talk about the three characters who made the biggest splash in this heartwarming premiere. 1. Rintaro Tsumugi Rintaro Tsumugi, voiced by Yoshinori Nakayama, is the heart of Episode 1. A second-year student at Chidori High, Rintaro's intimidating appearance often leads others to misjudge him as a delinquent. However, his kind-hearted nature shines through, especially when he helps at his family's patisserie. His gentle demeanor is evident when he saves Kaoruko from harassment, showcasing his protective side without resorting to unnecessary violence. Rintaro's internal struggle with low self-esteem and his desire to be seen for who he truly is make him instantly relatable. His dynamic with Kaoruko, sparked by their encounter at the cake shop, sets the foundation for the series' romantic arc, making him a character to root for from the start. 2. Kaoruko Waguri Kaoruko Waguri, voiced by Honoka Inoue, is a scholarship student at Kikyo Private Academy, known for her academic excellence and warm personality. Her love for the cakes at Rintaro's family bakery brings her into his world, where she quickly sees past his tough exterior to his genuine kindness. In Episode 1, Kaoruko's sincerity is highlighted when she thanks Rintaro for his help, defying the prejudice her school holds against Chidori students. Her straightforward and mature approach to their budding connection adds depth to her character, making her a perfect complement to Rintaro's reserved nature. Kaoruko's charm lies in her ability to bridge the gap between their rival schools with empathy and grace. 3. Shōhei Furukawa Shōhei Furukawa, voiced by Kikunosuke Toya, is Rintaro's outgoing and energetic friend at Chidori High. His lively personality brings a lighthearted vibe to Episode 1, fostering a positive atmosphere among his peers. Shōhei's carefree and slightly ditzy nature provides comic relief, but his loyalty to his friends is evident in his interactions. Unlike many at Chidori, he harbors no grudge against Kikyo students, which hints at his open-mindedness. Shōhei's role in Episode 1 is small but impactful, setting him up as a supportive friend who could play a key part in easing tensions between the schools. Ahmedabad Plane Crash The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at