An Epic Crossover: Initial D Meets PUI PUI Molcar!
Hold onto your racing gloves and prepare for cuteness overload! In a dream collaboration that no one saw coming, the legendary street racing manga Initial D joins forces with the utterly charming stop-motion anime PUI PUI Molcar. A line of special collaboration goods is set to hit the shelves at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, taking place at Makuhari Messe from January 9th to 11th, 2026.
About the Legend: Initial D
Commonly known as Ini D, Initial D is the iconic manga by Shuichi Shigeno that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 and has sold over 56 million copies. It revolves around intense highway battles and car action, centering on protagonist Fujiwara Takumi and his beloved Toyota AE86. Featuring a plethora of real car models, the series didn’t just captivate car enthusiasts—it ignited a passion for automobiles in a whole generation, leaving a massive impact on the automotive industry itself.
About the Phenomenon: PUI PUI Molcar
PUI PUI Molcar is the heartwarming and hilarious stop-motion anime set in a world where guinea pigs are cars! The “Molcars” embark on adventures filled with healing moments, friendship, and chaotic action. Its undeniable charm, bolstered by the unique fact that real guinea pigs provide the voices, captivated audiences of all ages after its 2021 debut. The show’s innovative world, characters, and dynamic animation sparked a global “Molcar boom.” A new series, PUI PUI Molcar DRIVING SCHOOL, aired in 2022 to great acclaim, and a brand-new CG animated film, PUI PUI Molcar THE MOVIE MOLMAX, was released in November 2024.
The Dream Collaboration Details
This crossover merchandise will be available at the special booth and satellite booths operated by SAN-EI CORPORATION at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026. The lineup features limited-edition goods with brand-new illustrations where famous cars from Initial D—like the legendary Hachiroku (AE86), the FC3S, and the FD3S—have been transformed into adorable Molcars!
Moe Meets Motorsports: The Product Lineup
The goods feature dynamic, newly-drawn artwork of Molcars dressed in iconic Initial D liveries, like the panda colors of “Fujiwara Tofu Shop” and the team colors of “Akagi RedSuns,” looking like they’re speeding down a mountain pass. The extensive lineup includes:
- Original Print Cookies
- Caramel Tin Badge Can
- Printed Shrimp Senbei Crackers
- Original T-Shirts
- Original Muffler Towels
- Tote Bags
- Original Mini Towels
- 3-Connect Keychains
- Original Clear Files (3-piece set)
- Acrylic Keychains
- Acrylic Stickers
- Can Badges
And here’s a sweet deal: visitors to the booth will receive an original sticker as a purchase bonus! This is the perfect chance for both car fans and character fans to get their hands on goods that blend the worlds of “high-speed” and “chill” (?!). Don’t miss out, as there will also be original, advance-sale Initial D goods available exclusively at the booth.
Event Information
To get these Initial D and PUI PUI Molcar collaboration goods, head to the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 at Makuhari Messe from January 9th to 11th, 2026. The goods will also be available at APIT Shinonome and Makuhari Tsutaya Books.
Exhibition Overview
Event Name: “TOKYO AUTO SALON 2026” (Tokyo Auto Salon 2026)
Dates: January 9 (Fri), 10 (Sat), 11 (Sun), 2026 (Please check the official website for details)
Exhibition Locations:
(1) Makuhari Messe, North Hall 1023 – SAN-EI CORPORATION Special Booth
(2) Satellite Booths (Only on the 10th (Sat) and 11th (Sun)):
・Perie Kaihimmakuhari Station Special POPUP Shop (Right outside JR Kaihimmakuhari Station ticket gates)
・Plena Makuhari 1F Event Special Shop (2-min walk from JR Kaihimmakuhari Station South Exit)
(3) APIT Shinonome (TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE APIT Shinonome, Shinonome 2-7-20, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
(4) Makuhari Tsutaya Books (1-1 Toyosuna, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, AEON MALL Makuhari Shintoshin GM1F) (*Only some products)
Written by 《Nakase Koutarou》
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