The iconic special-effects puppet series Thunderbirds is marking 60 years since its Japanese television debut. To celebrate, a variety of anniversary initiatives have been announced, including a new key visual, special merchandise, a collaboration in VR space, and a screening and talk show event on September 30—officially recognized as “Thunderbirds Day.”
Created by British television legend Gerry Anderson, Thunderbirds is renowned for its pioneering Supermarionation puppetry technique, and became a worldwide phenomenon with its blend of storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and memorable music. In Japan, it achieved legendary status among fans and creators alike.
60th Anniversary Key Visual
To honor the milestone, a new key visual featuring Thunderbirds 1 through 5 has been created, designed to be instantly recognizable even in silhouette and color. It will be used for wallpaper downloads on the official site, social media, and events.
Special Collaborations and Merchandise
Among the new product initiatives is a collaboration with camping car specialist Direct Cars, known for its Good Design Award-winning vehicles. A prototype will be unveiled at the Yokohama Camping Car Show 2026 on September 26-27, with orders opening there.
Another collaboration offers a goshuin (stamp) from Kashiwa Shrine in Chiba Prefecture, honoring the late artist Komatsuzaki Shigeru, who lived in the city and created iconic box art for Thunderbirds models.
The model brand Bellfine is releasing a 60th anniversary series called Thunderbirds Mechanic Selection, along with limited edition T-shirts featuring the anniversary logo on the box art.
Additionally, replica dolls of Gordon Tracy, John Tracy, and Lady Penelope by sculptor Sakamoto Kenji are planned, with details to be announced later.
VR Collaboration
In collaboration with JGC Global, which operates the VR lunar smart community Lumarnity, a massive 3D model of Thunderbird 3 will be placed in the virtual lunar city, allowing users to take commemorative photos and share them on social media.
Screening and Talk Show
On September 30, a special screening and talk show will be held at Marunouchi Picadilly in Tokyo, with two sessions at 15:00 and 18:00. The event will feature a talk show with guest Maikaze Rira, a former top musumeyaku of the Takarazuka Revue’s Snow Troupe, who will offer insights into the series’ world-building, Lady Penelope’s emotional expression, and the use of live orchestral music. The screening will include the first episode “Trapped in the Sky” and the fan-favorite 28th episode “The Cham-Cham.” Ticket details will be announced later.
Event Details
- Event: Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Premium Screening (tentative title)
- Date & Time: September 30, 2026 (Wed) at 15:00 and 18:00 (two sessions), each followed by a 20-minute talk show
- Venue: Marunouchi Picadilly (Tokyo)
- Films: Episode 1 “Trapped in the Sky” / Episode 28 “The Cham-Cham”
- Guest: Maikaze Rira (actress, former top musumeyaku of Takarazuka Revue Snow Troupe)
- Tickets: Details to be announced
