Exciting New Merchandise and Events for BANANA FISH This Summer!
The beloved manga series BANANA FISH is heating up this August with a wave of new projects, including an “Entertainment Lottery,” themed “Wafers,” and a special “POP UP STORE.” Fans certainly won’t want to miss out on these fantastic new merchandise items!
About BANANA FISH
First serialized by Yoshida Akimi in “Bessatsu Shoujo Comic” from 1985 to 1994, BANANA FISH tells the captivating story of Ash Lynx, a young leader of a New York street gang. He teams up with Okumura Eiji, a Japanese youth who came for a report, to chase after the truth behind the mysterious word “Banana Fish.” It’s a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and a relentless pursuit of truth in the gritty underworld of New York City.
The Acclaimed Anime Adaptation
The TV anime adaptation of BANANA FISH began airing in July 2018, bringing the manga’s compelling narrative to life with stunning animation by studio MAPPA. The series quickly garnered a passionate fanbase for its faithful adaptation and powerful storytelling. The talented voice cast perfectly captured the essence of each character:
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Ash Lynx | Uchida Yuuma |
| Okumura Eiji | Nojima Kenji |
| Furukawa Makoto | |
| Hosoya Yoshimasa | |
| Kawada Shinji | |
| Fukuyama Jun | |
| Morikawa Toshiyuki |
New Merchandise Unveiled!
As BANANA FISH celebrates its 40th anniversary since the manga’s serialization began, the excitement is palpable! A flurry of new merchandise is being released, starting with the “BANANA FISH Entertainment Lottery,” which was launched on August 12th at select Lawson and HMV stores.
The “BANANA FISH Entertainment Lottery,” priced at 770 yen (tax included) per draw, offers a unique lineup of prizes:
- Coffee Server Prize
- Plate Prize (2 types)
- Acrylic Board Prize (4 types)
- Jacquard Hand Towel Prize (2 types)
- Acrylic Mirror Coaster Prize (4 types)
- Clear File & Sticker Prize (9 types)
- Zipper Bag Prize (6 types)
- And a special Last Prize: an “LED Canvas Board” for those lucky enough to pull the final ticket!
The “BANANA FISH Wafer Collect Box,” set to release on August 22nd, offers a delightful treat for collectors.
Each box includes a collection of cards featuring original manga illustrations. You’ll find 36 types of normal cards, plus 6 types of rare cards with a dazzling sparkling design.
As a special purchase bonus, customers can get a “digital wallpaper image” by scanning a 2D code (14 types available randomly).
BANANA FISH POP UP STORE in HMV
Fans in Japan will have the chance to visit the “BANANA FISH POP UP STORE in HMV” at two locations:
- HMV Esola Ikebukuro (Toshima-ku, Tokyo) from August 22nd to September 7th.
- HMV&BOOKS SHINSAIBASHI (Chuo-ku, Osaka) from September 19th to October 5th.
These pop-up stores will offer original goods featuring beautiful illustrations directly from the manga. As an added treat, customers who spend 4,000 yen (tax included) or more on eligible items will receive a venue-exclusive “Special Photogray Card” as a purchase bonus (4 types available randomly). Don’t miss this unique opportunity to grab some exclusive merchandise!
Exclusive Online Merchandise
From August 22nd at 10:00 AM to October 31st at 11:30 PM, @Loppi and HMV&BOOKS online will be exclusively holding pre-orders for original BANANA FISH merchandise.
This includes the sale of a cozy “Blanket” and a limited-edition “Drip Coffee with Pouch (5-pack).” Plus, some items also available at the “BANANA FISH POP UP STORE in HMV” will be available online.
This summer is truly a treat for BANANA FISH enthusiasts! How about diving into the world of Ash and Eiji by finding your favorite new merchandise?
Product Details:
- BANANA FISH Entertainment Lottery
- Release Date: Tuesday, August 12th
- Price: 770 yen (tax included) per draw
- Available at: Lawson, HMV (select stores)
- BANANA FISH Wafer Collect Box
- Release Date: Friday, August 22nd
- Price: 290 yen for a single pack, 5,800 yen for 1 BOX (all prices tax included)
- Available at: Lawson / HMV / @Loppi / HMV&BOOKS online
- BANANA FISH POP UP STORE in HMV
- Tokyo Venue: HMV Esola Ikebukuro (1-12-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
- Osaka Venue: HMV&BOOKS SHINSAIBASHI (Shinsaibashi OPA 8F, 1-4-3 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
- @Loppi・HMV&BOOKS online exclusive original goods pre-order
- Blanket: 5,500 yen (tax included)
- Drip Coffee with Pouch (5-pack): 2,530 yen (tax included)
(C) Akimi Yoshida / Shogakukan
By hidegomi
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