U-TREASURE, a brand specializing in designs for adults, has previously launched jewelry collaborations with iconic IPs like "Neon Genesis Evangelion," "Godzilla," and "Cardcaptor Sakura," with products available through online stores.
Recently, U-TREASURE announced an exciting collaboration with "UFO Robot Grendizer" (UFOロボ グレンダイザー), which celebrates its 50th broadcast anniversary this year. Co-planned by Go Nagai and Toei Animation, this partnership brings forth a special 50th-anniversary commemorative product: the "Pure Gold Koban Commemorative Coin & Ukiyo-e Card Collection Set." Priced at 440,000 JPY, it's currently available for pre-order on their official website.
"UFO Robot Grendizer" might ring a bell for older fans. It's the third installment in the "Mazinger series," co-planned by Go Nagai and Toei Animation. The TV anime first aired in 1975, alongside a manga adaptation.
Last July, the long-awaited new anime, "Grendizer U," also premiered. Its collaboration with Mitsuo Fukuda, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, and Ichiro Okouchi generated significant buzz.
This 50th-anniversary collection set includes a pure gold koban commemorative coin and ukiyo-e cards.
Based on the "koban" gold coin, which has been considered a symbol of business prosperity and good fortune in Japan since the Edo period, the coin features a cool side profile of "UFO Robot Grendizer" etched in pure gold. The reverse side depicts Grendizer in its saucer form after combining with the "Spacer" (スペイザー), along with the 50th-anniversary logo, an official mint mark, and a unique serial number.
This set also features newly drawn ukiyo-e illustrations in two distinct designs, making them highly collectible special editions!
These ukiyo-e pieces are "small ukiyo-e cards," popular during the Edo period and also known as "senshafuda." Unlike the larger ukiyo-e prints we commonly see, these smaller cards were used by common folk for personal enjoyment, as business cards in social settings, or even as promotional flyers. They showcased the refined taste and humor of Edo-era people.
This set is meticulously crafted by master artisans (certified traditional craftspeople by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) who have inherited generations of ukiyo-e woodblock printing techniques, alongside skilled carvers and printers. They utilize "Ikizuki Hosho paper" from Echizen Washi, produced by Ichibei Iwano, a craftsman designated as a Living National Treasure.
Although compact in size, these pieces perfectly preserve the texture and handmade feel of Edo-style woodblock prints. Presented with a dedicated wooden frame for display, they are truly a sight to behold and an excellent addition to any collection.
UFO Robot Grendizer Pure Gold Koban Ukiyo-e Set
Price: 440,000 JPY
via： U-TREASURE 官網