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Hello Kitty Honors Kochikame Ending with Collaboration Art
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
The ending of Osamu Akimoto's Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo ("Kochikame") manga drew attention from colleagues and Weekly Shonen Jump staff. Sanrio's own top mascot, Hello Kitty, is also honoring the event with some unique crossover art and merchandise.
Shueisha's Jump+ app and website launched a comic on September 12 starring Hello Kitty's alter ego Ichigoman. The comic's sixth chapter will go up on September 17 and feature a character to commemorate the launch of the "Kochikame × Hello Kitty" collaboration goods at Takashimaya Nihombashi Store on September 14. The store is also hosting a Kochikame exhibition that will tour Japan throughout the year.
Kochikame ran uninterrupted in Weekly Shonen Jump for 40 years since 1976. The September 17 issue will hold the last chapter and the final volume 200, which will include the ending, will also go on sale that day.
The manga inspired a 1996-2004 television anime adaptation and two anime compilation films in 1999 and 2003, along with an anime special in 1985 and then various other anime specials that aired between 2005-2008. Additionally, the manga inspired two live-action films in 1977 and 2011, and a live-action drama adaptation in 2009.
The Ichigoman character originates from a 2011 exhibition of Hello Kitty creator Yuko Yamaguchi's artwork. Since 2012, Sanrio has offered Ichigoman-themed products.
[Via Nijimen]
