Bandai Reveals Gundam’s New Char’s Counterattack Inspired Amuro Ray Flight Jacket
Bandai has revealed a new luxury leather flight jacket inspired by Amuro Ray from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, created in collaboration with American military clothing manufacturer ALPHA INDUSTRIES.
The new “STRICT-G ALPHA Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack LEATHER MA-1 HERITAGE FIT FLIGHT JACKET Amuro Ray Model” features genuine sheepskin leather and understated Earth Federation military insignia, with a matching T-shirt and exclusive acrylic stand also announced as part of the collection.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack premiered in 1988, bringing the long-running rivalry between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable to its dramatic conclusion following their encounters in the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam anime.
Set in Universal Century 0093, the movie follows Char’s attempt to force humanity away from Earth through an asteroid-drop operation, with Amuro and the Londo Bell task force attempting to prevent the destruction of the planet.
The film also introduced two of the franchise’s most popular Mobile Suits, the RX-93 ν Gundam piloted by Amuro and Char’s MSN-04 Sazabi, which face each other during the final battle surrounding Axis.
The new jacket has been developed through STRICT-G, Bandai’s official Gundam fashion label, which has worked with ALPHA INDUSTRIES on numerous collections inspired by characters and military organizations from across the franchise.
Founded in 1959, ALPHA INDUSTRIES became a supplier of military flight jackets to the US Armed Forces before expanding into civilian fashion, with its iconic MA-1 design remaining one of the brand’s most recognizable products.
For this latest collaboration, Bandai has selected the LEATHER MA-1 HERITAGE FIT, an upgraded version of the classic military jacket that replaces the conventional nylon exterior with genuine sheepskin leather.
The Amuro Ray model features a series of matching leather patches incorporating his personal insignia and the Earth Federation Space Force emblem, with the tonal designs allowing the Gundam references to blend into the jacket’s exterior rather than standing out in contrasting colors.
ALPHA INDUSTRIES has retained several traditional MA-1 details, including the utility pocket on the sleeve and a protective flap behind the front zipper that helps prevent cold air from entering the jacket.
The Heritage Fit design has also been adjusted to accommodate Japanese sizing preferences, giving the jacket a more streamlined silhouette intended for everyday wear.
Its sheepskin exterior is complemented by a 100% nylon lining and polyester insulation, with additional details including polyester ribbed sections and genuine cowhide leather used for the zipper pull.
Bandai has also announced a matching “STRICT-G ALPHA Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack Amuro Ray T-Shirt”, featuring Amuro’s personal insignia across a heavyweight cotton body.
The shirt uses 9-ounce cotton with a snow-washed finish, giving the fabric a slightly faded appearance that varies between individual garments, with combed cotton yarn intended to maintain a soft texture despite the heavier construction.
Customers purchasing the new leather jacket will also receive an exclusive acrylic stand featuring newly commissioned artwork of Amuro Ray wearing the collaboration outfit.
The stand measures approximately 13.2 cm tall and 4.7 cm wide, with one included for every jacket purchased through Premium Bandai or participating STRICT-G stores, and the bonus isn’t available to order separately.
This isn’t the first time ALPHA INDUSTRIES has created flight jackets inspired by Amuro Ray, with STRICT-G having previously released several designs based on his appearance in Char’s Counterattack.
Earlier this year, Bandai revealed redesigned LIGHT MA-1 jackets inspired by Amuro and Char, revisiting a popular 2024 collection with updated detailing and lightweight nylon construction.
Both jackets subsequently received an official US release through Premium Bandai in October, giving American collectors another opportunity to purchase the character-inspired designs.
The new leather version offers a more premium alternative to those earlier jackets, retaining the familiar MA-1 military styling while introducing a substantially different material and a more understated approach to the Gundam insignia.
STRICT-G has also recently collaborated with American denim manufacturer Lee for another Char’s Counterattack fashion collection, featuring designs inspired by the ν Gundam, Sazabi, and other imagery from the movie.
Image by Charlotte DavisThe new “LEATHER MA-1 HERITAGE FIT FLIGHT JACKET Amuro Ray Model” is priced at ¥132,000 (approximately $842 / £629), with the matching T-shirt priced at ¥8,580 (approximately $55 / £41), and both available in sizes S through 2XL.
Japanese pre-orders were scheduled to begin on October 23, 2026, through the STRICT-G Online Store on Premium Bandai Japan, although the opening remains dependent on the website recovering from maintenance that began the previous day.
Bandai has provisionally scheduled reservations to close on November 1, with shipping planned for November 2026 and any changes to the timetable expected to be announced shortly.
Both items will also go on general sale at participating STRICT-G stores across Japan from November 21, including locations in Tokyo, Shizuoka and Shiga, with the upcoming STRICT-G LUCUA Osaka store scheduled to join the rollout following its November 24 opening.
A US release through Premium Bandai US has not yet been confirmed, although recent STRICT-G and ALPHA INDUSTRIES collections have gone on sale there in the days or weeks following their initial Japanese pre-order openings.
American fans interested in the new leather Amuro Ray jacket may therefore want to check back regularly to see whether pre-orders have opened.
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