New Gundam SEED Daruma Dolls Mix Mechs With Traditional Japanese Crafts
Bandai’s dedicated Gundam apparel and lifestyle division “STRICT-G” is preparing to launch a unique collaboration that seamlessly merges iconic mecha designs with traditional Japanese crafts.
The new “STRICT-G JAPAN Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Shirakawa Daruma” lineup reimagines two recognizable mobile suits from the hit anime series as good luck charms.
STRICT-G operates as an official apparel shop that integrates the world of mecha into everyday fashion and lifestyle goods, while its specialized STRICT-G JAPAN label focuses specifically on promoting the appeal of domestic industrial design and traditional crafts to a modern audience.
Now, the label has partnered with the historic craftsmen of Fukushima Prefecture to create these officially certified traditional pieces.
Shirakawa Daruma dolls boast a history spanning approximately 300 years, having been cherished as lucky charms since the late Edo period.
These Gundam-themed Daruma dolls transform the mechanical designs of the Freedom Gundam and the Justice Gundam into the rounded, armless shape of the traditional talisman.
Local artisans carefully handcraft and paint each individual figure, ensuring every doll retains a unique sense of character and regional charm.
This creative release follows a busy week of exciting announcements for mecha fans, including the reveal of the upgraded Gundam Artifact PRO figure line and the confirmation of a permanent Gundam Base storefront opening in London this July.
Collectors looking to purchase these collaborative Daruma dolls can choose between two different sizes for their display, with options including a standard 15cm height or a slightly smaller 8.5cm variation.
These charming crafts serve as excellent decorative pieces for the home or thoughtful gifts to wish happiness upon friends and family.
Fans looking to acquire both designs simultaneously can opt for exclusive two-piece sets that are packaged inside a specially designed commemorative wooden box.
The complete “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Shirakawa Daruma” lineup is as follows:
- STRICT-G JAPAN Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Shirakawa Daruma Freedom Gundam (15cm)
- Price: 4,950 yen (approx. $31 USD / £25 GBP)
- STRICT-G JAPAN Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Shirakawa Daruma Justice Gundam (15cm)
- Price: 4,950 yen (approx. $31 USD / £25 GBP)
- STRICT-G JAPAN Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Shirakawa Daruma Freedom Gundam (8.5cm)
- Price: 3,300 yen (approx. $21 USD / £17 GBP)
- STRICT-G JAPAN Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Shirakawa Daruma Justice Gundam (8.5cm)
- Price: 3,300 yen (approx. $21 USD / £17 GBP)
- Premium Bandai Exclusive Shirakawa Daruma Set (15cm)
- Price: 9,900 yen (approx. $63 USD / £50 GBP)
- Premium Bandai Exclusive Shirakawa Daruma Set (8.5cm)
- Price: 6,600 yen (approx. $42 USD / £34 GBP)
Pre-orders for the entire lineup officially opened on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM (JST) exclusively through the Premium Bandai online store.
Fans looking to secure these traditional crafts online can place their reservations until Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 11:00 PM (JST), with initial shipments scheduled to begin rolling out to buyers in August 2026.
General physical retail sales will subsequently launch across official STRICT-G store locations in Japan, including the Tokyo Odaiba, Tokyo Solamachi, NEOPASA Shizuoka, and Taga SA branches, starting on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
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