Persona fans, the 30th anniversary merch machine is already warming up — and yes, this one is very Japan-only for now.
Atlus is teaming up with multiple companies and artists for a fresh wave of Persona 30th anniversary goods, ahead of the series officially hitting the big three-zero in September 2026. The highlight here is a new set of chibi-style protagonist illustrations by Bkub Okawa, the artist best known for the chaotic comedy energy of Pop Team Epic.
If you’ve seen Bkub’s work before, you already know the vibe: squat, expressive, meme-ready characters that somehow still keep the original personality intact. For Persona, that means the main characters from across the series are getting a much sillier, more collectible-friendly look.
Bkub is back with more Persona protagonist art
This is not Bkub’s first Persona collab. The artist previously worked on a Persona 5-focused merchandise line in late 2025, centred on Joker. For this new anniversary batch, the lineup expands beyond Persona 5.
The new illustrations include Wonder, the protagonist of Persona 5: The Phantom X, alongside protagonists from the earlier numbered Persona entries. That makes this wave feel more like a proper franchise celebration instead of just another Joker merch drop — although let’s be real, Joker will probably still sell like crazy.
Pre-orders for the Bkub goods are being handled through empty.tokyo and will stay open until 10 June 2026. Shipping is planned for July 2026, but only within Japan.
Prices start from ¥550 for items like a random badge or a four-sticker set, which is roughly around RM16 before any proxy fees. The pricier side goes up to ¥6,160 for a box of eight small acrylic stands, or roughly RM180+ before shipping, service charges, and the usual “why is international merch collecting so painful” tax.
Bandai is also bringing back Persona wafers
Separately, Bandai Namco is preparing another round of Persona-themed wafers through Japan’s Premium Bandai store. These are the snack-plus-collectible type of releases where the real prize is usually the card or included bonus item, not the wafer itself.
A 20-pack is priced at ¥3,420, which lands around RM100 before extra costs. Pre-orders are already open on the Japanese Premium Bandai site, but again, this is a Japan-exclusive listing.
This will be Bandai’s third Persona wafer release. The first batch in 2024 featured Persona 3 and Persona 5, while the second wave in 2025 added Persona 4 into the mix. With the 30th anniversary coming up, it makes sense that Bandai is keeping the collab train moving.
Why Malaysian and SEA fans should care
For Malaysia and SEA collectors, the key thing is simple: this is probably going to be a proxy-order situation unless local hobby shops decide to bring stock in. Shops that specialise in Japan imports, anime merch, or blind-box goods may eventually list them, but expect markups.
The Bkub acrylics and badges will likely appeal most to long-time Persona fans who want something less “serious key art” and more fun desk-display energy. The wafers, meanwhile, are the kind of collectible that can become annoying fast if you’re chasing a specific card — especially when buying through resellers.
The Persona series officially turns 30 on 20 September 2026, marking three decades since Atlus released the first Persona game for PlayStation in Japan on 20 September 1996. For a franchise that has gone from niche JRPG status to global anime-game culture icon, expect this to be only the start of the anniversary merch flood.
Source: Siliconera