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This is what a collaboration between popular manga JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and American outdoor clothing/accessories brand Columbia looks like! 

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a series that has been around a long time (and still going strong, as it is in the middle of its eighth story arc, titled JoJolion). It has also been receiving a bit of attention recently, because the anime of the fourth story arc, Diamond is Unbreakable, is currently being aired to what appears to be largely positive response from fans.

To coincide with the anime broadcast, toymaker Bandai will be releasing some cool items created through a collaboration between the Diamond is Unbreakable story arc and American outdoor brand Columbia.  They’ve announced that the line will consist of backpacks and short boots, both in two designs, one featuring the protagonist of Diamond is Unbreakable, Josuke Higashikata, and the other featuring one of the characters he fights early in the story arc, Keicho Nishimura.

For both the backpacks and boots, the Josuke Higashikata design is decorated with motifs of the accessories Josuke wears on his uniform in the manga/anime, and the Keicho Nishimura design is done in the image of Keicho’s stand, Bad Company. Let’s take a closer look at the items, shall we?

● The backpacks

The backpacks are made with water-repellent material using Columbia’s original “Omnishield” technology and come with a pocket inside for laptop computers. Both designs are priced at 12,960 yen (US$121.93).

First, here’s the front and back of the Josuke version (the “JOJO BLACK” design) of the backpack. It’s quite simple in design except for the prominent accessory motifs on the front.Jojo 3_R
Jojo 7_RAnd this is the Keicho version (the “JOJO SURPLUS GREEN CAMO” design) with camouflage print on the side. The camouflage print comes from the military theme of Keicho’s stand, which manifests itself literally as a company of fierce, miniature soldiers.

Jojo 4_R
Jojo 8_R
▼ Here’s what the inside of the backpack looks like. Jojo 9_R

● The boots

The boots are in a popular Columbia make that uses light yet sturdy material that is both warm and waterproof, perfect for use in autumn and winter. The Techlite material used in the midsole provides extra cushion and support, so it’s suitable for the outdoors but also stylish enough for everyday use. Both designs cost 15,660 yen.

▼ The Josuke version is subtly decorated with small prints of the same accessory motifs and the letter J.

Jojo 1_R▼ And this is the Keicho version, covered in camouflage print.Jojo 2_R

They’re currently taking advance orders for these items on the Premium Bandai online shop until July 28, for delivery in December. These could be perfect if you want to carry a bit of the JoJo spirit with you without being too obvious about it, but we think they look pretty cool even if you’re not a JoJo fan!

And if you’ve been wondering about Diamond is Unbreakable but haven’t seen it yet, it is highly recommended, by the way! The artwork is excellent and the story is a delightful combination of the sometimes ordinary day-to-day lives of the characters and plenty of action involving the various characters battling each other with their superhuman abilities, called “stands”.

Source: Premium Bandai news release via Kai-You
Images: Premium Bandai news release
(C) LUCKY LAND COMMUNICATIONS/集英社・ジョジョの奇妙な冒険DU製作委員会