The masterpieces of genius artists who flourished during Japan’s Edo period are now available as special items tailored to modern lifestyles. Starting April 11, 2026, the “Ichiban Kuji Utagawa School” will be released sequentially at Ministop, Daily Yamazaki, and other locations throughout Japan.
“Ichiban Kuji” is a “no-lose” character lottery available at Japanese convenience stores (Konbini). The theme this time is the “Utagawa school,” which led the world of Ukiyo-e, a Japanese art form with fans across the globe. In particular, the figures based on Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s representative works have become a major topic on social media immediately following their reveal.
Each pull of the “Ichiban Kuji Utagawa School” costs 800 yen (approx. $5.35). It will be available at a wide range of locations, including Ministop, Daily Yamazaki, other convenience stores, bookstores, hobby shops, official Ichiban Kuji stores, and online via Ichiban Kuji ONLINE.
Overwhelming Presence! Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s Masterpiece “Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Specter” as a Desk Figure
The biggest highlight of this lineup is the figure prepared for the A Prize. “Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Specter” (Soma no Furudairi), a representative work of Utagawa Kuniyoshi—known as the “artist of fantastic imagination” from the late Edo period—has been fully realized in 3D.
- A Prize: Soma no Furudairi Figure
- Size: Approx. 21 cm (approx. 8.3 in)
- Features: Desk interior with pen-stand functionality
This figure recreates the shocking composition of the Ukiyo-e, where a giant skeleton (Gashadokuro) rips through a bamboo blind, in full 3D. The size of approximately 21 cm (approx. 8.3 in) provides a significant presence and delivers an overwhelming impact when placed on a desk. Its practical design, allowing it to hold pens, is also a major attraction. It offers a very “Iki” (stylish) way to incorporate Japanese art into your daily workspace.
Fantastically Glowing “Kitsunebi (Foxfire)” Blanket
The B Prize features a blanket that expresses the world of traditional Japanese ghost stories and folklore.
- B Prize: Kitsunebi Blanket
- Size: Approx. 90 cm (approx. 35.4 in)
- Features: Luminescent printing with a glow-in-the-dark gimmick
The motif is based on a work depicting a pack of foxes heading toward the Oji Inari Shrine (in present-day Kita Ward, Tokyo) on New Year’s Eve. This blanket features “luminescent printing” that absorbs sunlight or indoor light to glow in the dark. At night, the “Kitsunebi” (foxfire) carried by the foxes and the stars in the night sky appear to float faintly, allowing you to feel the mysterious atmosphere of an Edo-period night.
Beloved Edo-Period Pets Turned into Cushions
The C Prize consists of cushions featuring adorable animals drawn by Utagawa school artists.
- C Prize: Keno-nikomono Cushions
- Types: 2 total (choose your favorite)
- Size: Approx. 35 cm (approx. 13.8 in)
- Designs: Chin (Japanese Spaniel), Cat
The title “Keno-nikomono” refers to animals with soft fur. The “Chin” (a dog breed native to Japan) and the “Cat,” both beloved by dog and cat lovers of the Edo period, are designed in cute poses sitting on traditional floor cushions. With a size of approximately 35 cm (approx. 13.8 in), they are perfect as interior accents for your sofa or bed.
Wear Edo Fashion! Stylishly Designed Tote Bags
The D Prize features bags that rearrange the kimono patterns worn by women in the Edo period for a modern context.
- D Prize: One Hundred Beauties at Famous Places of Edo Kimono Pattern Totes
- Types: 2 total (choose your favorite)
- Size: Approx. 34 cm (approx. 13.4 in)
- Designs: Higashi Hongan-ji, Yagenbori
These bags redesign the kimono patterns worn by the beauties depicted in Utagawa Toyokuni’s work “One Hundred Beauties at Famous Places of Edo.” These sophisticated textile designs, which have endured since the Edo period, blend naturally with modern fashion. Measuring approximately 34 cm (approx. 13.4 in), they are useful as sub-bags for everyday use.
The Colors of the Four Seasons by Utagawa Hiroshige! Delicate Small Glass Plates
The E Prize features glass plates themed around the “Kacho-ga” (bird-and-flower paintings) of Utagawa Hiroshige, a world-renowned master of landscape prints.
- E Prize: Utagawa Hiroshige Small Bird Glass Plates
- Types: 4 total (randomly packaged)
- Size: Approx. 8 cm (approx. 3.1 in)
- Features: Combinations of adorable birds and seasonal flowers
Hiroshige is highly acclaimed not only for his landscapes but also for his delicate “Kacho-ga” depicting animals and plants. This beautiful worldview is captured in small glass plates with a diameter of approximately 8 cm (approx. 3.1 in). The cool glass material adds the colors of Japan’s four seasons to your dining table. Since they come in closed packaging, the design you get is a surprise until you open it.
Reproducing Ukiyo-e Depth! “Acritzz” Acrylic Stands
The F Prize offers items that allow you to enjoy Utagawa Hiroshige’s immortal masterpiece, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo,” in a three-dimensional way.
- F Prize: One Hundred Famous Views of Edo Acritzz
- Types: 6 total (choose your favorite)
- Size: Approx. 6.5 cm (approx. 2.6 in)
- Features: Thick acrylic with double-sided printing
“Acritzz” are acrylic stands made of thick acrylic plates with double-sided printing. The unique depth characteristic of Ukiyo-e stands out, giving them a presence like small pieces of fine art. You can choose your favorite Edo scenery from all 6 varieties.
Full of Humor! Animal and Monster Rubber Goods
The G Prize features practical rubber items based on the comical animals and monsters (Yokai) drawn by Edo-period artists.
- G Prize: Rubber Collection
- Types: 8 total (choose your favorite)
- Lineup: Rubber ties, rubber charms, cup noodle weight coasters
The characters drawn by the Utagawa school possess a sense of humor that resonates with modern manga and anime. They have been transformed into convenient goods useful in daily Japanese life, such as “rubber ties” for organizing cables and “weight coasters” to keep cup noodle lids closed.
Bold Compositions for Everyday Life! Edo-Design Stationery
The H Prize features stationery that utilizes the vibrant colors and bold layouts characteristic of Ukiyo-e.
- H Prize: Stationery Collection
- Types: 8 total (choose your favorite)
- Lineup: B6 notebooks, ticket files, sticker sheets
These innovative designs can be used in modern business and private scenes. You can choose from highly practical items like B6-size notebooks, files for storing travel tickets, and stickers for decorating your journals.
For the Person Who Pulls the Last Ticket! Special “Mysterious Glow Ver.” Skeleton
In “Ichiban Kuji,” there is a special prize called the “Last One Award,” which is guaranteed to the person who pulls the very last lottery ticket at a store.
- Last One Award: Soma no Furudairi Figure ~Mysterious Glow Ver.~
- Size: Approx. 21 cm (approx. 8.3 in)
- Features: Glow-in-the-dark specification for the entire body, includes pen stand
The Last One Award is an updated, special version of the A Prize skeleton figure, called the “Mysterious Glow Ver.” The entire skeleton portion is treated with luminescent processing, causing the whole body to glow eerily when the lights are turned off. This is a very rare figure that allows you to experience the world of Edo “Ka-i” (the supernatural) even more intensely.
Win for 30 Lucky People! Double Chance Campaign
Furthermore, after pulling a ticket, you can apply for the “Double Chance Campaign” using the number printed on the ticket stub.
- Prize: Soma no Furudairi Figure ~Mysterious Glow Ver.~
- Number of Winners: 30 total across Japan
- Application Period: From release date until the end of July 2026
The prize is the same “Mysterious Glow Ver.” figure as the Last One Award. While the odds are very high with only 30 winners, everyone who pulls a ticket has a chance to win.
The “Ichiban Kuji Utagawa School” fuses the beauty of traditional Ukiyo-e with modern convenience. Why not incorporate a bit of Edo’s “Iki” into your life when visiting Japan or by checking online?
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