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01/22/2026
"Ichiban Kuji NARUTO Shippuden The Cycle of Sorrow and the Bridge to Peace" Pre-Sale Interview (Part 2)! Director Discusses the Passion and Inspiration Behind the Miscellaneous Prizes!
On January 23rd (JST), the long-awaited Ichiban Kuji NARUTO Shippuden The Cycle of Sorrow and the Bridge to Peace line will finally be released!
We interviewed the director of this project, who goes by the handle Avocado!
Part two of this interview will focus on the various merchandise obtainable from prizes F to K!
Check out part 1 here!
We interviewed the director of this project, who goes by the handle Avocado!
Part two of this interview will focus on the various merchandise obtainable from prizes F to K!
Check out part 1 here!
Making Goods that Evoke Memories of the Pain's Assault Arc at a Glance!
—Could you tell us about the general design philosophy behind the miscellaneous prizes?
Avocado: We wanted people to be able to take one look and say, "This is from the Pain's Assault arc!"
We chose characters related to that arc and carefully considered how best to make their illustrations shine in these designs. I hope that when you get your hands on them, they'll remind you of scenes from the manga or anime!
—Prize F offers a novel idea, allowing you to take Katsuyu with you…on a tote bag!
Avocado: We wanted people to be able to take one look and say, "This is from the Pain's Assault arc!"
We chose characters related to that arc and carefully considered how best to make their illustrations shine in these designs. I hope that when you get your hands on them, they'll remind you of scenes from the manga or anime!
—Prize F offers a novel idea, allowing you to take Katsuyu with you…on a tote bag!
Avocado: When I came up with this item, I was thinking, "If I put Katsuyu on my shoulder, I could recreate that scene where Naruto faces off against Pain…" and the rest was history! I didn't imagine it would get much use if it was just a stuffed animal or a strap… (laughs)
But, by combining it with a practical, reusable bag, not only can you use it to carry things while recreating that scene, it could also serve as a fun conversation-starter! Even when it's folded up and not being used, you'll still be able to see Katsuyu peeking out!
But, by combining it with a practical, reusable bag, not only can you use it to carry things while recreating that scene, it could also serve as a fun conversation-starter! Even when it's folded up and not being used, you'll still be able to see Katsuyu peeking out!
—What a great idea!
That makes me want one with the ninja hound Pakkun or Itachi's crow! (laughs)
That makes me want one with the ninja hound Pakkun or Itachi's crow! (laughs)
—Prize G features new Chokonokko figures, which seem to be in the lineup often lately. Could you tell us why you chose the Six Paths of Pain?
Avocado: When I was looking for something that I'd want to collect and display together, the Six Paths of Pain immediately came to mind.
Chokonokko figures have cutely exaggerated proportions, so we had to think about how to make cute chibi versions of the Six Paths of Pain without drawing on their usual terrifying appearance. It was a real challenge to take something so scary and make it into something adorable, but I think that contrast might actually make them even cuter! (laughs)
―The designs for Prize H's assorted rubber accessories all look excellent!
Chokonokko figures have cutely exaggerated proportions, so we had to think about how to make cute chibi versions of the Six Paths of Pain without drawing on their usual terrifying appearance. It was a real challenge to take something so scary and make it into something adorable, but I think that contrast might actually make them even cuter! (laughs)
―The designs for Prize H's assorted rubber accessories all look excellent!
Avocado: Thank you very much! I think the rubber buckle with Naruto and Bee's stylized designs turned out especially well, it's so cute and punchy!
Avocado: Also, I personally love Pakkun, so I knew I wanted to put him into a design somewhere. I went with a Pakkun rubber keychain that you can bring around with you wherever you go!
Avocado: Since buyers can choose from the assortment of prizes at this rank, I made sure to include an equal number of rubber buckles and keychains in the lineup to accommodate everyone's preferences. Please, take whichever item you like best!
―Your choice of patterns for Prize I's mini-towels was superb! The designs for the Eight Tails and Nine Tails look like traditional Japanese picture scrolls, they're very cool in an understated way.
―Your choice of patterns for Prize I's mini-towels was superb! The designs for the Eight Tails and Nine Tails look like traditional Japanese picture scrolls, they're very cool in an understated way.
Avocado: The dialogue between Naruto and Killer Bee left quite an impression on me, personally. I was particularly moved by how Naruto reconsidered his attitude towards the Nine Tails after seeing the relationship Killer Bee had fostered with the Eight Tails, and was able to build a more amicable relationship with the Tailed Beast inside him.
Because those two Tailed Beasts played such a key part in the story, I wanted to make designs that really did them justice!
―Continuing on to Prize J's folders and stickers, could you share what you wanted to highlight with these?
Because those two Tailed Beasts played such a key part in the story, I wanted to make designs that really did them justice!
―Continuing on to Prize J's folders and stickers, could you share what you wanted to highlight with these?
Avocado: Naruto's theme songs are well-loved both in Japan and overseas, so I tried to make designs with a global appeal by featuring scenes from opening and ending themes.
―I see Prize K's visual boards use illustrations from the -NARUTO 72 series-!
―I see Prize K's visual boards use illustrations from the -NARUTO 72 series-!
Avocado: That's right. Our lineup this time is themed around the story from the Pain's Assault arc onwards, so we chose from illustrations that fit chronologically. We ended up selecting these seven for the impactful scenes they portray, the strong visual and thematic contrasts, and the unique appeal they each have.
―If you had to choose a favorite from among these seven illustrations, which would it be?
Avocado: My favorite is the one with Naruto and Jiraiya sitting back-to-back!
Despite being part of the battle-heavy Pain's Assault arc, this illustration is warm and relaxed. I love how you can feel the bond between master and student.
―If you had to choose a favorite from among these seven illustrations, which would it be?
Avocado: My favorite is the one with Naruto and Jiraiya sitting back-to-back!
Despite being part of the battle-heavy Pain's Assault arc, this illustration is warm and relaxed. I love how you can feel the bond between master and student.
―Finally, do you have a message for any fans still on the fence about whether they should try out this Ichiban Kuji or not?
Avocado: Since the focus this time was on characters featured in the story from the Pain's Assault arc onward, the themes of bonds, suffering, and conviction are quite prominent. We tried to clearly express each character's personal attitude towards life. Not being content to just make products that look cool, this project aims to make items that light a fire in people's hearts! Our goal is for you to be able to relive the moments when these characters' passionate feelings burned brightest!
―Thank you so much, Avocado!
Avocado: Since the focus this time was on characters featured in the story from the Pain's Assault arc onward, the themes of bonds, suffering, and conviction are quite prominent. We tried to clearly express each character's personal attitude towards life. Not being content to just make products that look cool, this project aims to make items that light a fire in people's hearts! Our goal is for you to be able to relive the moments when these characters' passionate feelings burned brightest!
―Thank you so much, Avocado!
Ichiban Kuji NARUTO Shippuden The Cycle of Sorrow and the Bridge to Peace will be released starting 1/23 (JST)!
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