Piccolo, the stoic Namekian warrior from the Dragon Ball universe, has captured the hearts of fans for decades, going from a villain to a hero. Now, fans can embrace their inner Piccolo with a brand new line of merchandise, letting them emulate his look. Bandai’s Banpresto is releasing a Piccolo-themed beanie as a prize in their popular Crane Game cabinets. This unique item is a must-have for any dedicated Dragon Ball enthusiast.
The Piccolo Beanie: A Crane Game Exclusive
Starting February 6th, fans in Japan will have the chance to snag a Piccolo beanie from Bandai’s Banpresto Crane Game machines. This isn’t just any ordinary beanie; it’s designed to mimic Piccolo’s iconic features, complete with his pointy ears and forehead antennae. This fun and unique item is expected to be a highly sought-after collectible, given its exclusivity to the crane game.
What is Banpresto?
Banpresto is a division of Bandai known for its exclusive and collectible merchandise, often available through crane game machines in Japan. These arcade-style games offer a fun and (sometimes) affordable way to obtain exclusive anime and manga collectibles, ranging from figurines to apparel and niche toys. The limited availability of these items, primarily in Japan, fuels a robust secondhand market, making them even more desirable among fans.
More Than Just a Hat: Piccolo’s Enduring Appeal
Piccolo’s popularity stems from his complex character arc. Introduced as the evil King Piccolo, he eventually reincarnated into Piccolo Jr., a powerful warrior who evolved from a villain to a key member of the Z-Fighters. His journey from antagonist to surrogate father figure for Gohan has cemented his place as one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Piccolo’s Evolution
Piccolo’s transformation is one of the best character arcs in Dragon Ball’s history. He has undergone a powerful “Orange Piccolo” transformation in the 2022 Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film. Even in the recently premiered Dragon Ball Daima anime, Piccolo has proven his staying power as a Dragon Ball icon.
Celebrating Dragon Ball’s 40th Anniversary
The release of the Piccolo beanie is part of the larger celebration of Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary. This milestone has prompted a wave of new merchandise, collaborations, and events. Uniqlo, the popular Japanese casual wear brand, has also partnered with Dragon Ball for a clothing line to commemorate the 40th anniversary.
Uniqlo’s Dragon Ball Collection
Uniqlo’s collection includes t-shirts and sweaters for both adults and children featuring designs from the original Dragon Ball manga and the new Dragon Ball DAIMA series. The collection became available on January 27, 2025, offering fans the opportunity to celebrate the franchise’s legacy through wearable merchandise. This line features a mix of classic artwork by Akira Toriyama and designs inspired by the new series, making it a must-have for any Dragon Ball fan.
Other Dragon Ball Merchandise to Look For
Besides the Piccolo beanie and Uniqlo collection, there is a wide variety of Dragon Ball merchandise available for fans:
- Apparel: This includes hoodies, t-shirts, and sweaters featuring various Dragon Ball characters. Many online retailers, such as Etsy and Amazon, offer a range of apparel from different brands and designs, including items from the collaboration between Dim Mak and Dragon Ball Z.
- Accessories: Fans can also find a variety of accessories, such as lanyards, wallets, keychains, and backpacks adorned with Dragon Ball imagery. These accessories allow fans to carry their love for the series with them daily.
- Figures: Collectible figures of characters like Piccolo, Goku, and Vegeta are popular among fans. S.H. Figuarts offers highly detailed figures, including the Orange Piccolo version, while other brands provide different scales and styles for all collectors.
- Home Goods: There are also Dragon Ball-themed home goods available, such as cushions and wall art. These products help fans incorporate their passion into their living spaces.
- Gaming Merchandise: The Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2025 event has its own line of exclusive merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, and mouse pads featuring designs from the games like Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO and Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle.
Where to Find Dragon Ball Merchandise
Dragon Ball merchandise is available from various sources:
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay offer a wide variety of Dragon Ball products from different sellers and brands.
- Official Stores: The Bandai Namco Store offers official merchandise, including items exclusive to events like the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour.
- Clothing Brands: Uniqlo has regular collaborations with anime franchises, and their Dragon Ball line is available online and in-store.
- Specialty Shops: Some retailers, like JB Hi-Fi, carry a selection of Dragon Ball merchandise, including Pop! Vinyl figures and calendars.
The Enduring Legacy of Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, has become a global phenomenon, spanning multiple anime series, movies, video games, and a vast array of merchandise. The series’ blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments has resonated with audiences of all ages. The 40th-anniversary celebrations are a testament to the series’ lasting impact on pop culture. The consistent release of new merchandise ensures that fans can continue to show their appreciation for the iconic series.
Looking Ahead
With the ongoing 40th anniversary celebration, fans can expect even more exciting Dragon Ball merchandise and events in the coming months. The Piccolo beanie is just the beginning of the many new products aimed at celebrating the series’ rich history and its beloved characters. For dedicated fans, there has never been a better time to be a Dragon Ball enthusiast. From clothing to collectibles, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in the world of Dragon Ball and its memorable characters like Piccolo.
