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Osamu Tezuka, Shotaro Ishinomori's Anniversary Collectible Sets Showcase Manga Masterpieces

Anime News Network's merchandise coverage sponsored by Tokyo Otaku Mode.

This year marks the 80th and 90th anniversaries of the respective births of Shōtarō Ishinomori and Osamu Tezuka. Though the acclaimed manga creators have already left us, the staff responsible for their legacies are celebrating their lives and works with special projects this year. Japan Post just unveiled a variety of collectibles that are part of the celebrations.

Only 50 "memorial gold plates" will be available. The gold plate set highlights the masterpiece works of Tezuka and Ishinomori and features their anniversary logos. The set includes the gold plate itself, framed stamps, and postcards with a case. The set costs 500,000 yen (about US$4,480 yen), and each set includes a serial number.

Also limited to 50 units is a set of Tezuka kokeshi dolls with likenesses of Professor Ochanomizu, Astro Boy, Leo, Pinoko, and Tezuka himself. The set costs 23,000 yen (about US$210).

An Ishinomori pin set includes images from 10 of the creator's famous works for 16,000 yen (aboutUS$140).

A "memorial manga calendar" includes 31 reversible daily calendar pages with illustrations from both manga artists. The reusable calendar costs 9,800 yen (about US$88).

Other items available through Japan Post include two sets of 50 deluxe clear files for 9,000 yen (about US$81) each, two sets of nine dishes for 6,500 yen (about US$58) each, and two woven rush rugs for 13,500 yen (about US$121) each.

Japan Post began accepting orders on Wednesday, and the gold plate set and doll set are available online only. Post offices throughout Japan will continue to accept orders for the other items until October 31, and Japan Post's online shop will accept orders until November 3.

Sources: Japan Post, Comic Natalie