As teased last month, Disney Japan has listed new Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary products, this time comprising nuiMO plushes depicting Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. Each plush costs ¥4,620, and pre-orders will begin on August 30th, 2022, at 10:00:00 Japan Time. However, there are currently no estimated shipment dates.
You can view these upcoming items via our galleries below:
Additionally, Aitai Kuji will be selling these products at the same time for ¥5,000 each, with September 2022 shipment windows. Their store pages are listed below:
Mickey nuiMO
Donald nuiMO
Goofy nuiMO
Chapter 26 of the Kingdom Hearts III manga is now available on Gangan Online and from Yen Press. "Kingdom of Corona" can be viewed in Japanese on Gangan Online or bought in English as a digital download from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Walker, Google Play, iBooks, and Kobo. The issue's price varies from $1.99 for the United States to $2.99 in Canada.
You can check out preview scans of the chapter in the gallery below.
Check out the articles for the previous chapters by clicking on the links below!
Chapter 0 Prologue Japanese English
Chapter 1 The New Departure Japanese English
Chapter 2 Olympus Coliseum Part 1 Japanese English
Chapter 3 Olympus Coliseum Part 2 Japanese English
Chapter 4 Olympus Coliseum Part 3 Japanese English
Chapter 5 Olympus Coliseum Part 4 Japanese English
Chapter 6 Olympus Coliseum Part 5 Japanese English
Chapter 7 Olympus Coliseum Part 6 Japanese English
Chapter 8 Olympus Coliseum Part 7 Japanese English
Chapter 9 The Dark World Japanese English
Chapter 10 Unbreakable Connection Japanese English
Chapter 11 The Self inside the Mirror Japanese English
Chapter 12 Reunion Japanese English
Chapter 13 Warmth Japanese English
Chapter 14 Destiny Island Japanese English
Chapter 15 Remaining Light Japanese English
Chapter 16 Tracking the Bond Japanese English
Chapter 17 Following the Heart's Guidance Japanese English
Chapter 18 Twilight Town [1] Japanese English
Chapter 19 Twilight Town [2] Japanese English
Chapter 20 Toy Box [1] Japanese English
Chapter 21 Toy Box [2] Japanese English
Chapter 22 Toy Box [3] Japanese English
Chapter 23 Toy Box [4] Japanese English
Chapter 24 Toy Box [5] Japanese English
Chapter 25 Lea and Kairi
Recently, the poster set to be gifted to D23 Gold Members at the upcoming D23 Expo was revealed, and it depicts the Kingdom Key on the central tower's left pillar closest to the middle.
Thanks to Twitter user @JCz28B for spotting this neat find!
Japanese retailer Amnibus has listed new Kingdom Hearts apparel comprising men's and ladies' T-shirts depicting the Kingdom Key and the "May Your Heart Be Your Guiding Key" phrase. Additionally, a unisex jacket was also shared with similar iconography.
The men's and ladies' T-shirts are available for pre-order for ¥4,620 (tax included), and the unisex jacket for ¥9,680 (tax included). However, the pre-order periods for every previously mentioned product close on September 29th, 2022, and shipments are currently expected to occur sometime during early December 2022.
UPDATE [Aug 22, 2022]: Pre-orders are now being accepted on Aitai Kuji! T-Shirts will cost ¥5,500 (about $41.00) for both men and women and the jacket will cost ¥11,000 (about $82.00)! Items will be shipped in December!
You can view images of the aforementioned items via our galleries below:
Disney and Marvel have revealed that they will be hosting a dedicated Gaming showcase on September 9th, 2022, at 1 PM PT/ 4 PM ET.
Currently, aside from the confirmation of "new content from Disney & Pixar Games, Marvel Games, Lucasfilm Games, and 20th Century Games," Disney Dreamlight Valley, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and an unannounced "Marvel ensemble game from Skydance New Media" are stated to receive news.
There is no mention of Kingdom Hearts appearing. Still, there is certainly a chance it could, especially when recalling the franchise's previous showings at the D23 event umbrella, such as 2015 and 2017. Further, with this year being the series' 20th Anniversary, and with Kingdom Hearts IV and Missing-Link on the way, some semblances of acknowledgment could be made.
Of course, don't go into the event with presumptions, but simply keep an open mind to possibilities.
Links for viewing this upcoming event can be accessed via the official D23 website.
Square Enix has released the English and Japanese versions of the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary website, containing officially translated comments from several notable members of the series' staff. We translated the Japanese versions of these comments back when the Anniversary Event initially occurred.
The website also contains the recently released Annviersary Event recap video, alongside photos of the venue.
You can view our gallery housing all of the officially released venue images below:
Further, each officially translated Memory Locker message is viewable below:
Square Enix has finally published the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Recap video, chronicling the live reactions that took place regarding the Kingdom Hearts IV reveal and more.
Additionally, the remainder of Kingdom Hearts Dark Road was confirmed to be releasing on August 26th, 2022, with a new tweet from the official Japan PR account sharing new screenshots depicting Master Xehanort and Vanitas, most likely during the Birth by Sleep era.
Further, the end of the Anniversary Event recap video depicts a new scene with baby Xehanort and the mysterious blue-hooded figure on Destiny Islands that was previously shown to be watching over the future antagonist during the conclusion of Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross].
You can view the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event recap video below:
An English version of the video is viewable below:
Lastly, a voice actor panel video was uploaded, viewable below. Unfortunately, no English subtitles are available:
Earlier this year, Kingdom Hearts music was confirmed to be played during the BBC Proms on August 1st, 2022, alongside several other video game franchise songs, such as from Final Fantasy VIII and The Legend of Zelda.
Recently, the audio performances have been made publically listenable online, and the Kingdom Hearts tracks have been given their own section. At 49:35, an orchestral rendition of the iconic "Hikari" can be listened to.
What are your thoughts on this excellent Kingdom Hearts tribute and the other video game-dedicated performances that took place?
Sony Japan has announced that the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Wearable Headphone Speakers Model: SRS-WS1/KH20 are available for pre-order via their digital storefront. Costing ¥30,500, with an estimated shipment date of August 18th, 2022, various warranty types are selectable.
One can choose between two different warranty services: Basic and Wide. Basic solely protects the device from manufacturing failures, but the Wide warranty also safeguards the Headphone Speakers in situations involving physical harm, water damage, electrical discharges, and more.
By default, the Basic 3-year warranty is choosable at no added cost. However, the 5-year Basic warranty costs ¥2,200. Alternatively, for a Wide-warranty of 3 years, an additional ¥2,200 to your price is needed. Lastly, for 5 years of Wide-warranty, an additional ¥3,300 is required.
It is also worth noting that this item is only purchasable for a limited time, with its availability concluding on October 3rd, 2022, at 10:00 JST.
If you're interested and able to do so, you can pre-order the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Wearable Headphone Speakers Model: SRS-WS1/KH20 via Sony Japan.
You can view images of this upcoming product via our gallery below:
Sony Japan previously revealed celebratory Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Walkman and Airbuds.
Pat Carroll, the English voice actress for Ursula in the Kingdom Hearts series has passed away on July 30th, 2022 at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts from pneumonia. She was 95 years old at the time of passing.
Patricia 'Pat' Ann Carroll was born in Shreveport, Louisana on May 5th, 1927. Her first acting performance was in the 1948 movie Hometown Girl. In 1989, she began voicing the sea witch Ursula for Disney's The Little Mermaid, which she voiced up until her passing from television series (The Little Mermaid TV series, Disney's House of Mouse, and the Kingdom Hearts series to name a few).
Rest in peace Pat and thank you for voicing one of Dinsey greatest villians and one of the strongest villains in the Kingdom Hearts series.
Shop Disney Japan has updated its schedule for upcoming merchandise in August 2022. Of the scheduled information, Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary nuiMOs and Tsum Tsum will be on the way. Still, this news is always subject to change. Thanks to Twitter user @t_bisco for sharing this development.
We'll keep you all informed of any future occurrences regarding this matter.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise has a rather extensive history with Tsum Tsum, with our coverage of those instances listed below:
Sora & Riku Join LINE Mobile Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2017
Halloween Town Sora, Donald & Goofy Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2017
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Shadow, Soldier Tsum Tsums Plushes 2018
Sora, Riku Kairi, and Aqua Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2019
Terra, Chirithy & Ventus Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2019
Young Xehanort & Pirate Sora Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2020
Kairi, Sora, Riku, Mickey, Young Xehanort, Lea, Roxas & Aqua Tsum Tsum Plushes 2020
SuperGroupies have posted some behind-the-scenes shots for their newly-launched Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary collection on their blog. In a series of 2 blogs, they detailed how they created the Keyblades for Ventus, Terra, and Aqua, Roxas, and Sora using 3D printing as well as the photoshoot for Sora, Roxas, and Ventus.
You can watch the Behind-the-Scenes video on the Super Groupies' Youtube channel or by watching it below.
You can check out the blogs by clicking here and here. Our gallery has been updated with photos from both blogs.
The 20th Anniversary collection is available for pre-order from Aitai Kuji! You can check out the full lineup here.
Today, retailer Super Groupies announced their collaborative Kingdom Hearts apparel lineup for the franchise's 20th anniversary. Each member of the Destiny, Days, and Wayfinder trios has their own products with their themed items, release windows, and respective pricing listed below:
Watches ¥25,300 (January 2023 shipments)
Bags ¥19,800 (December 2022 shipments)
Wallets ¥14,300 (December 2022 shipments)
Umbrella ¥8,250 (End of February 2023 shipments)
Jackets (Sora, Riku, Kairi, Xion, Ventus, Aqua, and Terra) ¥18,700 (Roxas) ¥19,800 & (Axel) ¥22,000 (January, 2023 shipments)
Additionally the available sizes for each jacket are listed below:
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Roxas, Axel, Xion: Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large
Ventus, Aqua, Terra: Ladies Medium, Large, or Mens Medium & Large
You can view our galleries as well as each character's themed apparel below, which will be updated as more official images are provided:
SORA
RIKU
KAIRI
ROXAS
AXEL
XION
VENTUS
AQUA
TERRA
New Tetsuya Nomura artwork depicting Sora, Roxas, and Ventus was also teased, viewable via our gallery below. Each purchase from the Super Groupies and Aitai Kuji retailers will gift customers with a postcard of this collective illustration:
Every product's Super Groupies Japan store link is listed below and organized by character:
Sora:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Riku:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Kairi:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Roxas:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Axel:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Xion:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ventus:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Aqua:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Terra:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Every product's Super Groupies United States store link is listed below and organized by character. Additionally, new information specific to this store's pricing and shipments were provided, also viewable below:
Pre-order Period:
Available from July 25 until Aug. 14 at 8:00 PM, 2022 (Pacific Time)
Release Month:
Watches in Late February 2023
Backpacks and Wallets in Early February 2023
Umbrellas in Early April 2023
Jackets and Coats in Late February 2023
Prices:
Each watch available for $230 before tax
Each backpack available for $180 before tax
Each wallet available for $130 before tax
Each umbrella available for $75 before tax
Each jacket and Xion Model Coat available for $170 before tax
Roxas Model Reversible Jacket available for $180 before tax
Axel Model Coat available for $200 before tax
Sora:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Riku:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Kairi:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Roxas:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Axel:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Xion:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ventus:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Aqua:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Terra:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Every product's Aitai Kuji store link is listed below and organized by character. The prices and shipment windows here mimic the Super Groupies Japan store:
Sora:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Riku:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Kairi:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Roxas:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Axel:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Xion:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ventus:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Aqua:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Terra:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ben Hanson of MinnMax recently conducted a lengthy interview with Pixar's Creative Director of Theme Parks, Tasha Sounart, about a vast variety of topics. One of these detailed discussions regarded the development of the Toy Box world in Kingdom Hearts III.
Sounart first talked about how the D23 fan reactions to the Toy Box world were immensely positive, fueling her with a genuine sense of accomplishment and relief considering the stigma of negativity that gaming communities are generally perceived to have.
As for how this Pixar collaboration for Kingdom Hearts III even came about, Sounart was an integral voice in making it happen. She talked to the Pixar executives hesitant about the idea, forever altering the initially shaky prospect of Toy Story's utilization. Other topics she speaks about are cultural differences with Square Enix's team and the difficulties finalizing the Toy Box casts' animations with English voice work to make it all feel natural.
Lastly, she reveals her dream ideas of how Kingdom Hearts implementation would work in Disneyland.
You can listen to the full Tasha Sounart interview below, with helpful timestamps specifically labeling the Kingdom Hearts segments:
Additionally, Tasha Sounart has previously shared several comments about Pixar's involvement in Kingdom Hearts III over the years. Our prior articles containing those instances are listed below:
Toy Box World Reveal
Remy Cooking Minigame
Several comments pertaining to Disney incorporation
Tasha Sounart informing Pixar Animation Studios Story Supervisor about Kingdom Hearts
Super Groupies has announced that as part of the Kingdom Hearts series' 20th Anniversary celebrations, they will be hosting a Pop-Up Store from July 29th through August 2nd, 2022, on the third floor of Seibu Ikebukuro. Participants can look forward to 45 items depicting Sora and his close allies.
Additionally, if an individual purchases a special, currently unspecified item at this venue, they will receive a large-sized Sora, Roxas, and Ventus postcard. However, there will also be two versions of this product available.
One is drawn by Tetsuya Nomura and will be offered by all vendors in the venue, while the second is a "live-action" version (likely just implying real people cosplaying Sora, Roxas, and Ventus) that will be exclusively offered by the online Sogo & Seibu storefront for a limited-time. Unfortunately, no images of these postcards have been shared yet.
Moreover, the image of Kairi's Melody of Memory throne shown via our gallery above will be a spot for fans to be photographed.
Lastly, prominent Kingdom Hearts community member Audrey of Aitaikimochi has announced that she has been invited to the Pop-Up-Store press release event and will provide coverage of the products displayed there.
We'll be sure to keep you all updated regarding this event's artistic reveals and product arrivals as it occurs next week.
UPDATE 7/29/2022: Following Super Groupies revealing their extensive collaborative lineup of Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary apparel, the company shared official images from where the press event occurred. Audrey of Aitai Kuji also attended the event and shared her own photos.
If you're interested in the Super Groupies lineup of new Kingdom Hearts merchandise, check out our dedicated coverage elucidating pricing, shipment times, and countless product images. Additionally, Aitai Kuji has each new Super Groupies collab item available for pre-order via their digital storefront.
Moreover, Super Groupies posed a behind-the-scenes featurette for those especially intrigued about the photo-shooting process.
Lastly, the gallery below (also pasted above) contains each of these newly added images:
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