Kenelephant Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Kenzo Ishiyama), an art goods manufacturer, is releasing a new capsule toy collection in late August 2026: ALTERNATIVE COMIC SALON — Garo Seiichi Hayashi (five designs in total), built around illustrations by illustrator and manga artist Seiichi Hayashi, known for his delicate, poetic line work.
ALTERNATIVE COMIC SALON is a series that turns the spotlight on creators and works that have shaped Japan's manga and art scene across the decades, revisiting their appeal through a mix of nostalgia and fresh reinterpretation.
The first installment featured the work of Teruhiko Yumura, known as the originator of the "heta-uma" style, and drew a large response.
This time, the series turns to Seiichi Hayashi, who made his manga debut in 1967 and has since worked across manga, illustration, and animation — including his representative work Red Colored Elegy — with a lyrical, beautiful style that continues to influence many creators today. His world has now been reimagined as a line of capsule toys.
The lineup includes a handkerchief that captures an iconic scene from Red Colored Elegy and an eco bag boldly designed around the cover of the December 1971 issue of Garo, alongside other everyday items that make Hayashi's work easy to enjoy.
The collection comes in two formats: a capsule toy version and a box version.
Ahead of release, Kenelephant's official online store, KENELE STORE, is now accepting pre-orders for the box version.
Box version pre-order page: https://kenelestore.jp/products/gc0756c
Product Overview
- Release Date: Late August 2026
- Price: Capsule toy version — ¥400 (tax included) each; Box version — ¥440 (tax included) each
- Where to Buy: Capsule toy corners, hobby shops, and online stores nationwide, plus select bookstores, general merchandise stores, some Loft locations, and Kenele Stand shops
- Planning, Production & Distribution: Kenelephant Co., Ltd.
Release dates and retail locations are subject to change without notice. The actual products may differ slightly from what is shown. Once the release date is finalized, it will be announced on official social media.
Lineup
Handkerchief
Metal Charm
Can Mirror (one of two designs)
Pouch
Eco Bag
