The anime and manga publisher VIZ Media has teamed up with Ukonic to bring “Naruto Shippuden” products into the homes of fans.
The partnership, which extends through 2025, covers everything to personalize your home or office, from area rugs and furniture to small kitchen appliances.
“Creating exceptional items that fans love is our passion,” says Martin Butler, CEO and founder of Ukonic. “We’re excited to develop goods for a new group of enthusiasts.”
Ukonic is an industry leader in licensed home and wellness products for the largest entertainment brands in the world. Butler says Ukonic’s expertise is to translate the brand story into products that are as unique as the brand itself.
Ukonic’s success has turned it into a major licensee for top entertainment brands including Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, XBox, Minecraft, Harry Potter, DC, Star Trek, Jurassic World and many others. In May, Ukonic was the recipient of the prestigious Licensing International Excellence Award in Appliances, Housewares and Electronics for a Corporate Brand with their XBox Mini-Fridge Thermoelectric Cooler.
But a deal with VIZ Media is still a major coup for Ukonic, as Naruto is a definitive force behind Japanese pop culture in America.
Featuring masterful art and epic storytelling, Naruto is the story of a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers, and dreams of becoming the Hokage.
The manga has been a global hit for generations now, and has set sales records at over 250 million manga copies sold globally,
VIZ Media also points out Naruto’s cultural impact is vast. “From musicians like Cardi B and Lil Uzi Vert referencing the ninja in their lyrics, to NFL players mimicking Naruto’s actions after making a touchdown, and to the viral sensation and meme that is the Naruto Run – the storming of Nevada’s Area 51, all make Naruto an icon of our time,” the publisher says.
In addition to the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling manga series, Naruto’s empire also includes more than 500 anime episodes, 11 films, light novels, video games, and trading cards.
Naruto is also a major force in licensing, and the deal with Ukonic will see a wide range of new products hitting the market.
Naruto-themed lighting, storage, housewares, robes — maybe even ramen-scented candles — could be on the way, the partners say. The first releases are slated to be out in time for the 2022 holiday gifting season.