BAPE®︎’s New Year’s Blessing: A Fusion of Streetwear and Sacred Craftsmanship
As the New Year dawns, BAPE®︎ is set to introduce a truly unique and culturally rich novelty: a special limited-edition Hamaya. This distinctive item seamlessly blends the brand’s iconic aesthetic with the profound heritage of Japanese traditional craftsmanship, offering a powerful symbol of good fortune for 2026.
A Hamaya, often translated as a “demon-quelling arrow” or “evil-warding arrow,” is a revered good luck charm in Japan, traditionally displayed during the New Year to ward off misfortune and invite prosperity. BAPE®︎ has reinterpreted this ancient talisman, infusing it with its signature style while honoring its sacred origins.
Masterful Craftsmanship from Ise’s Sacred Heartland
The creation of this special Hamaya is a testament to exquisite Japanese artistry. The arrow’s body is meticulously crafted by “Ise Miyatada,” a revered artisan from Ise—a region synonymous with Japan’s most sacred shrines. For over eighty years, Ise Miyatada has been dedicated to crafting Shinto altars and tools, with their work recognized by the designation of Mie Prefecture Traditional Craftsman.
The chosen material, precious Kiso cypress, is sourced from trees aged between 150 and 300 years. This ancient wood, known for its sublime beauty and pure aura, lends an undeniable sense of timeless elegance and sanctity to each Hamaya.
Feathered Perfection: A Collaboration with KAWADA DOWN
The arrow’s fletching, the feathered part, features high-quality feathers processed by Kawada Feather, the company behind BAPE®︎’s own “KAWADA DOWN” products. Kawada Feather is globally recognized for its top-tier down raw materials, supplying leading apparel manufacturers worldwide. The inclusion of these light, superior feathers adds a refined presence, enhancing the Hamaya’s overall aesthetic and symbolic lightness.
Measuring approximately 22cm in length, each Hamaya is a carefully considered piece, embodying both auspiciousness and assured quality.
A Symbol of Style and Fortune
This “APE HEAD HAMAYA” is more than just a novelty; it’s a bridge between ancient Japanese tradition and contemporary streetwear. The BAPE®︎ logo, subtly integrated, speaks to the brand’s ability to innovate while respecting cultural depth.
Fans of BAPE®︎, known for its iconic ‘APE HEAD’ and bold designs, will find this collaboration a captivating blend of heritage and contemporary cool, a truly unique piece to welcome the New Year. The base of the Hamaya proudly displays the collaboration between Ise Miyatada and A BATHING APE®.
How to Acquire This Exclusive New Year’s Gift
This special “APE HEAD HAMAYA” will be presented as a gift to customers who make purchases totaling ¥50,000 (tax included) or more at designated BAPE STORE®︎ locations. As a limited-quantity item, availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Distribution begins on January 1st, 2026 (Thursday/Holiday) at the following stores:
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BAPE STORE®︎ Harajuku
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BAPE STORE®︎ Shibuya
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BAPEXCLUSIVE™︎ Aoyama
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BAPE STORE®︎ Ginza
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BAPE STORE®︎ Kyoto
For further details, please consult store staff or visit the official BAPE®︎ news page: https://jp.bape.com/blogs/news/2026-hamaya
This release not only celebrates Japanese tradition but also highlights BAPE®︎’s ongoing commitment to pushing creative boundaries, hinting at a future where streetwear continues to draw inspiration from diverse cultural roots, captivating a global audience with its unique narrative.
About A BATHING APE® (BAPE®)
Headquartered in Tokyo, A BATHING APE® (BAPE®) has been a leading force in street fashion since its establishment in 1993. For over three decades, BAPE® has introduced iconic designs and characters such as “APE HEAD,” “BAPE® CAMO,” “BAPESTA™,” “SHARK HOODIE,” and “BABY MILO®.” Expanding its lines to include men’s, women’s, and kids’ apparel, BAPE® operates stores across Japan, the U.S., UK, France, China, and other Asian countries, garnering widespread global support. The brand is also renowned for its successful collaborations with numerous international brands and artists, demonstrating a genre-less and flexible approach that transcends traditional fashion categories.
Stay connected with BAPE® through their official channels:
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Instagram: @bape_japan
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Facebook: @BAPE.OFFICIAL
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X: @BAPEOFFICIAL
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LINE: @bape
For more information, contact BAPEXCLUSIVE™ AOYAMA at Tel: 03-3407-2145, or the Marketing Department of NOWHERE CO., LTD. at Tel: 03-5410-6310 for press inquiries.
