Sega reveals ¥1m porcelain Sonic for 35th anniversary
Sega is selling a porcelain Sonic the Hedgehog for ¥1 million (about US$6,330), limited to 50 pieces to celebrate the series' 35th anniversary.
The statue is called Infinite Blue. It is being released in Japan by porcelain brand YOYOYO, and will go on sale from 9 October, according to details reported by Video Games Chronicle.
Only 50 will be made. Each is priced at ¥1 million. That puts it far outside the usual anniversary figure or collector's box, and firmly in art-object territory.
The piece is a collaboration between two Japanese kilns with roots in Arita, a town in Saga Prefecture known for centuries of porcelain making. The design was created by 224porcelain, with painting and finishing handled by Riso Kiln.
Fans will be able to see it in person at the Sonic the Exhibition: Across Generations pop-up at the Ikebukuro Parco shopping centre, which opens on 9 October. Five of the 50 statues will be sold there on a first-come, first-served basis.
The remaining stock will be sold by lottery. That means buyers apply through the official YOYOYO Store, and winners are drawn and offered the chance to purchase. Applications open on 9 October.
What makes this stand out is the material. Most game anniversary goods are plastic, plush or printed. This is fired porcelain, made in small numbers by specialist workshops, which explains the price and the run size.
