Good News for Bocchi the Rock! Fans: Ikuyo Kita's Iconic Guitar Goes on Sale via Gibson and Epiphone Collaboration
A massive collaboration news that bridges the music world and the anime community has arrived. The iconic guitar of Ikuyo Kita, the beloved character from the Bocchi the Rock! series—written by Aki Hamaji and adapted into an anime by CloverWorks studio—is becoming a reality. World-renowned guitar manufacturers Gibson and Epiphone are releasing the Les Paul Junior Double Cutaway model, used by Kita, the cheerful guitarist and vocalist of the Kessoku Band, as a special collection.
Produced as part of this special collaboration, the guitars stand out with their Pelham Blue color, prepared in faithful adherence to the design in the series. While a higher-end, collectible version is offered under the Gibson brand, the Epiphone brand presents a model that is more accessible to fans, though still produced in limited quantities. Since both models are produced with limited stock, sales will be conducted through a lottery system. This indicates that the guitars are already sparking intense competition among collectors.
The phenomenon known as the "Bocchi Effect" in the anime world has sent instrument sales, especially interest in Gibson models, skyrocketing in Japan and globally since the series' debut in 2022. Following the Gibson Les Paul Custom model used by the series' main character Hitori Gotoh (Bocchi), fans have long been waiting for an official version of this double-cutaway model that reflects Kita's unique style. According to the statement made by Gibson Japan, these special productions are not just musical instruments, but also mementos that carry the spirit of the series.
Bocchi the Rock! has quickly become a cult production with its sincere story about a girl with social anxiety trying to socialize through music. Kessoku Band's songs, which have millions of streams on digital platforms, and the compilation films released recently continue to keep the brand's popularity alive. If you are an Ikuyo Kita fan or looking to add a rare piece to your collection, it would be beneficial to closely follow the lottery announcements to be made through official sales channels.
