#Japan #Tokyo #Bandai Namco #40th Anniversary #Dirty Pair

Celebrating 40 Years of 'Dirty Pair'

As fans of the beloved anime series 'Dirty Pair' eagerly anticipate a significant milestone, Bandai Namco Filmworks has announced the release of an official commemorative book, titled "Dirty Pair 40th Anniv. WWWA OFFICIAL REPORT." This celebration marks four decades since the show's original TV broadcast, and the book is set for reservation on September 12, 2025, at the A-on STORE and select retailers.

What to Expect from the Official Report

Priced at 13,200 yen (including tax), the anniversary edition comprises two A4-sized color booklets, namely "FILE:KEI" and "FILE:YURI," housed within a beautifully designed outer box. The cover art, crafted by renowned animator Tsukasa Dokite, features the show's dynamic protagonists, Kei and Yuri, in a striking pose with their weapons drawn, a nod to the series' action-packed essence.

Inside, fans will be treated to a treasure trove of illustrations spanning the franchise's multitude of adaptations, including TV series, OVA, and films. Each book is meticulously curated, promising to be a nostalgic journey through the 40-year history of 'Dirty Pair.' "FILE:KEI" contains an extensive collection of rights illustrations from 'Dirty Pair' and its numerous adaptations, alongside exclusive interviews with voice actors Kyoko Tonami (Kei) and Saeko Shimazu (Yuri) from the original series, as well as Rita Matsumoto (Kei) and Mariko Kouda (Yuri) from 'Dirty Pair FLASH.' These interviews provide an intimate look at the series' legacy and the cast's experiences over the years.

Conversely, "FILE:YURI" delves into the series' character and mechanical design sketches, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at how these beloved entities came to life. In addition, it features insightful commentary from Tsukasa Dokite and an interview with the original creator, Haruka Takachiho, encapsulating the sentiment and passion behind 'Dirty Pair.' Both installments boast interlocking covers, allowing fans to align them for a stunning visual display of Kei and Yuri.

Additionally, purchasers can enjoy exclusive shop bonuses: an A4-sized clear file featuring the box design from the A-on STORE and a mini shikishi (approximately 150mm x 150mm) adorned with the box illustrations from Sunrise Store (within Premium Bandai).

A Journey Down Memory Lane

To add more excitement, a special exhibition titled "TV Anime 'Dirty Pair' 40th Anniversary Exhibition" will take place starting October 10, 2025, at Marui in Kitasenju. This event will showcase preview copies of the official report as well as other themed exhibits, allowing fans to celebrate the show's enduring impact on the anime industry.

Originally based on Haruka Takachiho’s hit sci-fi novels, 'Dirty Pair' first graced television screens in 1985. The series was notable for its groundbreaking approach, presenting two strong female leads in a male-centric genre, which was revolutionary at the time. The anime included a mix of original narrative elements, creating a unique universe that has captivated fans for generations.

Since then, the franchise has expanded to encompass OVAs and theatrical releases, such as 'Dirty Pair: The Big Work,' 'Lovely Angel,' and 'Dirty Pair FLASH,' which have maintained a devoted following thanks to their engaging storylines and charismatic characters. The series continues to resonate, with many fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming exhibition and the official report.

As the release date approaches, anticipation grows for what promises to be a collector's item for fans old and new. Mark your calendars for the reservation period from September 12 to November 30, 2025, and be prepared for shipping in March 2026.

Product Summary

• - Reservation Period: September 12, 2025, 12:00 PM - November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM
• - Price: 13,200 yen (tax included)
• - Release Date: March 20, 2026
• - Specifications: [FILE:KEI] Color booklet/A4 size/vertical format/over 250 pages expected; [FILE:YURI] Color booklet/A4 size/vertical format/over 250 pages expected
• - Includes: A special outer box
• - Sales and Distribution: Bandai Namco Filmworks