If you've ever visited Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, then you may have picked up a few gifts at one of the many gift shops available, and seen tins or packages featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse or Donald Duck wearing traditional Japanese clothes. They show up like clockwork around New Year's time and have been present in some form or another for many years now.


Whether you're considering it as a gift or for your own personal use, if you're looking for something more unique at the intersection of Disney characters and Japanese culture, these new uniquely designed cases from smartphone goods brand Hamee's case line, iFace First Class, may fit the bill.

Ukiyo-e woodblock print Kabuki actor style Mickey

If the Mickey Mouse design on the cover displayed on the right looks oddly familiar, that's because you've probably seen this before.

Together with Katsushika Hokusai's "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," the late 18th century Ukiyo-e woodblock print designer Tōshūsai Sharaku's portrait of kabuki actor Ōtani Oniji III is probably one of the most recognized images in traditional Japanese painting. The katakana print below the words "Walt Disney" says Mickey Mouse ミッキーマウス

Sharaku / Public domain

"Japanese Style" Mickeys

Another design for the cases shows Mickey in different pseudo-Kabuki poses, while the lettering printed vertically and in old kanji style says: 万國人気 bankoku ninki (popular in all countries), along with Mickey Mouse, and his "date of birth" on screen, 1928.

Also new from iFace are a retro-style Donald Duck case and, for those who just love visiting Disneyland, a case in the theme of Pizza Planet.

The cases are available in a variety of sizes, to fit the most recent models (iPhone 11 Pro / 11)...

Price: 3,800 JPY + tax (order here).

...as well as older models (iPhone 8 / 7 / SE 2nd Gen.)

Price: 3,600 JPY + tax (order here).

You can also choose from previously released Disney-themed models, such as these Toy Story and Monsters Inc. cases.


By - Ben K.