A3 Japan Design
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A3 Japan Design
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Posts
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Followers
Unlike most items from the A3 pop-up, this clear file was produced in one single design rather than multiple character groupings—and it features all seven core characters together in one illustration.
This makes it a bit of an oddball within the lineup, but also one of the most “complete” pieces from the event. Where the acrylic blocks, standees, and coasters split characters into themed groupings, the clear file acts as a full cast showcase.
The artwork uses the same theatrical stage motif seen across the A3 line, with the entire cast presented together beneath the curtain—very fitting for an anniversary celebration piece.
Functional as a standard Japanese A4 clear file, but very much a display item for collectors. Sometimes the simplest item ends up being the most representative—and this one really feels like the “group photo” of the A3 collection.
From the A3 pop-up collaboration, these acrylic blocks feature soft chibi illustrations arranged in paired compositions.
The artwork translates beautifully to acrylic: vibrant, crisp, and surprisingly dimensional despite the compact format. Compared to the cork coasters, the heavier color fills here better support the fine linework and decorative backgrounds.
These acrylic blocks do not use stands. They’re designed to stand upright on their own, resting on their long edge. Because they’re wider than they are tall, they’re naturally stable when displayed this way.
A small item, but one that displays far better than photos suggest.
A fun oddity with the Nyanki and Villian blocks are the character scaling — Pururun appears noticeably smaller, while Yattarō is depicted as the tallest of the three - and despite Ko’on no Kami being taller than Karamaru, the block has them standing at very similar heights. It’s not accurate to the source material, but it’s a merch-art choice favoring composition over canon proportions.
Starting the A3 posts with the cork coasters, since these are a good example of how concept vs. execution can land a little differently.
The illustrations themselves are lovely — classic A3 chibi proportions, soft celebratory poses, and a really nice sense of balance across the sets. The concept images do a great job showing off the linework and character groupings, and honestly? On paper, these look fantastic.
In-hand, though, the lineart is extremely thin, and the cork material absorbs detail more than you’d expect. As a result, some of the finer illustration work gets a bit lost unless you’re looking at them up close or under good lighting. From a distance, they read more as texture + silhouette than detailed character art.
That said:
They’re officially licensed (SOTSU/A3)
The designs are consistent with the rest of the A3 lineup
And they’re absolutely still charming as collection pieces
These feel very much like “display-adjacent” items — not bad, just subtle. If you love the artwork, the concept images will always show it best; if you love the existence of the item as part of the anniversary ecosystem, they still earn their spot.
Not everything has to be a knockout to be worth archiving. 🙂
















