We’ve seen some unlikely collaborations since the beginning of the 2026 anime, but this one deserves a special mention. Sanei Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s leading table tennis equipment manufacturers, is releasing two official paddles featuring the designs from the anime Hokuto no Ken – Fist of the North Star-, one bearing the image of Kenshiro and one of Toki. Available since April 28, 2026 in limited quantities at specialized table tennis stores in Japan.
Kenshiro: attack type
Price: ¥25,500 before tax (¥28,050 incl. tax, approximately €157)
Average weight: 88 g ±
Thickness: 5.6 mm
Blade: 158 × 152 mm, Grip FL 100 × 33 mm
Material: Limba
Construction: 5-ply natural wood + 2-ply carbon (inner)
Manufacturing: Japan
The choice of attack type for Kenshiro makes perfect sense: a powerful, offensive paddle, reflecting the heir of Hokuto Shinken. The inner carbon construction ensures an explosive strike and precise rebound.
Toki: cut type
Price: ¥27,500 before tax (¥30,250 incl. tax, approximately €169)
Average weight: 88 g ±
Thickness: 5.2 mm
Blade: 165 × 155 mm, Grip ST 95 × 30 mm
Material: Maple
Construction: 5-ply natural wood + 2-ply CNF (outer)
Manufacturing: Japan
Toki as a cut type: the paddle that dodges and deflects opponents’ attacks rather than countering them head-on. It’s a choice that perfectly matches Toki’s fighting style. The maple material and outer CNF construction provide a more controlled feel and precise defense.
Real paddles, not gimmicks
What sets these two pieces apart from a simple marketing collaboration is that Sanei is a serious manufacturer; their paddles are sold in specialized table tennis stores. The technical specifications are those of real competition paddles: carbon, CNF, multi-ply construction, calibrated weight. One can legitimately wonder whether some players will actually use them on the table, or if they’ll go straight into a collection. Both are valid.
Sanei states that a next series is already in preparation. Available in limited quantities at specialized stores and their online shops. Source: official Hokuto no Ken website
