Key Facts

• Monster Hunter teams up with Kasuga Taisha Shrine for a limited collab
• Exclusive goods available during The Ultimate National Treasure Great Armor Exhibition from July 5 to September 7
• Featured designs include Zinogre, Palico, and Hunters within the shrine grounds
• Limited edition T-shirts, clear files, and mouse pads will be sold
• Additional collaboration items are planned for later release

Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise has joined forces with the UNESCO World Heritage site Kasuga Taisha Shrine for a striking cultural crossover. As part of the upcoming "Ultimate National Treasure Great Armor Exhibition" in Nara City, exclusive collaborative merchandise featuring series favorites like Zinogre and Palico will be sold for a limited time.

Monster Hunter Brings Digital Icons to Sacred Grounds

For the first time, Monster Hunter’s iconic monsters and companions are making a ceremonial entrance into the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Visuals released for the event show Zinogre and Palico reimagined within the sacred environment of the National Treasure Hall, bridging pop culture with centuries-old tradition. The collaboration celebrates not just fan-favorite characters but also Japan’s renowned craftsmanship, creating an unexpected harmony between fantasy and heritage.

This crossover isn’t just for show—it's carefully aligned with the exhibition’s deeper mission: honoring the aesthetics and techniques behind traditional Japanese armor. By merging Capcom’s globally beloved game world with tangible historical artistry, the exhibition aims to appeal to a broader audience, including international visitors.

First Look at the Ultimate National Treasure Great Armor Exhibition

Running from July 5 to September 7, 2025, the “Ultimate National Treasure Great Armor Exhibition” showcases exemplary pieces of Japanese armor—particularly the Red Threaded Ō-Yoroi housed at Kasuga Taisha. Masterpieces like the Plum Warbler and Bamboo Tiger and Sparrow designs reflect the apex of metalwork, lacquer artistry, and textile dyeing traditions from centuries past.

Held in the shrine’s National Treasure Hall in Nara City, the event invites attendees to appreciate both the technical mastery and spiritual significance embedded in these ancient protective garments. The inclusion of Monster Hunter elements provides a contemporary lens through which younger generations can engage with this legacy.

Merch Details: What to Expect and Where to Buy

Three main types of collaboration items are available for purchase during the exhibition: T-shirts, clear files, and mouse pads. Each item features two unique designs portraying Zinogre, Palico, and Hunters set against the historical backdrop of Kasuga Taisha’s sacred precincts. The artworks are exclusive to this event and produced in strictly limited quantities.

The merchandise will be sold on-site at the National Treasure Hall, with no current plans for online sales. Capcom has also hinted at additional collaboration items to be announced later, increasing the appeal for repeat visitors and collectors alike.

Cultural Synergy: A Trend in Gaming and Heritage Events

This collaboration between Monster Hunter and a national cultural institution is part of a growing trend in Japan—blending pop culture with traditional heritage to drive tourism and cultural literacy. Similar initiatives have involved anime series appearing in temples, shrines, and even museums, often attracting fans who might not otherwise engage with historical exhibitions.

By leveraging Monster Hunter’s global brand power, Kasuga Taisha not only highlights the splendor of its armor collection but also reaches new demographic segments. It’s a strategy that has proven successful in balancing cultural preservation with commercial innovation, offering a template for future heritage collaborations.

FAQ

Q: What is the Monster Hunter x Kasuga Taisha collaboration?
A: It’s a special event merging Capcom’s Monster Hunter with a traditional armor exhibit at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering exclusive merchandise and themed visuals.

Q: When does the exhibition take place?
A: The Ultimate National Treasure Great Armor Exhibition runs from July 5 to September 7, 2025.

Q: What kind of merchandise is available?
A: T-shirts, clear files, and mouse pads with exclusive designs featuring Zinogre, Palico, and shrine backgrounds.

Q: Where can I buy the collaboration items?
A: They’re sold exclusively on-site at the National Treasure Hall within Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara City.

Q: Will there be more collaboration items?
A: Yes, Capcom has confirmed that additional items will be released at a later date during the exhibition period.

Q: How does this collaboration respect the cultural setting?
A: The designs are integrated with sensitivity to the shrine’s heritage, using traditional motifs and showcasing harmony between modern gaming and historic artistry.

Q: Where can I find official information?
A: Official details are available via Capcom’s and Kasuga Taisha’s official websites, as well as the exhibition’s promotional materials.

Source : ORICON NEWS