If you're the kind of person who pays a lot of attention to new helmet graphics, then you're probably already aware that Shoei loves releasing limited edition graphics on its helmets, particularly in Japan. It's March 2025 as I write this, and the high-end helmet maker has almost as many discontinued Z-8 graphics as it does current ones.
Since the beginning of the year is when all three major Japanese motorcycle shows take place annually, it's usually also when a bunch of interesting motorcycle and motorcycle gear news breaks, too. In 2025, Shoei took the opportunity to announce a slew of new, limited-edition anime-themed helmet graphics that will trickle out through the rest of the calendar year.
From August through September 2025, a limited-edition Shoei Z-8 Hatsune Miku Edition will be available. I swear I'm not making that up. Here's what it looks like.
That's right; vocaloid fans can have Miku, who's arguably the world's biggest virtual idol this side of Sharon Apple, keeping them safe on their motorcycles. What a time to be alive.
For those who think they're unfamiliar with Hatsune Miku, you might actually have more familiarity than you think. If you've spent any time on TikTok or Instagram in the past couple of years, you've probably seen at least one video that uses a clip from this popular Miku song.
If the vocaloid fandom isn't really your thing, maybe giant robots are more your speed? Don't worry if that's you; Shoei's got you covered, too. The helmet maker has not one, not two, but SIX entire Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin OVA helmet designs planned in 2025.
Like the Miku helmet, they will all only be available for a limited time. From July 2025 through the end of November 2025, Gundam fans will be able to choose from a selection of Gundam designs, including this throwback:
What's extra funny to me about this is that a few months ago, looking at some other designs only offered by Shoei in Japan, I thought that the colors were reminiscent of Voltron. And now, the subtext is full-on text, with designs created in cooperation with Sotsu and Sunrise. If you're both a rider and an anime fan, it's a truly insane time to be alive.
What do you think, would you rock a Miku or Gundam design on your lid? All I know is, Shoei could potentially own TikTok with one or more of these lids if it plays its cards right (and finds the right music).
