The first capsule of our KISSUI x Speed Racer collection is speeding onto the scene soon, tailing behind our already released Gatchaman tech accessories collection. But before we reveal the designs, let’s take a pit stop and talk about Speed Racer–the OG high-octane anime that put motorsports anime on the map. Before other popular anime racing series that had mainstream success, there was Mach GoGoGo, better known internationally as Speed Racer, and it was an absolute hit.
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
How Speed Racer Became an Anime Icon
Tatsunoko Production’s Mach GoGoGo hit Japanese TV screens in 1967 and quickly gained traction for its action-packed storytelling, futuristic racing tech, and an opening so catchy it’s still stuck in people’s heads decades later. It wasn’t long before the series made its way to the West, becoming one of the first anime to achieve mainstream success outside Japan.
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
At its core, the series follows Speed Racer (Go Mifune), a passionate young racer with a need for speed and an even stronger need to prove himself. His legendary Mach 5 is equipped with all sorts of wild gadgets—from saw blades to underwater mode—because in Speed Racer, a normal race always somehow turns into a thrilling death-defying battle.
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
Speed’s adventures aren’t just about racing; they’re about loyalty, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. Supporting him is his equally memorable cast:
Trixie - his ride-or-die (literally) girlfriend and pilot.
Pops Racer - his tough-as-nails father and mechanic.
Spritle & Chim-Chim - his mischievous younger brother and pet chimpanzee (who somehow always sneak into the car).
Racer X - the masked rival who’s way too mysterious for his own good.
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
The Speed Racer Formula: Fast, Dramatic, and Absolutely Thrilling
If you think modern racing anime get wild, Speed Racer was already doing the most in the ‘60s:
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Physics? What physics? Speed pulls off maneuvers that defy gravity, reality, and common sense.
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Speed Racer’s villains are straight out of a comic book. Assassins, corporate saboteurs, and actual monsters will show up out of nowhere to ruin Speed’s day.
This mix of intense action, dramatic storytelling, and a bit of unintentional comedy is what makes Speed Racer a legendary title.
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
Why Speed Racer Still Matters
Anime has evolved drastically, but Speed Racer’s influence can still be seen today. It introduced Japanese animation to a global audience, inspired generations of creators, and even got a Hollywood live-action adaptation in 2008 by the Wachowskis (which has since become a classic).
Watch or Pass?
If you're into retro anime in general, the classic series with that old-school charm, Speed Racer is a must-watch. It paved the way for the racing genre and will forever remain a piece of anime history.
Image Source: Tatsunoko Production
KISSUI x Speed Racer
Racing is all about style, speed, and precision, and our KISSUI x Speed Racer tech accessories collection embodies that same energy, reimagined with a modern flair. These accessories are built to protect your iPhones and AirPods while giving them a high-octane, modern edge.
While Speed Racer is known for its bold, retro aesthetic, our collection brings the Mach 5’s sleek design and the vibrant world of Speed Racer into a contemporary art style (which includes an intricate blueprint sketch of the Mach 5), blending nostalgia with a fresh updated look.
Each portrait phone case has been meticulously re-illustrated by KISSUI (yes, one of the rare moments an anime series allows reillustration). Every detail has been refreshed and updated, blending vibrant colors and crisp lines to give your phone a bold, contemporary look while still honoring the original art.
If you want to see the same designs for your AirPods cases, we’ve got you (and your AirPods) covered.
Whether you’re blasting your racing playlist or just living life in the fast lane, this is the ultimate gear upgrade for any Speed Racer fan. Collection launches [28 March 2025, 9PM ET]. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & X/Twitter to stay ahead of the race.
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