The Japanese racing team TKRI (Tatsuya Kataoka Racing Invitation), known for its collaborations with Good Smile Racing and its participation in the Eneos Super Taikyu Series 2026, has announced an exciting partnership with the popular anime series My Dress-Up Darling. This collaboration will be showcased starting from the second round of the ‘Suzuka 5 Hours Race’ on April 18-19 at the Suzuka Circuit. A special event is also planned for mid-2026 in Iwatsuki. The centerpiece of this partnership is a race car featuring the distinctive artwork of Marin Kitagawa, the beloved cosplayer protagonist.
Founded by Tatsuya Kataoka with the aim of broadening the appeal of motorsports, TKRI entered the Super Taikyu Series in 2020 and has been competing in the ST-X category since 2022, vying for the championship in the 2024-2025 seasons.
My Dress-Up Darling (known in Japan as Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru) enjoys significant popularity both domestically and internationally. The race car will sport a predominantly pink color scheme, reflecting the anime’s aesthetic, with illustrations of Marin Kitagawa adorning the hood and sides. In the artwork, she is depicted in a stylish ‘racing queen’ outfit, and the design also incorporates her collectible figure.
While the anime adaptation of the manga by Shinichi Fukuda has yet to receive official confirmation for a third season, a spin-off is on the horizon, with its US release scheduled for October 13th. The My Dress-Up Darling manga concluded with chapter 115 on March 21, 2025. The story is set in the Iwatsuki district of Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, a region renowned as Japan’s primary center for traditional Japanese doll making, a craft with roots dating back to the Edo period.
The Iwatsuki district has previously hosted various anime-related events, solidifying its status as a significant location for the series. Matsunaga Construction, TKRI’s main sponsor, is also headquartered in Iwatsuki. This collaboration aims to widely promote the partnership with “Iwatsuki, the city of dolls” across the nation through promotional activities during the Super Taikyu races, coordinated with events held in the Iwatsuki district of Saitama City.
Starting with the second race at Suzuka, Marin Kitagawa will serve as the “Temporary TKRI Ambassador for 2026.” The car will prominently feature the collaborative artwork and colors. Furthermore, plans are underway to develop additional promotional merchandise and support products in the future.
