The SEGA x Buffer Collab Brings ‘Zaxxon’ and ‘Shinobi’ Into Tetsu Nishiyama’s World

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Summary

  • Buffer, the new brand launched by WTAPS founder Tetsu Nishiyama, collaborates with SEGA on a collection themed around two classic arcade titles: the 1982 shooter Zaxxon and the 1987 ninja action game Shinobi
  • The collection spans T-shirts, a 6-panel cap, socks, a poster, stickers, pins, and a button badge, with new Shinobi artwork commissioned from illustrator Shuntaro Takeuchi
  • All items release May 23

Buffer, the clothing brand created by Tetsu Nishiyama (known for WTAPS), is partnering with SEGA on a new collection inspired by classic arcade games. Launching May 23rd, the line features designs based on Zaxxon and Shinobi, and includes a variety of clothing and accessories. Illustrator Shuntaro Takeuchi created new artwork for the collaboration.

The partnership with SEGA offers insight into what Buffer represents and how Tetsuya Nishiyama’s vision has evolved since creating WTAPS, a hugely influential streetwear brand. While WTAPS drew heavily from military style, American workwear, and a minimalist aesthetic, Buffer takes a different approach – it’s more relaxed, fun, and openly inspired by the pop culture Nishiyama enjoyed growing up, something WTAPS didn’t often explore. The games chosen – Zaxxon (1982) and Shinobi (1987) – perfectly represent SEGA’s golden age. They were iconic arcade games in Japan and popular worldwide. By using these games as the basis for Buffer’s first big gaming collaboration, Nishiyama is sharing a bit of his personal history alongside his brand’s new direction.

The design embodies that same thoughtful approach. Shuntaro Takeuchi’s new artwork for Shinobi offers a fresh take on the main character, Joe Musashi, respecting the original game while avoiding a simple copy. The collection also features a Buffer x SEGA logo and a unique Japanese logotype – “爆腐亜” (Bakufua), which is the Japanese pronunciation of “Buffer.” This clever typographic detail is aimed at fans who will appreciate the reference without needing it explained, and it perfectly suits the brand’s sophisticated style.

The wide range of products, from wearable items to collectibles, reflects how gaming fans actually buy things: they don’t focus on just one standout item, but build a collection based on how much they’re willing to spend. For a new brand still finding its footing, this focus on a complete range of products shows Buffer is prioritizing building a community, not just selling products.

The SEGA x Buffer collection releases May 23.

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2026-05-20 10:26