Reynand Wu
TOKYO, JAPAN — July 21, 2026 — In a move that bridges the vibrant worlds of virtual talent and high-end lifestyle merchandising, COVER Corporation has officially announced a landmark partnership with the Hong Kong-based powerhouse Medialink Group Limited. The collaboration, titled “It’s holo-tea time!”, promises to transform the aesthetic of seven of hololive production’s most popular talents, draping them in sophisticated, afternoon tea-themed attire. This exclusive collection is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong (ACGHK 2026) festival, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing cross-regional expansion of the VTuber phenomenon.
The Stars of the Soirée: A Global Lineup
The “It’s holo-tea time!” collection centers on a curated selection of talents representing the diverse branches of hololive production. The lineup features:
- Shirakami Fubuki (hololive)
- Momosuzu Nene (hololive)
- Kobo Kanaeru (hololive Indonesia)
- Ninomae Ina’nis (hololive English)
- Hakos Baelz (hololive English)
- Fuwawa Abyssgard (hololive English)
- Mococo Abyssgard (hololive English)
By selecting a roster that spans Japan, Indonesia, and the English-speaking global market, COVER Corporation and Medialink are signaling a unified strategy to cater to an international fanbase that transcends linguistic and geographical barriers. The afternoon tea theme, characterized by refined Victorian-inspired aesthetics and delicate pastel palettes, offers a refreshing departure from the talents’ traditional streaming attire, presenting fans with a rare, elegant collectible experience.
Chronology: From Concept to Convention
The road to the “It’s holo-tea time!” launch has been a meticulously planned operation aimed at maximizing engagement during the peak summer convention season.
- Early 2026: Initial partnership discussions between COVER Corporation and Medialink Group begin, focusing on creating a lifestyle-oriented IP campaign that resonates with the sophisticated tastes of the anime and gaming community.
- Mid-2026: Design phases for the “linku” blind box series and accompanying merchandise are finalized, ensuring that the visual identity of the seven talents remains consistent with their established personas while adhering to the new “tea party” theme.
- July 21, 2026: Official press announcement released simultaneously in Tokyo and Hong Kong, unveiling the full product catalog and confirming the debut location.
- July 24–28, 2026: The physical launch of the collection at ACGHK 2026, located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
An Exhaustive Catalog: The Merchandise Landscape
Medialink has gone to significant lengths to ensure the product variety meets the demands of collectors. The “It’s holo-tea time!” lineup is one of the most extensive collaborations to date, featuring:
- The Signature “Linku” Series: Featuring 7 types of blind box plushies, utilizing Medialink’s proprietary magnetic plush technology.
- Accessories & Apparel: 14 types of heart-shaped badges, 7 types of acrylic name-plate badges, 7 types of acrylic stands, 7 types of teacup-shaped keychains, and 7 standard acrylic keychains.
- Lifestyle & Stationery: 7 types of clear folders, a dedicated art book, and three unique T-shirt designs.
- Exclusive Collectibles: A specialized line of perfume inspired by the talents, a comprehensive set of 22 collectible cards, and the “Lucky Bag”—a bundle containing a paper bag, cushion, poster, towel, shikishi, table mat, and a sticker set.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
The collaboration is not merely a merchandising effort; it is a testament to the growth of the VTuber industry as a legitimate pillar of modern entertainment licensing.
"We are thrilled to bring the magic of hololive production into the elegant atmosphere of an afternoon tea party," stated a spokesperson for COVER Corporation. "By partnering with Medialink, whose expertise in IP management across Asia is unparalleled, we are providing our fans with high-quality, tangible connections to their favorite talents. This is a celebration of our global community."
Medialink Group, meanwhile, views this collaboration as a cornerstone of their 2026 summer strategy. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Medialink’s involvement ensures that the production quality—from the texture of the plushies to the print fidelity of the art books—meets the rigorous standards expected by both the licensor and the consumer.
Implications: The Future of IP Management
The “It’s holo-tea time!” event highlights several critical trends in the global intellectual property market.
1. The Rise of "Lifestyle" Licensing
VTuber agencies are shifting from simple merchandise (apparel and posters) to lifestyle-integrated products. Perfumes and high-quality cushions suggest that agencies are positioning their characters as lifestyle brands rather than just digital entertainers. This mirrors the trajectory of long-standing anime franchises like Evangelion or Sailor Moon.
2. The Power of Regional Hubs
By utilizing the ACGHK 2026 as the launchpad, the collaboration underscores the importance of Hong Kong as a critical hub for the Asian pop-culture market. Medialink’s presence at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre serves as an immersive gateway for fans in Greater China and beyond to experience these digital brands in a physical, high-touch environment.
3. Digital-to-Physical Synergy
The use of the “linku” magnetic plush series—a signature Medialink product—demonstrates how companies are creating proprietary product formats to build brand loyalty. Fans are not just buying a plush; they are buying into the "linku" ecosystem, which is designed to be highly collectible and modular.
Event Logistics: ACGHK 2026
For fans planning to attend the event in Hong Kong, the details are as follows:
- Event Dates: July 24th – 28th, 2026
- Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 1
- Booth: Medialink Group, Booth E01
- Engagement: The booth will feature immersive displays, providing an opportunity for fans to view the full product range in person. Given the limited nature of the merchandise, particularly the lucky bags and blind boxes, early attendance is encouraged.
About Medialink Group Limited
Medialink Group Limited (Stock Code: 2230.HK) remains a titan in the Asian entertainment sector. Founded in 1994, the group has evolved from a distribution company into an "IP Innovation Platform." Their portfolio, which includes the Ani-One® YouTube network (10.5 million+ subscribers), Ani-Mall® e-commerce platform, and the newly minted CON-CON® (Convention for Connection) event series, demonstrates an end-to-end command of the animation and licensing value chain.
As the group expands its footprint through 2027 with further iterations of CON-CON®, their collaboration with COVER Corporation serves as a bellwether for the future of cross-border IP management. By integrating the virtual, the physical, and the experiential, Medialink and COVER are setting a new standard for how modern audiences consume and celebrate their favorite digital icons.
For further information regarding the merchandise, updates on the event, and future collaborations, fans are encouraged to visit the official Medialink website and follow their social media channels, where real-time updates from the ACGHK 2026 floor will be posted throughout the duration of the event.
Neng Nana
Ammar Sabilarrohman
