BAYC Teases Samurai-Themed Artwork, Sparking Speculations

Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) has recently released an image featuring its mascot in samurai-style art. The image shows Curtis holding a flaming katana, with Japanese katakana spelling out the project’s name, whilst Jimmy the Monkey looms above the BAYC clubhouse.

The post, shared on Wednesday via the official BAYC X account, provided no context or further commentary but its sudden release prompted a wave of identical reposts from community members, raising questions about its significance.

Yuga Labs has not confirmed whether the image is connected to a new product, event, or creative direction. However, a casual remark by Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano hinted at community interest in potential merchandise, though no such plans have been announced.

Key Insights

• BAYC teases new artwork showing mascot Curtis with a flaming sword and Japanese script
• The post coincides with other unrelated updates from BAYC, including a governance vote and more
• Yuga Labs has not confirmed whether the artwork is linked to an upcoming project

What do we know so far?

On June 18, the Bored Ape Yacht Club posted a stylised image featuring several of its recurring characters. The scene shows Curtis, the project’s primary mascot, wielding a flaming katana in front of the clubhouse, whilst “Bored Ape Yacht Club” appears in Japanese katakana. Jimmy the Monkey, another central character in the BAYC universe, is shown in the background above the structure.

The post was made without supporting explanation and no links or follow-up statements have been published by the official BAYC or Yuga Labs accounts. However, Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano has remarked separately that a “limited edition BAYC katana would slap,” though no further plans were confirmed.

There is no current indication that the image is promotional or tied to a specific campaign.

What’s new with Bored Ape Yacht Club?

Whilst the meaning of the artwork remains unclear, BAYC has been active on multiple unrelated fronts:

• Governance Vote: The ApeCoin DAO is currently voting on AIP-596, a proposal by Solano to shut down the DAO and transfer its assets to a new entity called ApeCo. Over 20 million $Ape has already been cast and voting closes on June 26.
• Telegram Sticker Pack: BAYC has also announced an upcoming sticker drop via Telegram. The pack will contain digital collectibles with in-app emote functionality.
• Merchandise Plans: Solano also confirmed that an “always-on” online merchandise store is in development to allow BAYC members to purchase branded items year-round. However, no launch date has been announced.

As of now, there is no indication that the recently released artwork is connected to these developments as there had been no formal announcements, and no timeline provided for further updates.

The Bored Ape Yacht Club has previously used visual releases to introduce campaigns or projects, but without confirmation, it remains unclear whether this latest post is part of a larger initiative.