Every now and then, a smartphone brand refreshes an already launched device with a new, exclusive color. This time, it’s Google stepping in. The company has introduced a Japan-exclusive variant of the Google Pixel 10a, and it’s not just a new coat of paint with a catchy name. It’s called Isai Blue, and it comes with its own story.
What’s the story behind it?
Unlike the usual Pixel palette, this one isn’t inspired by something you can point at in nature. “Isai” translates to uniqueness and individuality. The shade itself has been chosen to reflect the identity and philosophy of Heralbony, the brand Google has collaborated with for this special edition. Their mission is to celebrate diverse personalities and creative expression. And somehow, that idea has been bottled into a very striking blue.
Google has leaned fully into this collaboration, extending it across hardware, accessories, and even software. The Pixel 10a Isai Blue ships with exclusive artist-designed wallpapers, custom stickers by artist Nozomi Fujita, and a color-matched bumper case that protects without hiding the finish. Even the retail box gets in on the action, featuring artwork by Midori Kudo. It’s the kind of packaging you hesitate to throw away, which, frankly, is rare in 2026. Where things get particularly interesting is on the software side. Thanks to Material You, the artistic collaboration doesn’t stop at the lock screen. The phone includes special editions featuring works from Shigaku Mizukami, Midori Kudo, and Kaoru Iga. Users can pick from nine custom wallpapers, and once applied, the UI adapts accordingly.
A Japan-exclusive, for now
This special edition is priced at 94,900 yen for the 256GB variant and is set to go on sale in Japan starting May 20, following pre-orders. The color feels really refreshing, and it’s hard not to wish it were available beyond Japan. Dear Google, consider this a polite nudge — this shade deserves to be in other countries, too. Some of us would very much like to get our hands on it.
