Hayato
exo026 · Exo-Force
Golden City · 2007 - Released during the second wave of the Exo-Force line.
Figure ID
exo026
Theme
Exo-Force
Year Released
2007 - Released during the second wave of the Exo-Force line.
Rarity
Uncommon. Exclusive to only two sets within the Golden City sub-theme.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with unique facial printing: white bushy eyebrows, a matching white mustache, and silver/white cybernetic facial augmentations on both temples representing high-tech sensors or implants.
Torso
Red base with green vest printing. Design features a ragged, patched-up look with a red kimono underneath, a black belt (obi), and a silver medallion/locket. Includes back printing of the ragged vest.
Legs
Black legs with a red hip piece. No specific leg printing is featured on this variant.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally came with a white spiky hair piece (Part 53982) and often wielded a katana or piloted a mech.
Color Scheme
A striking contrast of Red, Bright Green, and Black, representing the pilot's' traditional-meets-future aesthetic.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing for the era. The torso includes fine lining for the patches and the cybernetic head prints have a metallic silver sheen.
Variants
This is the 'Ragged' version of Hayato. Other versions include the 2006 original (exo004) and the 2008 Jungle version (exo031).
Condition Notes
The image shows notable 'neck wear' or paint loss at the top of the torso. Common issues include fading of the green vest print and loss of silver detail on the head.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $7.00. New/Mint: $10.00+. The hair piece accounts for a significant portion of the value if missing.
Price (New)
N/A - Distributed in sets retailing between $19.99 (7702) and $34.99 (7703).
Compatible Sets
7702 Thunderbolt and 7703 Fire Vulture.
Character Background
Hayato is one of the main protagonists of the Exo-Force team, known for his hot-headed nature and exceptional skill in mid-air combat and speed-oriented mechs.
Design Notes
Reflects the 'East meets West' anime-inspired design philosophy LEGO adopted in the mid-2000s to compete with Japanese media trends.
Similar Minifigures
Takeshi, Hikaru, and Ha-Ya-To (different spellings/variants), as well as early Ninjago figures which borrowed stylistic cues from this line.
Collectibility
Moderate. Exo-Force has a dedicated cult following, but Hayato is one of the more common protagonists compared to side characters or limited villains.
History
Exo-Force was LEGO's first major internal push into anime aesthetics, lasting from 2006 to 2008 before being succeeded visually by Ninjago.
Interesting Facts
The cybernetic head prints are often mistaken for wrinkles or old age, but in lore, they are neural interfaces for controlling mechs.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside the cockpit of the 7702 Thunderbolt or alongside the other three original pilots on a Technic-heavy display stand.
Modification Potential
Excellent for cyberpunk-themed MOCs or post-apocalyptic survivors due to the ragged, patched nature of the torso print.
Overall Assessment
A solid mid-2000s figure with great character. The torso wear on this specific specimen reduces its value, but it remains a nostalgic piece of LEGO's experimental era.