June is going to be packed full of Banpresto prize releases, partly in anticipation of the yearly summer movie in July, “Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution”.
Not only will there be a ton of plush from several collections, but June also sees the return of the Pokemon bath towel (one of my favorite prize items!) All of the towels I own are Banpresto prize towels. I love them because they’re a nice size and very sturdy – even after repeated washing for years, they’re still in great shape. Also cheaper than most bath towels, assuming you are good at winning stuff from claw machines!
What is Banpresto?
Banpresto is a company that manufactures plush, figures, towels, glasses, and other items to be used as prizes for claw machines in game centers as well as kuji prizes. None of these items are designed to be sold directly through stores and cannot be found in Pokemon Centers. Note that the exception to this are Pokemon kujis, however even in this case, you have to win the prizes; you can’t buy the prize you want directly. Typically, you can find these prize items in game centers or sold second hand through auction sites, amazon, or other similar stores.
Most Pokemon releases from Banpresto drop on Tuesday or Thursday, with occasional releases on Friday. Ichiban Kuji generally goes on sale on Saturdays.
Some of the bigger name game centers in Japan include: Adores, Sega, Round 1, Namco, and Taito Station. Keep in mind, not all game center locations stock all prizes.
The extra large plush release for June is Mimikyu from the Mimikyu Mania series and four types of Pokeballs from the general Pokemon Sun & Moon series.
The four pokeballs (pokeball, great ball, hyper ball, and master ball) measure roughly 31 cm each and they will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 13th (Thursday).
Measuring roughly 35 cm, Mimikyu will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 20th (Thursday).
The Pokemon Focus – Evolution Stone series continues into June with two Eeveelution plush sets.
Eevee & Jolteon (both measuring about 23 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 13th (Thursday).
Eevee & Flareon (both measuring about 23 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 18th (Tuesday).
The Pokemon Korotto Colorful series continues with pink for the month of June!
The set features Slowpoke, Luvdisc, and Sylveon. Each plush measures roughly 26 cm and they will start appearing in game centers in Japan from June 13th (Thursday).
Kororin Friends – Palm Plush has four new additions as well.
Measuring roughly 9 cm each, Raichu, Cubone, Slowpoke, and Dragonite will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 25th (Tuesday).
Snorlax makes an appearance to bring a smile to your face from the Pokemon Hokkori Iyasare series.
Two extra fuzzy & soft Snorlax face cushions, each measuring about 38 cm, will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 6th (Thursday).
Last but not least – Mewtwo Strikes Back movie prizes!
A set of large plush (Pikachu & Dragonite, each measuring about 23 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 20th (Thursday).
A set of smaller plush (Pikachu, Mew & Mewtwo, each measuring about 12 cm) will also start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 20th (Thursday).
A set of three bath towels (Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Mew + Mewtwo) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 26th (Wednesday).
Last but not least, an extra large sized Mew plush (measuring roughly 33 cm) will also start appearing in game centers around Japan from June 26th (Wednesday).
That wraps up the Banpresto releases planned for June!
Until next time~
