Hello everyone~
The dead of winter is finally ending, and the summer season is starting out with a burst of Pokemon merchandise from Banpresto.
Not only does May feature a bunch of Pokemon Sun & Moon related plush and figures, but there the Pokemon Focus line restarts with stone evolution themed plushies (and a couple more surprises!)
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.
From the general Pokemon Sun & Moon series, May features two new XL plush, with each measuring about 31~35 cm.
Lapras will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 10th (Friday).
Raichu will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 23rd (Thursday).
An original Snorlax & Pikachu Nap-Time figure, also from the general Sun & Moon series and measuring about 14 cm, will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 16th (Thursday).
Large plush versions of winking Pikachu and Meltan will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 23rd (Thursday).
It’s no surprise that Banpresto would be releasing Detective Pikachu themed prizes to coincide with the worldwide release of the Detective Pikachu movie at the beginning of May.
Two large Pikachu plush will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 10th (Friday).
Two large size Pikachu face cushions will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 23rd (Thursday).
Three plush Pikachu pouches will also start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 23rd (Thursday).
The Pokemon Focus series returns after a brief hiatus, this time with a focus on Pokemon that evolve with evolution stones.
Large plush versions of Eevee and Vaporeon (each measuring about 23 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 16th (Thursday).
Smaller plush versions of Pikachu, Raichu, Poliwhirl, and Poliwrath (each measuring about 12 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 23rd (Thursday).
From the Korotto Manmaru: Color series – a batch of three blue Pokemon (Glaceon, Squirtle, and Wooper, all measuring about 24 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 10th (Friday).
From the Hokkori Iyase series – extra fuzzy Snorlax and Quagsire (both measuring about 27 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 16th (Thursday).
From the Palm Kororin series – a batch of four small sized plush (Vulpix, Meowth, Growlithe, and Pichu – each measuring about 9 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from May 16th (Thursday).
Last but not least, from the Ichiban Kuji line, a brand new Eeveelution themed raffle!
Called Eevee & Melodies, this raffle will be available at most game centers, Tsutaya, Animate, hobby shops, and the Pokemon Center starting from May 25th (Saturday).
That wraps up all the releases planned from Banpresto for May!
Prize List
A – Eevee Plush
B – Keyboard Plush
C – Tote-Bag
D – Mug
E – Record Style Plate
F – Print Hand Towel
G – Metal Charm
Last One Prize – Extra Happy Eevee Plush
Until next time~
