It’s the end of August so let’s talk about the Pokemon prizes coming out for September!
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. Not all game center locations stock all prizes. If you’re having trouble finding stock of the item you’re looking for, feel free to send me a message!
A new series, “I Love Snorlax”, starts in September with two releases. Unsurprisingly, this series is all about Snorlax.
A large plush Snorlax face cushion (measuring about 38 cm) will start appearing in game centers from September 5th (Wednesday).
A plush Snorlax tote-bag (measuring about 30 cm including the handles) will start appearing in game centers from September 13th (Thursday).
From the popular Korotto Manmaru series, a set of large plush (measuring roughly 25 cm each) including Charizard, Pidgey, and Farfetch’d, will start appearing in game centers from September 26th (Wednesday).
The relatively new “Pokemon Tsuretette” series will have two releases, both of which will start appearing in game centers from September 20th (Thursday).
One release is for a set of smaller plush (each measuring about 12 cm) and includes Cleffa, Munchlax, and Pichu.
The second release is for a set of larger plush (each measuring about 24 cm) and includes Jigglypuff and Togepi.
Last but not least – from the generic Pokemon Sun & Moon series, we get two extra large plush!
Mimikyu (measuring about 28 cm) will start appearing in game centers from September 5th (Wednesday).
Dragonite (measuring about 38 cm) will start appearing in game centers from September 26th (Wednesday).
That wraps up this month’s Banpresto overview post!
Until next time~
