by ZombieMiki | Jul 31, 2019 | Pokemon, Pokemon Merch News, UFO Catchers
It might be closing in on the end of summer and beginning of fall but the releases from Banpresto are not slowing down for the month of August.
The surprise non-plush releases for August are smaller plastic figures. Otherwise, everything else is pretty standard for Banpresto and Pokemon with new stuff coming from Pokemon Tsuretette, Korotto Manmaru, Pikachu & Mimikyu Mania, the general Pokemon Sun & Moon series, and more from I Love Gengar (or as they write it in Japanese, I Love Gangar)
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.
Pikachu and Mimikyu Mania prizes continue into August. Both releases come out August 9th (Friday), which is about halfway through the Pikachu Outbreak event held annually in Yokohama. Win a cute plush and bring it with you to watch the Pikachu parades!
The two face cushions (Pikachu and Mimikyu) measure about 33 cm across.
The four smaller Pikachu plush measure about 12 cm high.
The Pokemon Tsuretette (Pokemon Pal) series continues into August with two releases.
Larger sized plush of Squirtle and Snorlax (each measuring about 26 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 22nd (Thursday).
Smaller sized plush of Jigglypuff, Psyduck, Growlithe, and Togepi (each measuring about 14 cm) will also start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 22nd (Thursday).
From the I Love Gengar (Gangar) series comes two larger sized Gengar plush (each measuring about 20 cm – he is a chunky boi) which will start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 22nd (Thursday).
Continuing the Colorful mini series from Korotto Manmaru, black themed larger plush (Umbreon, Starly, and Banette – each measuring about 23 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 22nd (Thursday).
The two XL size plush coming out for August are Witch Hat Pikachu (getting ready for Halloween early) and Pichu from the Mogu-Mogu Time (Snack Time) series.
Pichu (measuring about 30 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 8th (Thursday).
Pikachu (measuring about 31 cm) will start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 20th (Tuesday).
Last but not least – from the general Pokemon Sun & Moon Banpresto series:
A collection of smaller sized plastic figures of Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Pikachu, and Eevee (each measuring about 4 cm), will start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 8th (Thursday).
Squishy Pokeballs, each measuring about 9 cm, will also start appearing in game centers around Japan from August 8th (Thursday).
That wraps up all the Banpresto releases for the month of August.
We should start seeing more Halloween themed stuff in September, so get hyped (if you’re into Halloween!)
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by ZombieMiki | Jul 31, 2019 | Pokemon, Pokemon Merch News, TCG, UFO Catchers
8.2
[TCG] “Dream League” Booster Pack
[TCG] Card Sleeves – Lillie Flute, N
[TCG] Collection File – Old Book Design
[Pokemon Center] Pokemon Trainers
[Pokemon Center On-Line] 1:1 Mareep Plush pre-orders start
8.3
[Takara Tomy] Nee, Uchi Pika (Talky Pikachu Figure)
8.6
[Event] Pikachu Outbreak event starts in Yokohama
[Event] Pop-up Cafe & Drink Stand starts in Yokohama
8.8
[Banpresto] Pokemon Sun & Moon – Soft Figures (Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Pikachu, Eevee)
[Banpresto] Mogu-Mogu Time – Extra Large Plush (Pichu)
[Banpresto] Pokemon Sun & Moon – Squeezy Pokeballs (Pokeball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, Masterball)
8.9
[Banpresto] Pikachu Mania – Plush (Pikachu x 4 designs)
[Banpresto] Pikachu & Mimikyu Mania – Face Cushions (Pikachu, Mimikyu)
8.10
[Pokemon Center] Spooky Gengar
[Pokemon Center Cafe] New menu items: Snorlax Naptime Lunch Plate / Pokeball Dessert Bowl
8.17
[Pokemon Center] Anna Sui Collaboration
8.20
[Banpresto] Pokemon Sun & Moon – Extra Large Plush (Witch Hat Pikachu)
8.22
[Banpresto] I Love Gengar – Large Plush (Happy, Sleeping)
[Banpresto] Korotto Manmaru Colorful Series – Black – Large Plush (Umbreon, Starly, Banette)
[Banpresto] Tsuretette – Large Plush (Squirtle, Snorlax)
[Banpresto] Tsuretette – Plush (Jigglypuff, Psyduck, Growlithe, Togepi)
8.23
[Pokemon BigMore] Lapras Plush
8.24
[Pokemon Center] Pokemon Researcher
8.31
[Pokemon Center] Pokemon Trainers (iPhone Cases + Plush)
[Pokemon Center On-Line] Kotobukiya Elesa figure pre-order starts
[Eskei] Pokemon Shiny Jewel Rubber Mascot (Pikachu, Eevee, Piplup, Flaaffy, Plusle & Minun, Espurr, Whimsicott)
[Eskei] Pikachu & Sweets Charm Collection (Ice Cream, Donuts, Chocolate, Macarons, Pudding, Lollipop, Cupcake)
![[News] Seasons Pikachu & Eevee + Ghost Type Focus + It’s Ditto + Pokemon Center Cafe](https://mikitzune.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/FridayAnnouncementBanner.jpg)
by ZombieMiki | Oct 12, 2018 | Pokemon, Pokemon Merch News
Hello everyone!
It’s Friday which means it’s that time of the week when we get news on up-coming Pokemon merchandise and other fun stuff.
Remember back in June when the Pokemon Center announced a new series of Pikachu & Eevee pair plush, called Seasons Pikachu & Eevee? And how the series would have four plush in total, one for every season?
Yeah, I totally forgot about it, oops Well, it’s back with an autumn version!
For some reason, fall and November especially are synonymous in Japan with artsy things, so in that style, we have Pikachu and Eevee, reading a picture book together, outside I guess since there’s a fall leaf on one of the pages.
The plush will go on sale at all Pokemon Centers & Stores in Japan on October 27th (Saturday) and costs 3,240 yen including tax.
Don’t forget, we still have winter and spring versions to look forward to!
Also coming out October 27th (Saturday) is a mini clothing based promotion with a Ghost Pokemon Type focus.
Ghost Type Focus
The merchandise line-up includes:
T-Shirt (Jangling | Eyes | Typo | Gothic Gradation) [Small/Medium/Large] – 3,240 yen each
* Gothic Gradation is pictured
Drifloon Hoodie (Grey | Black) [Small/Medium/Large] – 6,048 yen each
Socks (Pikachu) [Child Size] – 1,080 yen
Socks (Pikachu | Gengar | Banette | Litwick) [23~25cm] – 1,296 yen per pair
T-Shirt Collection [Ghost Type Focus] – 1,944 yen
* T-shirts are blind packaged | 7 designs in total
The ever popular “Ditto Transform!” series returns with new mostly non-plush items in a new mini promotion called “It’s Ditto!” This promotion will hit Pokemon Centers & Stores across Japan October 27th (Saturday).
It’s Ditto 1
Merchandise line-up includes:
Bean Cushion (Ditto | Dittochu) – 3,240 yen each
Acrylic Charm Collection [BLIND] – 648 yen each
* 6 charm sets in total
Face Towel – 1,080 yen
It’s Ditto 2
Mug w/ Lid – 1,512 yen
It’s Ditto 3
Grape Gummy Candy Tin – 864 yen
Die-cut Hand Towel – 540 yen
Blanket – 3,240 yen
A4 Clearfile – 260 yen
A5 PET Sticker Sheet – 540 yen
Deco Sticker Set – 648 yen
Croquis Sketchbook – 734 yen
Not Pictured
A6 Memopad – 432 yen
Boston Bag – 5,400 yen
Pouch – 1,728 yen
Travel Pouch – 2,376 yen
Mesh Pouch – 1,620 yen
Pen Pouch – 1,296 yen
PC Tablet Case – 3,024 yen
Commemorating the release of Pokemon Let’s Go! Pikachu & Eevee, the official Pokemon Center Cafe will offer special Pikachu & Eevee inspired menu items from November 16th (Friday) until January 11th, 2019 (Friday).
Pikachu Eevee Cafe 1
Pikachu & Eevee Best Friends Muffin Sandwich Plate – 1,706 yen
Pikachu & Eevee’s Adventure?! French Fries – 1,026 yen
Pikachu Plate Set – 2,894 yen
Eevee Plate Set – 2,894 yen
Also starting November 16th, a new menu including latte art of all 151 Pokemon from Pokemon Red and Green will become available.
Plus this super cute Eevee mascot plush will be available as a special optional bonus merchandise when you make a reservation at the Pokemon Center Cafe.
On top of that, there will be new designs rotated in for the original clear coasters given out 1 per drink. There will be 6 designs in total, with 1 design being a mega secret (Meltan?!)
More information on the coaster designs and latte art will be coming soon, so stay tuned!
An official Pokemon Center will be opening outside of Japan in the Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel) in Singapore.
Logo artwork has been released, along with a main promotional illustration, indicating there will be a grand-opening merchandise promotion.
Aside from “opening 2019”, at this point we don’t have any other information, but I will of course report on anything that comes out as I hear it.
Closing us out, this smaller Magikarp mascot plush was released on the 10th to no fanfare.
You can pull the Magikarp away from the pokeball and he’ll shake and vibrate!
Want this little guy? You can order him through Japanstuffs.com!
That wraps up this week’s Pokemon Center announcements.
Until next time~
Seasons Pikachu & Eevee: Autumn
Ghost Type Focus
It’s Ditto
Pokemon Center Pokemon Cafe Let’s Go Exclusive Menu
Singapore Pokemon Center
by ZombieMiki | Oct 1, 2018 | gacha, Pokemon, Pokemon Merch News, TCG, UFO Catchers
October
[Takara Tomy / Gacha] Eevee Ippai Collection 2
10.1
[Pokemon Center Cafe] Halloween coasters & place mat distribution starts
10.4
[Banpresto] I Love Snorlax – Extra Large Plush
[Banpresto] I Love Snorlax – Die-cut Blanket
10.5
[TCG] Booster Pack – “Dark Order”
[TCG] Energy Card Box
[TCG] Card Sleeves (Nanu & Sableye, Hoopa Unbound)
[Good Smile] Pre-orders start for Green Nendoroid
10.6
[Pokemon Center] Pikachu & Eevee Fancy Home Goods
[Pokemon Center] Pokemon Center Original Desk Calendar
10.10
[Pokemon Center] Magikarp Mascot Plush
10.11
[Banpresto] Girlish Pikachu – Mascot Plush (3 designs)
[Banpresto] Girlish Pikachu – Large Plush (2 designs)
[Banpresto] Pokemon Quest – Extra Large Plush (Cube Face Cushion)
10.13
[Pokemon Center] Mofu-Mofu Paradise
[Pokemon Center] Naganadel Pokemon Center Plush
[Pokemon Center] Fan of Pikachu & Eevee – Pikachu & Eevee Poncho
10.15
[Re-Ment] Pokemon Terrarium Collection Vol 4 (Gengar, Totodile, Moltres, Slowpoke, Pikachu & Mareep, Umbreon)
10.18
[Banpresto] Mogu-Mogu Time – Large Plush (Gengar, Dedenne)
[Banpresto] Pokemon Focus – Regional Large Plush (Raichu, Alola Raichu)
10.20
[Pokemon Center] Kaiju Mania Vol 2 (Pikachu Snorlax, Pikachu Ampharos, Pikachu Garchomp)
[Pokemon Center] Mofu-Mofu Paradise (Plush, Slippers, Tissue Boxes)
10.25
[Takara Tomy] Chokkori-San Plush (Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon, Umbreon, Espeon, Leafeon, Glaceon, Sylveon)
[Banpresto] Pokemon Focus – Regional Extra Large Plush (Diglett, Alola Diglett)
[Banpresto] Pokemon Focus – Regional Large Plush (Vulpix, Alola Vulpix)
10.27
[Pokemon Center] Ditto Transform! Goods Promo
[Pokemon Center] Ghost Type Clothing Mini Promotion
[Pokemon Center] Seasons Pikachu & Eevee – Autumn Pair Plush
[Pokemon Center] Finger Puppets Volume 2 (Red, Green, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Rhydon, Lapras, Koffing)
[Takara Tomy] Pokemon Quest Acrylic Mascot (Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur)
[Takara Tomy] Pokemon Quest Cushion (Snorlax, Pikachu Eevee)
[Takara Tomy] Pokemon Quest Pin Collection Vol 1
[Takara Tomy] Pokemon Quest Pin Collection Vol 2
[Takara Tomy] Pokemon Quest Figure Collection (Pikachu, Snorlax, Magikarp)
[MonColle] Mew & Pokeball Set (Clear Ver.), Lapras DX
[MonColle] Ultra DX Set
10.31
[Bandai] Coo-Nuts (Pikachu, Eevee, Gengar, Piplup, Mimikyu, Rowlet, Litten, Popplio, Darumaka, Quagsire)
[Bandai] Twin Magnet Sets (Pikachu Girl & Boy, Pikachu & Eevee, Pikachu & Bulbasaur + Ditto, Charmander & Mew, Squirtle & Psyduck, Clefairy & Jigglypuff)
by ZombieMiki | Sep 12, 2018 | Pokemon, Pokemon Center Report
Hello everyone!
The main (possibly the only) Pokemon Center promotional release for Halloween went on sale this past weekend (September 8th) to much fanfare.
The highlight for the morning was the Pokemon Center’s on-line store mis-listing the blind packaged acrylic and metal charms. Whoever is suddenly in charge of listing items on the on-line store doesn’t seem to know what they’re doing as I’ve noticed at least one major item with multiple mistakes (price, pre-order time period, release date) but at least in those cases, the item wasn’t yet available for actual pre-order. In this case… they listed both the single charms and the complete set of charms for the same price: 540 yen. The boxes of charms should have been listed at a little under 5000 yen, which is kind of a big mistake. Both sets sold out by the 2 minute mark.
I’m not sure if the Pokemon Center honored those orders or not, but they were quickly relisted under the right yen amounts. If people did manage to score boxes of charms for 540 yen, then nice job to the ones who scored big!
The main highlights for this release were the plush and mascot plush.
Halloween Team Treat Plush
Team Treat featured Pikachu, Sylveon, and Ampharos
Halloween Team Trick Plush
Team Trick featured Mimikyu, Gengar, and Pumpkaboo
Halloween Team Treat Mascot
Mascot plush are smaller sized stuffed animals, usually about 6 inches, that include a clip, chain, or loop so you can attach them to bags. They make great travel companions!
Team Treat mascot plush included Umbreon and Dedenne
Halloween Team Trick Mascot
Team Trick mascot plush included Banette and Sableye
Halloween 2018 Mugs
Bonus! This year’s Halloween promotion had not one but two mugs!
Team Treat had a cute mug featuring the main promotional artwork and a lid with a tiny ceramic Joltik.
Team Trick had a mug that looks dark and plain at first, but the main artwork is revealed when the mug is filled with a hot beverage (I love heat changing mugs!)
That wraps up this week’s Pokemon Center Report.
Until next time (and very early Happy Halloween~)
