by ZombieMiki | Feb 14, 2017 | Merchandise Review, Pokemon
Hello everyone!
I got a couple super cute Pokemon items for Valentine’s Day (along with chocolate) and I wanted to share ♥
First of all, a special thank you to Jen from JapanStuffs – without her, I wouldn’t have the Monthly Pair Pikachu! And a second special thank you to Kerstin for the lovely Valentine’s Day gifts ♥♥♥
First up, the Monthly Pair Pikachu plush from February. Technically I’ve had this plush since mid January, but it was an early Valentine’s Day gift so it still counts!
The Pikachus are really soft and feature one boy and one girl (the same as all the other Monthly Pair plush). The roses aren’t made of plush fabric, but they decorate the front of a heart cushion which is plush. It’s also hard to see from around the cushion but the Pikachu are holding hands.
When I originally saw the advertisement for the February Pika Plush, I jokingly said, “if someone really loved me, I don’t care about flowers and jewelry, I just want this” but I wasn’t really joking 😉 This plush is so cute!
I don’t order too much stuff from the American Pokemon Center store, but I would have gotten these items for myself if Kerstin hadn’t beat me to it! I’m a sucker for pins, but these are really cute. I like how they placed the five pins on separate little Valentine’s Day cards so if you wanted to, you could give them away as gifts. There’s even a space on the back to write a little message.
Even with how cute these pins are, I probably still wouldn’t have gotten them if it wasn’t for Umbreon. Being an Umbreon collector, I couldn’t pass up this cute little grumpy face.
And speaking of Umbreon, I couldn’t pass the cup up either (although I have way too many Pokemon cups!) For those who’ve never ordered mugs from the Pokemon Center store before, their mugs are very big and heavy, surprisingly so for the price (about $15 USD). Maybe my entire perception of what a normal size is has been skewed by living in Japan, but regardless, I recommend the US Pokemon Center mugs!
The Umbreon mug is sold as a set with a matching Espeon one for about $30 so you’re saving money compared to buying two mugs separately. Keep them both and use one at night and one in the morning or give one to someone you love!
And that concludes today’s special Valentine’s Day Merchandise Review!
Whether you’re single, dating, married, divorced (cough), alone, surrounded by family, or even if you hate the holiday, Happy Valentine’s Day! And until next time.
Edit: And I’m back sooner than expected! Just after I posted this, I checked the mail and my package from the US Pokemon Center arrived! What was inside?!
Substitute Hoodie! The Substitute promotion that was released in Japan last year in May finally came out (sort of) in the US Pokemon Center store. There were some neat US counterparts to the Japanese items (like the blanket), but the one thing that caught my eye (and my heart) was the hoodie.
The lining in the hood features the Substitute Pikachu pattern, there is a Substitute illustration over the left breast and a big Pikachu Substitute on the back (pictured here). It’s very, very soft and super comfortable. I was a little worried before trying it on, but no, it’s perfect.
The hoodie is dark green (not black! I know it’s hard to see in photos).
Here is a comparison between the pattern on the Substitute t-shirt released in Japan and the pattern on the inside of the hood.
Like with all clothing from the Pokemon Center, the hoodie runs large. Having never bought a hoodie from the Center before, I had to make an “educated” guess based on the numbers listed and comparing it with the shirts I already own. I ended up ordering a Large, which thankfully was perfect for what I like (I usually order XL but I would have been swimming in it). With that said, and as I mentioned, it is incredibly comfortable and soft and I 100% recommend it. It comes with two pockets which means you have space to carry two mini Substitute plushies!
And on that note, I’m going to bed. Goodnight!
by ZombieMiki | Jul 15, 2016 | Ichiban Kuji, Pokemon, Pokemon Merch News
We got a couple exciting announcements for up-coming merch tonight as well as one disappointing announcement for an unforeseen merchandise cancellation.
Bad news first.
These adorable mini pass cases scheduled for release tomorrow (July 16th) have been officially canceled and at this point there is no plan for a future release. Of course, this could always change, but at the moment, we’re simply out of luck for reasons that we will never know.
But don’t be sad! We have good news as well.
A brand new Its’Demo x Pokemon collaboration line-up will go on sale starting July 19th and will feature Pikachu at the beach and the ever popular Eeveelutions. As with most Its’Demo promotions, items will include mini towels, candies, and make-up, among other every-day use items.
Line-Up
A5 Notebook – 410 yen
B6 Ringed Notebook – 735 yen
Set of Vinyl Pouches – 2,700 yen per set
Face Powder – 1,620 yen
Eyeshadow Palette – 1,944 yen each
Water Tint Lip Gloss – 1,512 yen
Nail Polish – 486 yen
Polish Base Coat – 864 yen
Nail File Sets – 735 yen each
Body Cream – 1,404 yen
Lip Cream – 648 yen
Body Stickers – 648 yen
Icing Jelly – 173 yen
Flat Pouches w/ Marshmallows – 486 yen
Tin w/ Chocolates – 756 yen
Not Pictured
Eco Bags – 1,512 yen
Mini Towel – 540 yen
Face Towel – 1,620 yen
Body Towel – 3,240 yen
Towel w/ Hood – 3,240 yen
Towel Headband – 1,404 yen
Round Boxes w/ Cookies – 540 yen
Tea Bags (Caramel | Apple) – 324 yen
Mini Tote Bags w/ Cookies – 843 yen
Ear Pens – 594 yen
Memo Pads – 410 yen
Stationary Book – 540 yen
Bic Ballpen – 291 yen
(more…)
by ZombieMiki | Jul 1, 2016 | Pokemon, Pokemon Merch News, UFO Catchers
The Pokemon Center has a semi bad history of piling a bunch of releases onto one day, creating pandemonium when there doesn’t necessarily need to be any. With a lot of Pokemon Center exclusive goods now getable from multiple sources (including Amazon and their official on-line store), and coupled with buying limits that have been in place for over a year at this point (10 of each new item per person), the chaos probably won’t be as bad as it might have been in the past, but still, prayers go out to anyone challenging the Pokemon Centers on July 16th, as we have more merchandise set for release on that day!
First up, these super cute mini hoodie shaped pass cases! Like most pass cases, they have a tiny slot to conveniently hold your train pass and can be easily attached to your bag with a carabiner clip to keep you from potentially losing it.
You can use them to hold small items. Unlike most pass cases, however, you can reuse the cases to dress up your tiny plushies. Pro tip: these hoodies are a perfect fit for most (if not all) kuttari plush!
Designs for this batch of hoodie pass cases include: Gengar, Pikachu, Raichu, Slowpoke, and Substitute Plush.
Each case will sell for 2,052 yen
Straight from the official Pokemon YouTube account, this new batch of Mega Poncho Pikachu plush has been announced for release on July 23rd! This batch of 7 plush will include Poncho versions of: Mega Gallade, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Mawile, Mega Diancie, Mega Ampharos, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Rayquaza. There is a good chance these plush will be part of a promotion, so more information coming soon!
Starting July 23rd and while supplies last, for every 5,000 yen spent at all Pokemon Centers, stores, customers will receive 1 of these Mega Poncho Pikachu fans.
A Pikachu of the World promotion will be coming out August 6th – more information coming soon!
In keeping the tradition of the summer Pikachu Invasion event hosted at Yokohama’s Minato Mirai, a bunch of Pikachu themed merchandise will be released at all Pokemon Centers and Stores across Japan on July 16th. Do you really love Pikachu? These items are definitely for you!
Item Line-Up
Pikachu Hat w/ Ears (51~55 cm, 55~59 cm) – 3,240 yen
Pikachu Headband w/ Ears (Kids Size) – 1,201 yen
Pikachu Knapsack w/ Ears (Kids Size) – 4,536 yen
Shopping Bag w/ Fastener – 1,058 yen
Pikachu Face Print T-Shirt (130) – 2,700 yen
Pikachu Face Print T-Shirt (S/M/L) – 3,240 yen
Pikachu Facel Print T-Shirt (XL) – 3,456 yen
Pikachu Walky-Chu T-Shirt (130) – 2,700 yen
Pikachu Walky-Chu T-Shirt (S/M/L) – 3,240 yen
Pikachu Walky-Chu T-Shirt (XL) – 3,456 yen
Pikachu Necktie T-Shirt (130) – 2,700 yen
Pikachu Necktie T-Shirt (S/M/L) – 3,240 yen
Pikachu Necktie T-Shirt (XL) – 3,456 yen
Pikachu Carabiner Clip – 702 yen
Pikachu Face Rubber Wristband – 702 yen
Hand Towel – 540 yen
Mini Bath Towel – 2,074 yen
Pikachu Flip Flops (Kids Size: 19 cm / M Size: 24 cm / L Size: 26 cm) – 1,620 yen
Not Pictured
Pikachu Tail Mascot Plush – 648 yen
Pikachu Tail Mascot Plush (Female Version) – 648 yen
Dress T-Shirt – 3,780 yen
(more…)
by ZombieMiki | Jun 30, 2016 | Pokemon, Pokemon Merch News
7.1
[Campaign] Namco Game Center Summer Campaign Starts
7.2
[Pokemon Center] Pokemon Petit Pastel (Altaria, Dedenne, Jirachi, Pikachu, Wailmer)
[Pokemon Center] Pika-Matsuri
7.6
[Pokemon Center] Grand opening of the Sky-Tree Pokemon Center
7.7
[Banpresto] Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Korotto Manmaru 2016 Part 1 (Sylveon, Volcanion, Zygarde Perfect Forme, Zygarde Core)
[Banpresto] Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Large Plush (Volcanion, Zygarde Core)
[Banpresto] Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Large Plush (Shiny Mega Gengar, Pikachu)
[Banpresto] I Love Pikachu + – Face Cushions (Pichu, Raichu)
7.12
[Banpresto] Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Bath Towels (Volcanion, Pikachu/Dedenne/Zygarde Core, Mega Pokemon)
7.14
[Banpresto] *Namco Exclusive* Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Large Plush (Ash’s Greninja, Zygarde 10%)
[Banpresto] Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Korotto Manmaru 2016 Part 2 (Shiny Mega Gengar, Shiny Mega Gardevoir, Zygarde 10%, Braixen)
[Banpresto] Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Can Badges 2016 (Magearna x 2, Volcanion x 2, Shiny Mega Gengar, Shiny Mega Gardevoir, Mega Alakazam, Mega Glalie, Zygarde Perfect Forme, Zygarde 10%, Zygarde Core, Pikachu)
Mid July
[Gacha] Gotochi Pokemon Series (Aichi, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kanagawa, Kyoto)
7.16
[Pokemon Center] Monthly Pair Pikachu – August
Canceled x[Pokemon Center] Mini Pass Case Hoodies (Gengar, Pikachu, Raichu, Slowpoke, Substitute Plush)x
[Pokemon Center] Kuttari Plush Batch 6 (Absol, Cubone, Growlithe, Jirachi, Quagsire, Zorua)
[Pokemon Center] Pikachu Invasion 2016 Promotion
[All-Star] Ampharos, Clefairy, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Litwick, Marill, Mewtwo, Minccino, Pichu, Ralts, Shinx, Snorlax, Vanillite, Vulpix, Zorua
[Takara Tomy] Magearna Plush
[MonColle] Movie Special Pack (Magearna, Ash’s Greninja, Volcanion), Magearna, Volcanion
[Merchandise] Battle Action Figure – Mega Charizard X
[Merchandise] Preorders start for New 3DS LL systems (Solgaleo/Lunala, Pikachu)
[Magazine] Pokemon Fan #49
[TCG] New Concept Pack: Mythical + Legendary Dream Holo Collection
[TCG] Zygarde Special Set
7.19
[Collaboration] Pokemon Love Its’Demo Start
7.20
[Banpresto] Kutsurogi Time – Large Plush (Eevee)
[Banpresto] *Namco Exclusive* I Love Pikachu + – Large Plush (Pikachu)
7.21
[Banpresto] Pokemon The Movie XY & Z – Mascot Plush 2016 (Dedenne, Meowth, Pikachu, Wobbuffet, Zygarde Core)
[Banpresto] Pikachu Nebukuro Collection – Snorlax
7.23
[Pokemon Center] Mega Poncho Pikachu Plush (Mega Ampharos, Mega Diancie, Mega Gallade, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Lopunny, Mega Mawile, Mega Rayquaza)
[Pokemon Center] Japanese Style Promotion
End of July
[Gotochi] PokeTabi Series Starts
[Merchandise] Sepia Graffiti Pikachu Plush + Mascot Plush
7.25
[Candy] Pokemon Get Collection (Ash’s Greninja, Shiny Gardevoir, Mega Banette, Mega Gardevoir, Shiny Gengar, Shiny Mega Gengar, Mega Glalie, Mega Salamence, Pikachu, Volcanion)
7.30
[Pokemon Center] Pokemon Sketch Part 3
[Collaboration] Its’Demo Surfing Pikachu Mascot Plush, Espeon x Umbreon Mascot Plush
7.31
[Merchandise] Nanobeads: Pikachu/Pokeball, Charmander/Fennekin, Squirtle/Froakie, Chespin/Bulbasaur
[Campaign] I Love Magikarp campaign starts on the JP Pokemon Center Online Store
by ZombieMiki | May 25, 2016 | Pokemon, Pokemon Center Report
As a fan and accidental collector of Substitute Plush merch, when I heard there was to be an entire Substitute promotion, I had a hard time concealing my joy and excitement. Waiting for the release day was the hardest part, and everything turned out even more amazing than I could have dreamed.
The highlight of the promotion was the normal and mascot Pikachu / Substitute plushies.
Instead of just straight up Substitute Plush, this time we got Pikachu dressed as Subbie, because lately everything is Pikachu dressed as a Pokemon.
I hadn’t realized at the time I took this photo, but not only is the hood removable, but so is the entire Subbie costume! In fact, the back of the tag low key advertises this, although again, I didn’t realize this until later. (I will have a separate post where I will go over some of the items from the promotion, including various shots of Pikachu in stages of undress and other Pokemon in stages of redress!)
The mascot version is basically the normal size, but smaller.
His little hoodie comes off, too, although his entire outfit does not.
Both sizes of plush have this die-cut tag, which is adorable.
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