Starbucks Japan has revealed an upcoming Pokémon collection, set to launch in stores across the country later this month. This collaboration follows recent 30th-anniversary tie-ins with brands such as Adidas and Krispy Kreme.
The collection will include a Pikachu-themed latte and more than 40 new merchandise items. Available products range from tumblers and mugs to aprons, tote bags, and gift cards. While the special latte will be exclusive to in-person purchases, some merchandise will also be available through the Starbucks Japan online store.
The Pikachu Honey Cream Latte
Launching on September 30, Starbucks locations in Japan will introduce the Pikachu Honey Cream Latte. This drink was selected through a nationwide competition that gathered over 700 recipe submissions, with the winning entry coming from Starbucks Coffee Koriyama Asaka. The latte features a blend of honey and caramel, with coloring to match Pikachu's signature yellow. It is topped with honey-flavored whipped cream and red heart sprinkles, designed to resemble Pikachu's rosy cheeks. The drink will be available only in a Tall size for approximately 690 yen (US $4.34). Reports suggest this limited-time offering may only be available from September 30 to October 8.
Merchandise and Illustrations
The accompanying merchandise line features 41 items, including tumblers, tote bags, aprons, and gift cards. These will be a mix of in-store and online exclusives. To manage potential stock and scalping issues, Starbucks will reportedly implement transaction limits for the initial days of the release.
New illustrations by Hikaru Ichijo will adorn the collection. These artworks depict popular Pokémon, including Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, enjoying moments with baristas. The designs are inspired by narrative themes such as "Our adventure starts with a cup of coffee" and "Crafting wonders with you."
It is currently unclear if this Starbucks and Pokémon collaboration will extend beyond Japan. Starbucks recently announced plans to close 250 stores in North America as part of a turnaround strategy, though it also has an upcoming limited-edition collection themed around the Peanuts franchise for its North American stores.