Pokémon and Starbucks Japan launch a latte and 41-item collection on September 30

The Japan-only collaboration centers on an iced Pikachu Honey Cream Latte and original art pairing five Pokémon with Starbucks baristas.

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Official Pokémon and Starbucks Japan collage showing the Pikachu Honey Cream Latte, collaboration artwork, tumblers and two models carrying merchandise.

TLDR

Starbucks Japan will launch a Pokémon collaboration on September 30 with an iced Pikachu Honey Cream Latte and 41 merchandise items. The drink, chosen from more than 700 barista recipe entries, costs ¥678 for takeout or ¥690 in stores and is scheduled through October 8 while supplies last. The collection uses 12 original illustrations by Hikaru Ichijo and will be sold in Japan through participating stores and Starbucks' online shop, with purchase limits during the opening days.

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Starbucks Japan is turning a barista recipe contest into a Pokémon collaboration built around one limited drink and a much larger merchandise line. The company's full announcement sets the launch for September 30 at Starbucks stores across Japan, excluding some locations, rather than presenting it as a worldwide release.

The centerpiece is the iced Pikachu Honey Cream Latte, available only in a Tall size. Starbucks says the recipe was chosen from more than 700 submissions to a nationwide competition for its baristas. The drink combines espresso with honey and caramel flavors, adds honey-flavored whipped cream and uses small red heart toppings to evoke Pikachu's cheeks.

It will cost ¥678 for takeout or ¥690 for in-store orders. Starbucks plans to sell it through October 8, although temporary shortages or an early sellout could shorten that window. The drink contains honey, and each purchase includes one collaboration sticker while sticker supplies last.

Twelve illustrations across 41 products

The other half of the release is a 41-item collection using 12 original illustrations by artist Hikaru Ichijo. The art connects Starbucks baristas with Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Eevee through a series of coffee-themed scenes. Starbucks says Ichijo deliberately avoids drawing the baristas' facial features, leaving more room for customers to see themselves in the images.

The range goes well beyond a single tumbler. Starbucks lists reusable cups, stainless-steel bottles, cold cups, stackable mugs, aprons, a kettle, a pour-over coffee maker, charms, postcards, posters, bags and card gifts. Some products use a “Coffee Connection” group illustration, while others focus on one Pokémon or a “Coffee Adventure” design.

The initial in-store assortment is scheduled to remain available while supplies last. From September 30 through October 2, customers can buy only one of each non-beverage collaboration item. Starbucks also warns that some stores may temporarily pause drive-through sales during the expected rush in the hours after opening.

Online sales have their own queue

Starbucks' Japanese online store is scheduled to begin selling its assortment at 6 a.m. on September 30. On the first day, each transaction is limited to one of each item. If traffic surges, shoppers may be placed in an online waiting room before the store page opens for them.

That regional and inventory detail is the practical limit on the announcement. The collaboration is broad in product count, but the official release only commits to participating Japanese stores and Starbucks Japan's online channels, with both the drink and merchandise subject to availability.

Pokémon and Starbucks Japan launch a latte and 41-item collection on September 30

The Japan-only collaboration centers on an iced Pikachu Honey Cream Latte and original art pairing five Pokémon with Starbucks baristas.

TagsStarbucks

1 Source, 2h ago, first seen 2h ago

Pokémon and Starbucks Japan launch a latte and 41-item collection on September 30

TLDR

Twelve illustrations across 41 products

Online sales have their own queue

Pokémon and Starbucks Japan launch a latte and 41-item collection on September 30

TLDR

Twelve illustrations across 41 products

Online sales have their own queue

1 Source

Combined views

Sentiment

Summary

Twelve illustrations across 41 products

Online sales have their own queue

Twelve illustrations across 41 products

Online sales have their own queue

Combined views

Sentiment

Summary

Sentiment

Summary

1 Source