THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING UK SALES FOR POKÉMON TRADING CARDS AND TOYS

London, UK— January 24, 2017 —The Pokémon Company International announced today that Pokémon has achieved record-breaking sales figures at retail in the UK throughout 2016, for its Trading Card Game (TCG) and toys from master toy partner TOMY, as reported by the NPD Group.

According to figures recorded by the NPD Group Toys retail tracking service, the Pokémon property recorded a 285% increase in sales throughout 2016 against market growth of 6% in the whole UK toy market. In the last three months, October to December, Pokémon increased sales by 512% versus the 7.7% market growth.

Also, in the Christmas week, Pokémon TCG smashed through the one million pounds sterling barrier, achieving retail sales of £1.29m in a seven-day period, a 733.7% increase on the previous year.

Mathieu Galante, Senior Market Development Manager for The Pokémon Company International, said: “Thanks to the activities celebrating Pokémon’s 20th year, plus the huge impact of our video game releases, interest in the brand has escalated, ensuring figures for TCG and toy sales have been incredible. We fully expect that demand for the product will remain high throughout 2017 as new expansions are introduced to tie in with our new Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.”

Steve Buckmaster Managing Director of Esdevium Games - UK distributor of the Pokémon TCG - said: “We are delighted to announce these sensational figures just ahead of Toy Fair and look forward to talking to our retail partners at the show about ways that we can keep the phenomenal demand going. We are very excited about our first Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon expansion, which will be released in February.”

Camilla MacQueen, UK Brand Manager at TOMY Europe said: “We’re excited to be part of Pokémon’s fantastic achievement. We’re expecting 2017 to be another huge year for Pokémon and we’re looking forward to unveiling two new product lines at Toy Fair London that will appeal to collectors of all ages.”

The global phenomenon of Pokémon was first launched in Japan in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy system and reached the United States and Europe in 1998–99. The first generation of Pokémon games introduced the original 151 Pokémon. Today the Pokémon universe includes more than 800 Pokémon that players can catch, trade, and battle against their opponents in the quest to become the best Pokémon Trainer.

Pokémon has since grown into one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world. It is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, with more than 279 million video games sold worldwide. In addition, 21.5 billion TCG cards have been shipped to 74 countries in 11 languages, and over 450,000 players take part in Pokémon events every year. There are also more than 900 episodes of the animated TV series, now starting its 20th season.

The January 2017 Issue of CoroCoro Comics will be packed with tons of Iwanko based extras when it's released on December 15th, 2016 on Japanese newsstands.

① Iwanko Enhancement Tools Serial Code

A serial code is included with the issue that gives players items to help Iwanko. Different items are unlocked depending on which game players use the code in but the code can only be used in one game. The code can be used from December 15th, 2016 until February 14th, 2017 at 23:59 JST.


Pokémon Sun: Lucky Egg and Choice Band
Pokémon Moon: Lucky Egg and Choice Scarf

② Pokémon Card Game Sun and Moon Iwanko's Full Power Deck

Also included with the issue is the special Pokémon Card Game Sun and Moon Iwanko's Full Power Deck (ポケモンカードゲーム サン&ムーン「イワンコ全力デッキ」). The set features 13 new cards including the Iwanko SMP1 (008/13) and Lugalgan GX SMP1 (009/13) cards. This is the first time that CoroCoro has packaged an entire set with an issue of the magazine. Full details of this set will be added to our TCG dex when the set is released.

③ Special Iwanko Pokémon Ga-Olé Disk

A special Iwanko Pokémon Ga-Olé Disk is included with the magazine as well. Details of this disk has been added to our Pokémon Ga-Olé Promo Disk page.


Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/12/161209_gm01.html?news_recommend_tag=post

YouTube Teaser - CoroCoro

Starting on December 23rd, 2016, the Pokémon Centers in Japan will be stocking new plushies from Pokémon Sun and Moon. Bewear, Mimikyu, Alolan Marowak, Alolan Raichu and Alolan Meowth will all become available to purchase. More images of the plushies have been added to our Imageboard thread.

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/12/161209_p02.html

VIZ Media has announced a few new books that will be coming out over the next few months in North America. Below are the details for those books.

VIZ MEDIA SERVES UP THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK AND NEW POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS FOR DECEMBER RELEASE

Inventive Cookbook Features Recipes For Over 35 Tasty Dishes Inspired By World-Famous Pokémon Characters; New POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS Contains Comics, Trivia And More

San Francisco, CA, November 17, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media),a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, delights POKÉMON fans with a pair of notable upcoming releases that includes the publication of THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK: EASY & FUN RECIPES and POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS, the third volume in the series. Both new books will debut on December 6th.

Created by Maki Kudo, THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK: EASY & FUN RECIPES contains a variety of delectable and inventive original recipes inspired by popular Pokémon characters. Santa Harukaze’s new POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS release is a substantial pocket-sized book jam-packed with four-panel comic strips featuring favorite characters from the POKÉMON X•Y manga series along with additional Pokémon vital statistics, trivia, and fun quizzes.

THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK: EASY & FUN RECIPES
MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN · Available December 6th!
Create a variety of delicious dishes that look like your favorite Pokémon characters—from desserts to pizza—with more than 35 fun, easy recipes. Make a Poké Ball sushi roll, Pikachu-style ramen, or “Meowth” mashed potatoes for your next party, weekend activity, or powered-up lunch box.

POKÉMON POCKET COMICS, X•Y · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages
MSRP: $10.99 U.S. / $13.99 CAN · Available December 6th!
Pokémon stories, puns and jokes! Fun multiple-choice quizzes! The Pokémon of the Kalos region are all gathered together in this hilarious collection starring Fennekin, Froakie, Chespin, and the rest of the new X·Y Pokémon, Mega-Evolved Pokémon and more! Quiz yourself and your friends on Pokémon Abilities, moves, types, Mega Evolution and tons of other vital statistics! Who will be the next Pokémon quiz champion?!

Source: https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/v/1006394

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS POKÉMON PUBLISHING CATALOG WITH POKÉMON ADVENTURES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BOOK

Leading North American Manga Publisher Announces A Unique ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES Art Book Set For Release Next Year

San Francisco, CA, November 10, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media),a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, expands its critically acclaimed art book and POKéMON collection with the acquisition of the North American publishing rights for the Pokémon Adventures 20th Anniversary Illustration Book: The Art of Pokémon Adventures.

A first-of-its-kind release, THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES is scheduled for a print release in Fall 2017 and celebrates two decades of POKÉMON with a vividly illustrated collection of work by the beloved manga series artist, Satoshi Yamamoto.

Latest VIZ Media Publishing Acquisition:

POKÉMON ADVENTURES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BOOK: THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES · Available Fall 2017 Beautiful full-color art from the Pokémon Adventures graphic novel series, sketches and storyboards never seen before, four pull-out posters and a bonus manga story written by series writer Hidenori Kusaka, never before published in English!

Artist Satoshi Yamamoto began illustrating POKÉMON ADVENTURES in 2001. His favorite manga creators/artists include Fujiko Fujio (Doraemon), Yukinobu Hoshino (2001 Nights), and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira). He also loves films, monsters, mysteries, and punk rock music, and notably uses the Pokémon Swalot as his artist portrait.

Source: https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/v/1006390

Bandai has revealed a new Music Box figure featuring Serena that will go on sale in Japan. Serena's Performance - Pocket Monsters XY&Z (Premium Bandai Limited Edition) (セレナのステージ ポケットモンスターXY&Z【プレミアムバンダイ限定】) will cost 6,372yen and pre-order's start on October 13th, 2016 at 13:00 and orders will be filled until December 31st, 2016 at 23:00. It will be delivered sometime in March 2017. The music box comes with a Princess Key and when it is inserted into the stage, it will play the song DoriDori Music Box Version (「ドリドリ」のオルゴールアレンジver.). The music box figure is 133mm high, the figure is made of ABS and PVC plastic, the stage pedestal is made of ABS plastic and the Princess Key is made of ABS and is die-cast. More images from this product are available on our Imageboard thread.

Source: http://p-bandai.jp/item/item-1000107733/

The official Japanese Pokémon website announced a massive Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store event that takes place through October and November 2016. The Pokémon Center Occupation Plan (ポケモンセンター占拠計画) features the 6 major gangs: Rocket, Magma, Aqua, Ginga, Plasma and Flare from the Pokémon franchise taking over. The campaign features event Pokémon distributions, themed merchandise and cosplay events featuring all these gangs.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire - Bosses' Pokémon Event Distribution

Each week, for 6 weeks from October 1st, 2016 until November 11th, 2016, one of the enemy organizations will occupy each Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store and a event Pokémon present will be distributed. The Pokémon distributed is one of occupying Sinister Organisation's Bosses' Pokémon. Each week, the enemy organization occupying the Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store changes to a different gang, so patrons need to check the schedule. Players of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are eligible to receive these

There are 6 different distribution weeks, so everyone should be able to get all 6 Boss Pokémon at their local Pokémon Center or Pokémon Store during time or visit other locations to get them ahead of time.

On October 7th, 2016, it was announced that due to popular demand, the event present distribution would be extended to November 12th and 13th, 2016 and on each of those days, all 6 Pokémon would be available at different times of the day at all the participating locations.

Pokémon Presents being Distributed

Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store - Event Distribution - Schedule

The six time periods are as follows: 1. October 1st, 2016 until October 7th, 2016
2. October 8th, 2016 until October 14th, 2016
3. October 15th, 2016 until October 21st, 2016
4. October 22nd, 2016 until October 28th, 2016
5. October 29th, 2016 until November 4th, 2016
6. November 5th, 2016 until November 11th, 2016

Extended Schedule - November 12th and 13th, 2016
Rocket Gang - Sakaki's Nidoqueen - Store opening to 13:00
Magma Gang - Matsubusa's Bakuuda - 13:00 to 14:00
Aqua Gang - Aogiri's Samehader - 14:00 to 15:00
Ginga Gang - Akagi's Manyula - 15:00 to 16:00
Plasma Gang - Ghetsis' Sazandora - 16:00 to 17:00
Flare Gang - Fleur-de-lis' Kaenjishi - 17:00 to closing time



Staff at the Pokémon Centers from October 8th to October 10th, 2016 will be cosplaying the boss of the gang occupying that location as well as wearing T-shirts of that enemy organization. The boss cosplay by staff will not occur at Pokémon Store locations.


Those that spend at least 3000 yen during the campaign at a Pokémon Center or Store can also receive 1 of 6 different Sinister Organisation's Boss' cards. Patrons can receive one at the checkout.

Sinister Organisation Merchandise

Starting on October 8th, 2016, Sinister Organisation merchandise will be available to purchase at Pokémon Centers and online on the Amazon Pokémon Store. On October 15th, 2016, the merchandise will be available at physical Pokémon Store locations.

Ryo Kitamura Cosplaying as Bosses

From October 1st, 2016 until November 13th, 2016, Ryo Kitamura (北村諒) will be dressing up as the different gang bosses at the Pokémon Centers.


Sources: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/09/160902_p01.html, http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/09/160916_p01.html and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/09/160930_p01.html

Krispy Kreme's South Korean stores starting in October 2016 will begin selling Pokémon Doughnuts. Pikachu, Kkobugi and a Monster Ball doughtnut will be available to purchase. Kkobugi costs 2,000 won each, Pikachu 2,500 won and the Monster Ball costs 1,800 won each. A Pokémon Dozen box can also be purchased for 15,000 won.

Promotional Video

Sources: http://www.krispykreme.co.kr/menu/new_popular.asp?seq=202&x=25&y=19 and https://www.facebook.com/kkdkorea1937/posts/1112076278839396

The Pokémon Company International has revealed that it will publish a special Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Vault Collection Guide on December 9th, 2016. The 368 page hardcover guide is in English and includes a bunch of extra that fans will love. The ISBN-10 is: 0744017866 and the ISBN-13 is: 978-0744017861. It will retail for $129.99USD and once it is sold out, there will be no reprints of this collectors guide.

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Vault Collection Guide includes...

• Special edition hardcover guide includes a soft-touch dust jacket featuring exclusive Pokémon artwork
• Collectible Vault Edition box with magnetic clasp to hold your Pokémon treasures
• Exclusive hardcover 240-page journal displaying a debossed pattern and gold foil with a ribbon bookmark and inside pocket—perfect for recording your adventures in the Alola region
• Elegant roller ball pen etched with Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon logos in classic silver color
• High-quality lithograph set of all-new artwork in a protective sleeve
• A thank you card with gold-foil-stamp signatures from members of GAME FREAK
• Full-sized bookmark with tassel showcasing Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon art
• Striking removable decals highlighting five newly discovered Pokémon
• Detailed double-sided poster map of the Alola region
• And more!

Limited quantities! Once this Vault Edition box is sold out, it will no longer be available, making this a must-have for collectors!

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Pokémon-Sun-Moon-Official-Collector/dp/0744017866/

ThinkGeek has revealed that they will be selling a Pokémon Snorlax Bean Bag Chair in December of 2016. A similar Kabigon bean bag chair began selling in Japan earlier in 2016 but this ThinkGeek imported Snorlax will cost $149.99 + tax + a $40 heavy shipping fee. This is significantly cheaper than the 52000 yen price that Bandai sells their Kabigon chair for in Japan.

Snore more with Snorlax

In this world of nothing but go-go-go, we often feel like Snorlax is more our speed. It spends most of its time sleeping. It's not picky about leftovers, and it seldom exercises. Yep. Snorlax understands us.

There's nowhere better to relax after a long day of work, school, or just being out and about than on your Pokémon Snorlax Bean Bag Chair. At almost 4 feet head to toe and over 2 feet across, this (s)lumbering Pokémon is perfect for your dorm room, your den, your bedroom, or right inside the door where you can collapse on it when you get in. Just remember not to block the road. It does not ship with a flute.

Product Specifications

• Pokémon Snorlax Bean Bag Chair
• Officially-licensed Pokémon merchandise
• A ThinkGeek creation & exclusive
• Materials: 100polyester on the outside, filled with cotton and polyester fiber mix and polystyrene balls
• Care Instructions: Hand wash cold. Air dry.
• Imported
• Dimensions: Around 2' side to side x 4' head to toe x 1' thick (when flat on its back)
• Subject to change pending licensor approval.

Source: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/jkmu/

INSERT COIN TEAMS UP WITH THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL FOR A NEW CLOTHING RANGE!

London, United Kingdom: 5 August 2016 – A brand new apparel range will be showcasing at a special Pokémon X Insert Coin store in London later this month.

A collaboration which brings together Pokémon’s twenty-year heritage and Insert Coin’s industry-leading reputation of creating stylish designer gamer-wear will be launching later this month. The collection aims to bring together everyone’s love of the Pokémon brand and will feature fan favorites such as Magikarp, Snorlax, Jigglypuff and Charmander… and of course Pikachu!

The new range will debut at a special ‘Pokémon X Insert Coin’ pop up shop from 25 – 30 August at London’s Old Truman Brewery. The shop will also include some memorabilia from Pokémon’s 20-year history and there will be live appearances from Pikachu.

Products will only be available in-store whilst stocks last. The initial run of products will be limited in availability to the Pokémon x Insert Coin store and will be sold on a first come, first served basis - before appearing on www.insertcoinclothing.com later this year.