The theme of UT GRAND PRIX 2019 is Pokémon—a global series loved by people throughout the world. More than 18,000 entries, a UTGP record, were received from all over the world! On May 22nd, 2019, UNIQLO announced that they had disqualified the Grand Prize winner and another finalist for violating the terms of the competition. UNIQLO did not promote another design to the Grand Prize.

Notice Regarding UT Grand Prix 2019

UNIQLO, the Japanese global apparel retailer, today announces that it has disqualified the Grand Prize winner and another finalist in its Pokémon-themed UT GRAND PRIX 2019 design contest after learning that the designs in question were not in accordance with the terms of that competition. UNIQLO will not award the Grand Prize to another entrant or sell merchandise featuring the designs.

UNIQLO apologies to all stakeholders, including those who looked forward to buying an item with the Grand Prize-winning design, and will take appropriate measures to prevent a similar situation from recurring.

Source: https://www.uniqlo.com/utgp/2019/us/en/

The official Pokémon Cafe sub-site has announced a new menu featuring Pocket Monsters Gold and Silver. This updated menu will be available for a limited time from from June 8th, 2019 until September 6th, 2019.

Limited Menu from June 8th, 2019 until July 19th, 2019

Grand Menu:

In addition, two new grand menu items will be added.

My 251 Campaign:

Starting on June 8th, 2019, the “My 251 Campaign,” will be held at Pokémon Center and Pokémon Stores nationwide in Japan, the Pokémon Center Online and at Pokemon Cafe! From June 8th, 2019 until September 1st, 2019, those who eat at the Pokémon Cafe can get a random My 251 Sticker.


In addition, the Pokémon Cafe Original Clear Coaster, one of which is given at random for each drink order, will also be renewed! There are 6 to collect with one very unique secret pattern.


Source: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/news/190517_01.html

Pikachu Press will be releasing The Art and Making of Pokémon Detective Pikachu, a 200 page hardcover book that goes behind the scenes into the art and making of the movie. The list price is $85.00 USD. High resolution sample pages and cover artwork have been added to an Imageboard thread.

The Art and Making of Pokémon Detective Pikachu

Go Behind the Scenes and Into the Action—with Detective Pikachu!

Discover the incredible art and behind-the-scenes excitement of the first live-action Pokémon film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures with this deluxe slipcase edition featuring storyboards, character profiles, interviews, and concept art featuring Detective Pikachu, Ryme City, and all the action and adventure from the movie!

This premium hardcover book includes a removable map of Ryme City, postcards, plus more memorabilia from the film that’s not available anywhere else.

With a foreword by Director Rob Letterman and an interview with Tsunekazu Ishihara, president of The Pokémon Company, this exclusive volume brings you a wealth of production secrets, movie magic, and details about what it takes to create an epic Pokémon mystery in Ryme City—and what it takes to share that story with the world!

Hardcover: 200 pages
Publisher: Pikachu Press (May 21, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604382031
ISBN-13: 978-1604382037
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.4 inches
List Price: $85.00

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/go-behind-the-scenes-of-pokemon-detective-pikachu/

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have announced that they will be running a Pokémon Detective Pikachu Pop-up at London’s Covent Garden. All workshop tickets have now sold out, but walk-ins can still come to visit the space between 12-8pm on May 3rd, 2019 and May 4th, 2019. The pop-up is located at 9-11 Shorts Gardens, Covent Garden, London, England. An Imageboard thread has been created with high resolution press release pictures of the pop-up.

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Pop-up - London’s Covent Garden

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures invite audiences to enjoy the sights, sounds, fun and flavours of the POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU Pop-up.

The pop-up will open its doors in London on the 3rd and 4th May, ahead of the release of the live-action Pokémon film, the comedy adventure “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu,” in UK cinemas Friday 10th May.

The ground floor, inspired by world-class private eye Detective Pikachu, offers numerous fun photo opportunities alongside bright yellow walls. As Detective Pikachu loves coffee to recharge and focus his sleuthing skills, fans can enjoy Detective Pikachu-printed coffee and hot chocolate drinks, yellow turmeric lattes or yellow bubble tea or fruit juice at the coffee bar.

The basement space reflects the neon noir style of the movie’s fictional Ryme City. Here, visitors can channel their inner Jigglypuff in interactive karaoke booths.

On top of exploring the space, visitors can also book in to nail art stands by WAH Nails for a look inspired by the vibrant colours of the film. If you miss out on tickets there will be a chance for walk ins at the venue.

There will also be workshops taking place at set times including cupcake icing with GBBO’s Kim-Joy, recharging yoga with Frame, Mr Mime inspired mime, Psyduck inspired massages. All workshops will be ticketed.

POKEMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU MOVIE POP UP T&Cs

1) Tickets are subject to availability and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis via the Booking Website.
(2) Users who successfully claim tickets will need to print off the email with a valid booking number and take it along to the venue on the day of the event
(3) Possession of a ticket only guarantees entry in the specified time slot. Ticket holders will not be able to hold spaces for guests
(4) Unless otherwise stated, a maximum of 2 tickets are redeemable per user. Should a user exceed this maximum, See Film First Ltd reserves the right to revoke tickets without notice.
(5) No cash alternative.
(6) No late admittance.
(7) The venue reserve the right to refuse admission. In the event of a dispute, the event manager's decision is final.
(8) Each workshop has its own specific age restriction. Where this is known at the time of booking, this age restriction is given during the booking process. It is the user's responsibility to confirm this age restriction with the venue.
(9) Tickets are for the use of the user only. Emailing of tickets, distribution of personal login details, passwords, tickets, photocopying and multiple printing of tickets is strictly prohibited. Users found to be in violation of this rule may be barred from using the Booking Website.
(10) Tickets may not under any circumstances be resold for financial or any other material gain.
(11) See Film First Ltd will send transactional communications only by email and or SMS unless you actively opt in to receive invitations, offers and other promotions. Transactional communications relate directly to your actions on the websites or to an event you have booked and not cancelled. Transactional emails include (a) Booking confirmation email, (b) Ballot entry email, (c) Waiting list confirmation, (d) Reminders, (e) Ticket cancellation, (f) Password reset, (g) Feedback request, (h) Event information updates.
(12) Free tickets remain at all times the property of The Promoter
(13) The Promoter reserves the right to revoke or cancel tickets at any time
(14) The Promoter is not liable for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly (including special, incidental, or consequential loss or damage) from the user's use of the website. For any issues please contact [email protected]. Promoter: See Film First Ltd, 62-70 Shorts Gardens, London WC2H 9A

POKEMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU MOVIE – POP UP FAQ

- The Pokémon Detective Pikachu Pop-Up takes place on Friday 3rd May and Saturday 4th May.
- The Pop-Up will be near Covent Garden Station, please check your ticket for venue details.
- All workshops are free to attend but require a pre-booked ticket, please visit seeitfirst.com to secure your place.
- You will receive an email code which is valid for a one hour time slot, please turn up 5 minutes before your allocated time as entry cannot be guaranteed outside of the assigned hour.
- Whilst all workshops are ticketed only, there will be a small number of tickets available for the pop up itself on the day. There will be a queue outside the venue, and it will be first come first served.
- The Pokémon Detective Pikachu Pop-Up is suitable for children, but we ask that anyone under sixteen is accompanied by an adult.
- Due to limited space, if you wish to bring a pushchair please inform us in advance: [email protected]
- The Pop-Up experience takes place over two floors, the ground floor is fully wheelchair accessible, whilst the basement is accessible by stairs only. If you have any access requirements or questions, we are happy to help: [email protected]
- Please be aware that commercial filming and photography may be taking place over the course of this event and by entering the pop up, you consent to being filmed and photographed.
- Complimentary coffees, bubble tea, juice and water will be available at the event, and non-dairy options will also be on offer.
- Beverage cups are made from sustainable, recyclable materials –guests are also welcome to bring their own re-usable cups.
- Frame Recharge Yoga is suitable for beginners and all fitness levels. Participants will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire, please inform the instructor of any injuries or if you are pregnant. You must be over 16 years old to participate in this workshop.
- My Beauty Squad treatments are carried out at the therapist’s discretion, certain conditions will mean that you cannot have certain treatments, it is the therapist’s decision whether or not it is safe for you to have the treatment. Please discuss any health issues with your My Beauty Squad therapist ahead of your treatment.
- Cupcake icing will not be able to offer a vegan option.
- Please note there isn’t a toilet at the venue

Source: https://www.warnerbros.co.uk/whats-hot/articles/2019/april/pokemon-tickets

Starting on April 27th, 2019, the Pokémon Centers in Japan will begin selling merchandise featuring Sonansu. The merchandise line is called Say Sonansu Together (みんなでソ～ナンス) which is referring to its really drawn-out cry in the anime. Various items featuring Sonansu and Pokémon with Sonansu's iconic smile and salute pose will be available such as plushies, t-shirts, hand towel, key rings and other various items. Some of the items will also be available on the Amazon.co.jp Pokémon Store starting on May 11th, 2019 and are denoted with a（★）in the items list. More images of the merchandise have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Items:

Items List:

Plushie - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu - 1,800 yen (★)
Plushie - Say Sonansu Together - Metamon - 1,800 yen (★)
Plushie - Say Sonansu Together - Eievui - 1,800 yen (★)
Plushie - Say Sonansu Together - Sonansu - 1,800 yen (★)
Plushie - Say Sonansu Together - Mitsuhoney - 1,800 yen (★)
Plushie - Say Sonansu Together - Tabunne - 1,800 yen (★)
Mascot Plush - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu - 1,100 yen (★)
Mascot Plush - Say Sonansu Together - Metamon - 1,100 yen (★)
Mascot Plush - Say Sonansu Together - Eievui - 1,100 yen (★)
Mascot Plush - Say Sonansu Together - Sonansu - 1,100 yen (★)
Mascot Plush - Say Sonansu Together - Mitsuhoney - 1,100 yen (★)
Mascot Plush - Say Sonansu Together - Tabunne - 1,100 yen (★)
Round Can Collection Colorful Ramune - Say Sonansu Together - 300 yen each. 5 different patterns + 1 secret. You cannot select the pattern.
T-Shirt - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu (S / M) - 3,000 yen (★)
T-Shirt - Say Sonansu Together - Metamon (S / M) - 3,000 yen (★)
T-Shirt - Say Sonansu Together - Eievui (S / M) - 3,000 yen (★)
T-Shirt - Say Sonansu Together - Sonansu (S / M) - 3,000 yen (★)
T-Shirt - Say Sonansu Together - Mitsuhoney (S / M) - 3,000 yen (★)
T-Shirt - Say Sonansu Together - Tabunne (S / M) - 3,000 yen (★)
Pouch including Karabiner - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu Face 1,100 yen (★)
Pouch including Karabiner - Say Sonansu Together - Metamon Face 1,100 yen (★)
Pouch including Karabiner - Say Sonansu Together - Eievui Face 1,100 yen (★)
Mobile Pouch - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu - 2,000 yen (★)
Mobile Pouch - Say Sonansu Together - Metamon - 2,000 yen (★)
Mobile Pouch - Say Sonansu Together - Eievui - 2,000 yen (★)
A4 Clear File - Say Sonansu Together - 240 yen
Hand Towel - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu - 500 yen (★)
Hand Towel - Say Sonansu Together - Metamon - 500 yen (★)
Hand Towel - Say Sonansu Together - Eievui - 500 yen (★)
Phone Case for iPhone 8 / 7 / 6s / 6 - Say Sonansu Together - 1,880 yen (★)
Phone Case for iPhone Xs / X - Say Sonansu Together - 2,000 yen (★)
Acrylic Key Ring and Stand - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu - 800 yen (★)
Acrylic Key Ring and Stand - Say Sonansu Together - Metamon - 800 yen (★)
Acrylic Key Ring and Stand - Say Sonansu Together - Eievui - 800 yen (★)
Acrylic Key Ring and Stand - Say Sonansu Together - Sonansu - 800 yen (★)
Acrylic Key Ring and Stand - Say Sonansu Together - Mitsuhoney - 800 yen (★)
Acrylic Key Ring and Stand - Say Sonansu Together - Tabunne - 800 yen (★)
Can Badge Collection - Say Sonansu Together - 300 yen each. 5 different cans + 1 secret. You can not select a pattern.
B6 Ring Notebook - Say Sonansu Together - 600 yen (★)
Repealable Stickers - Say Sonansu Together - 600 yen (★)
Croquis Book SQ - Say Sonansu Together - 530 yen (★)
3 Pairs of short socks - Say Sonansu Together - Pikachu / Metamon / Eievui / Sonansu / Mitsuhoney / Tabunne - Size: 23 cm ~ 25 cm - 1,000 yen
Mug - Say Sonansu Together - 1,300 yen (★)
Sticky Note Paper Set - Say Sonansu Together - 600 yen (★)
Purse - Say Sonansu Together - 650 yen (★)
Mini Tote - Say Sonansu Together - 1,600 yen (★)
Flat Case - Say Sonansu Together - 1,300 yen (★)

Sources: https://www.pokemon.jp/info/pokecen/detail/20190412_16467.html and https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2019/04/190412_p01.html

The official Japanese Pokémon website has announced that a new line of collectables called the Mini Figure Collection Good Night! Pikachu ★ Night Parade (ミニフィギュアコレクション おやすみなさい！ピカチュウ★ナイトパレード) and it will be sold at the Pokémon Centers in Japan and at the Pokémon Center Online. There are 10 different mini figures to collect and they will be available to purchase starting April 20th, 2019 for 463 yen each.

Mini Figure Collection Good Night! Pikachu ★ Night Parade:

1. Star
2. Pajamas
3. The First Star
4. Hot Milk
5. Merriep
6. Lights
7. Eievui
8. Pikachu
9. Candle
10. Jirachi

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2019/04/190405_p02.html

The official Pokémon Center website has announced a line of Detective Pikachu merchandise specifically featuring Hi-Hat Cafe Apparel and Ryme City items. High resolution images of the items have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Gear Up for POKÉMON Detective Pikachu

Official goods from the Pokémon Center will get you ready to tackle even the most challenging mysteries in Ryme City.

The POKÉMON Detective Pikachu movie will arrive soon, and you can already start preparing for its release with a new line of incredible goods at the Pokémon Center. This line of official merchandise helps bring you into the world of Ryme City, with designs inspired by the places and events you'll see on the big screen.

Detective Pikachu loves a good cup of coffee, and the Hi-Hat Cafe is a great place for a world-class detective to fuel up. Pokémon Center's Hi-Hat Cafe apparel—including T-shirts, baseball caps, and hoodies—will make you feel like you're a regular patron. And yes, a Hi-Hat Cafe mug is also available. We understand you can use it to serve beverages other than coffee (a nice hot chocolate, perhaps?), but we probably wouldn't mention that to Detective Pikachu.

You can also show some Ryme City pride with T-shirts bearing the city's 10th anniversary logo, as well as a shirt, cap, mug, and mini badge pin for those interested in Ryme City's esteemed law enforcement organization. You'll feel like you've stepped right into the adventure when you're wearing an Unown T-shirt that matches Tim Goodman's outfit (look for it in the movie trailer). And thanks to a line of metal signs featuring the Hi-Hat Cafe, Ryme City Cycling Road, and Ryme City Watch Area, you can feel like you're walking Detective Pikachu's beat.

If you can't decide on a specific theme to show your excitement for POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, there are a variety of designs available in four-packs of pins, patches, and stickers. All three sets are perfect for adding a bit of Ryme City flavor to just about anything!

No matter what you choose, this official gear will get you ready for the movie's premiere. You can find all of this merchandise now at the Pokémon Center!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/gear-up-for-pokemon-detective-pikachu/

Starting on April 13th, 2019, the Pokémon Centers in Japan will begin selling merchandise featuring Mew and Mewtwo. The two Pokémon play large active parts in the upcoming movie Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution which will be released in theaters this summer. Various items featuring these Pokémon including an easy-to-use shoulder pouch which has a storage pocket for a Nintendo Switch and Monster Ball Plus will be sold as well as T-shirts in kids and adult sizes. Other goods shuch as stationary, mugs and plushies will also be available. Some of the items will also be available on the Amazon.co.jp Pokémon Store denoted with a（★）in the items list.

Items:

Items List:

Plushie Mewtwo (★) - 3500 yen
Plushie Life Sized Mew (★) - 4500 yen
Nintendo Switch Dedicated Hard Pouch Mewtwo - 2180 yen
Nintendo Switch Dedicated Shoulder Pouch Mewtwo - 2480 yen
Nintendo Switch Dedicated Push Card Case Tool Mew - 1280 yen
Sacoche Mewtwo (★) - 3500 yen
Rucksack Mew (★) - 3000 yen
PC · Tablet Case Mewtwo (★) - 3,500 yen
Rucksack Mewtwo (★) - 8,200 yen
T-shirt Mewtwo (130/150) (★) 2,500 yen each
T-shirt Mewtwo (S / M / L) (★) 3,000 yen each
Hard Jacket Case for iPhone 8/7/6s/6 Mewtwo (★) - 1880 yen
Hard Jacket Case for iPhone Xs/X Mewtwo (★) - 2000 yen
Hard Jacket Case for iPhone XR Mewtwo (★) - 2000 yen
Multi-ring Mewtwo (★) - 1680 yen
A4 Clear file 2 piece set Mewtwo - 420 yen
A4 Clear File Mewtwo - 240 yen
Croquis Book S Mewtwo (★) - 680 yen
PET Stickers Mewtwo (★) - 500 yen
General-purpose Notebook Mewtwo - 170 yen
Desk pad underlay Mewtwo - 250 yen
Purse Mewtwo - 650 yen
Mug Cup Mewtwo (★) - 1200 yen
Handkerchief Mewtwo - 340 yen
Hand towel Mewtwo - 500 yen
Mini Bath Towel Mewtwo (★) - 2,000 yen

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2019/03/190329_p03.html

Starting on Saturday, April 6th, 2019, the Pokémon Centers in Japan will begin selling Pikachu Traveling by Riding on Latias and Latios goods at the stores.

Pikachu Traveling by Riding on Latias and Latios Items:

Items List:

Plushie - Riding on Latias - 2800 yen
Plushie - Riding on Latios - 2800 yen
Mascot - Riding on Latias - 1500 yen
Mascot - Riding on Latios - 1500 yen
Tissue Box Cover - Riding on Latias / Latios - 3400 yen
Hand Mirror - Riding on Latias / Latios - 1000 yen
A4 Clear File 2 Sheet Set - Riding on Latias / Latios Starry Sky - 460 yen
A4 Clear File 2 Sheet Set - Riding on Latias / Latios Sunset - 460 yen
Sticky Note Set - Riding on Latias / Latios - 700 yen
Masking Tape - Riding on Latias / Latios - 500 yen
B6 Ring Notebook - Riding on Latias / Latios - 600 yen
Hand Towel - Riding on Latias - 500 yen
Hand Towel - Riding on Latios - 500 yen
Face Cloth - Riding on Latias - 1000 yen
Face Cloth - Riding on Latios - 1000 yen
Flip Case for iPhone 8／7／6s／6 - Riding on Latias / Latios - 3000 yen
Key chain - Riding on Latias / Latios - 1000 yen
Hook Earrings - Riding on Latias / Latios - 800 yen
Plastic Tumbler - Riding on Latias - 600 yen
Plastic Tumbler - Riding on Latios - 600 yen
Clear Bottle - Riding on Latias / Latios - 1400 yen
Can Badge Set - Riding on Latias / Latios - 1200 yen
Mini Tote - Riding on Latias / Latios - 1800 yen
Flat Pouch - Riding on Latias / Latios - 1500 yen
Mini Bath Towel - Riding on Latias / Latios - 2000 yen

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2019/03/190322_p01.html

The official Pokémon website has announced some Pokémon Day 2019 Activities for Canada and the United States in addition to the ones that were previously announced for the Nintendo Store in New York City.

Fun Pokémon Day 2019 Activities Abound

Pokémon Day nears! Get ready for a bunch of awesome events and activities.

This Pokémon Day is sure to be huge, with exciting news and events celebrating more than 20 years of Pokémon fun. Pokémon Day itself is February 27, the anniversary of the release of the very first Pokémon games in Japan. But the events planned are too big to fit into just one day—look forward to exciting Pokémon Day festivities throughout the week and beyond.

Pokémon TCG fans, be sure to check out the Trade & Play events happening at GameStop and Best Buy in the United States, as well as at EB Games in Canada. Meet up with fellow players and collectors to battle and trade, and pick up a free oversize booster pack—containing a three-card mini pack and other fun goodies—while supplies last. The fun starts February 23. Click here for complete details on the Trade & Play events.

Settle in to watch all the Pokémon episodes you want when Twitch.tv offers another Pokémon the Series marathon from February 27 through May 5. Fans can head to Twitch.tv/twitchpresents to watch episodes from Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon the Series: Black & White, and Pokémon the Series: XY, as well as select movies. Twitch will also showcase some of their favorite episodes and movies all day on February 27, highlighting Pokémon such as Pikachu, Zekrom, Eevee, Snorlax, and others that appear as part of a TAG TEAM in the recently released Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up expansion.

Disney XD in the US will join the fun by airing blocks of fan-favorite episodes on February 27 starting at 3:30 p.m. Plus, YTV in Canada will air a marathon of the final four episodes of Sun & Moon—Ultra Adventures starting at 1 p.m. PST. Check your local listings to confirm time and channel.

To mark this year's Pokémon Day, the Pokémon Center is debuting a new line of premium apparel called Poké Ball Classics. The collection includes clothes and accessories featuring a clean Poké Ball pattern that's perfect for when you want to dress your best but also show off your Pokémon pride. The Poké Ball Classics collection launches February 27 at PokemonCenter.com.

Following last year's big Pikachu Funko Pop! reveal, Bulbasaur is the next Pokémon to get the Funko Pop! treatment. Look for this beloved first partner Pokémon to arrive in Pop! form on February 27.

Have fun celebrating Pokémon Day 2019!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/fun-pokemon-day-2019-activities-abound/

Pokémon TCG Trade & Play Day Heading to a Store Near You

Bring your Pokémon TCG cards to participating retailers to trade with other fans and get a special oversize pack.

Get an early start on Pokémon Day 2019 festivities by heading to select retailers for a Pokémon Trade & Play Day. Celebrate the fun of playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game with friends, as well as the recent release of the latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Sun & Moon—Team Up.

Visit a participating Best Buy location on February 23 or a participating GameStop on February 23–24 to meet up with other Pokémon fans, receive a special oversize booster pack, and trade Pokémon TCG cards with other attendees. Canadian residents can head to Toys“R”Us on February 16 or EB Games on February 23 to take part in Pokémon Trade & Play Day.

The oversize booster packs contain a 3-card mini pack of Pokémon TCG cards, a Pokémon coin, a fun activity sheet, and a guide to the Pokémon TCG. Everyone is invited to bring their Pokémon TCG cards to trade and show off with other fans. Organizers at each store will also have Pokémon TCG cards that they can trade with guests. There is no cost to participate in this event, but please note that the giveaways are only available while supplies last.

So, organize your trade binders and get ready for Pokémon Trade & Play Day! And be sure to check out the selection of new Sun & Moon—Team Up cards while you're there.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-trade-play-day-heading-to-a-store-near-you/

Press Release - Pokémon Day 2019

Pokémon Day, the annual pop-culture holiday dedicated to all things Pokémon, arrives on February 27, and The Pokémon Company International has announced a variety of offerings to help fans celebrate. This year, Pokémon Trainers can look forward to Pokémon Trading Card Game events, curated animated content on Twitch and Pokémon TV, new merchandise from Pokémon Center, retail promotions, and more.

On February 27, 1996, the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, released in Japan, kicking off a global phenomenon that would become one of the most popular entertainment franchises in the world for more than 20 years. In commemoration of this pop-culture milestone, The Pokémon Company International provides fans with activities, products, and promotions that give them additional opportunities to engage with the Pokémon brand.

“Pokémon Day is about celebrating the incredible fans that have made Pokémon one of the most beloved entertainment franchises in the world,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of consumer marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “As a thank-you to the community, we're excited to provide them with more ways to experience all things Pokémon.”

Key Pokémon Day highlights include:

Pokémon Trading Card Game Trade & Play Events
Select retailers, including GameStop and Best Buy in the US and EB Games in Canada, will host Trade & Play events for the Pokémon Trading Card Game in celebration of the latest expansion, Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up. Attendees will receive a free oversize booster pack containing cards and other goodies (while supplies last), and they'll have the opportunity to play the Pokémon TCG and trade cards with other fans. Event details for participating retailers are as follows:

• GameStop: Over 2,500 stores in the US will host events on February 23 and February 24. In addition, GameStop will release an exclusive Lapras plush by Wicked Cool Toys during the events.
• Best Buy: Over 100 stores in the US will host events on February 23.
• EB Games: Over 100 stores in Canada will host events on February 23.

Curated Animated Content on Twitch, Pokémon TV, and Broadcast
Trainers will be able to relive some of their favorite moments from the animated TV series and movies as the Twitch Pokémon Marathon returns on Pokémon Day. From February 27 through May 5, fans can tune in to twitch.tv/twitchpresents to watch Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Pokémon the Series: XY, and select movies.

Twitch will showcase some of their favorite episodes and movies all day on February 27, with content highlighting Pokémon like Pikachu, Zekrom, Eevee, Snorlax, and others that appear as TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX from the recently released Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up expansion.

On Pokémon TV, available via the app for iOS and Android devices and on Pokémon.com, fans can watch episodes featuring Gengar and Mimikyu, which can also be found paired together as a TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX. Disney XD in the US and YTV in Canada will also join the fun by showcasing blocks of fan-favorite episodes on February 27.

Brand-New Collection from Pokémon Center
Pokémon Center will release Poké Ball Classics, a new collection of premium-quality apparel and accessories that are fitting for the workplace and dressy occasions. Sporting a clean and crisp Poké Ball pattern, the line includes a bifold wallet, tie, infinity scarf, polo shirt, messenger bag, and Fossil watches for women and men.


Poké Ball Classics will be available starting February 27 at PokemonCenter.com, the premier destination for Pokémon merchandise in the US.

Pokémon Streetwear Collaboration with 10.Deep
Pokémon will soon debut a US streetwear apparel collaboration with streetwear brand 10.Deep Clothing Inc. The Pokémon Company International and 10.Deep have partnered to create a capsule collection for spring/summer 2019, with apparel featuring the infamous Team Rocket.


The items will be available on February 27 at a pop-up event taking place at the 10.Deep flagship store in New York City and on 10Deep.com. Following the initial launch, the line will be available at select boutiques.

Special Toys and Retail Promotions
On February 27, The Pokémon Company International and Funko will add Bulbasaur to their roster of Funko Pop! Pokémon figures. Fans can sign up at Funko.com to receive updates on product availability.

In addition, Build-A-Bear Workshop will offer an online discount of up to 30 percent off all Pokémon bundles at buildabear.com and buildabear.co.uk from February 25 through February 27.