Pokémon fans visiting Japan this autumn have another reason to make a Starbucks stop. The popular chain is teaming up with Pokémon for a limited-time collaboration featuring a Pikachu-inspired drink, exclusive merchandise, and original artwork.
Launching on September 30, the collaboration's star is the Pikachu Honey Cream Latte, an iced, honey-and-caramel espresso drink topped with honey-flavored whipped cream and a heart-shaped garnish inspired by Pikachu's rosy cheeks. The drink costs 678 JPY for takeout or 690 JPY when enjoyed in-store, and each purchase comes with a limited-edition Pokémon collaboration sticker, while supplies last.
What makes the drink particularly interesting is that it was created through a nationwide Starbucks barista competition. More than 700 Pokémon-inspired beverage ideas were submitted, with the winning creation by Starbucks barista Junko Nitta from Fukushima's Koriyama Asaka store selected to become the commercial drink.
There is plenty more for Pokémon collectors, too. The collaboration includes 41 merchandise items featuring newly created artwork by illustrator Hikaru Ichijo. The designs depict Pokémon, baristas, coffee, and the connections formed through shared experiences, giving the collection a slightly different feel from the usual character merchandise.
For international visitors, it's an easy way to combine two familiar aspects of Japan: its globally popular Pokémon culture and the distinctly Japanese Starbucks experience, where seasonal and regional collaborations are often part of the fun.
