The Pokémon Company unveils plans for Pokémon Day 2022

Beginning today, The Pokémon Company International is inviting fans around the world to get excited for this year’s Pokémon Day by unveiling news and events from across the franchise in the lead-up to February 27. These updates will be revealed globally on the brand’s official social media channels @Pokemon, and fans are invited to join the conversation with #PokemonDay.

Pokémon Day is an annual event marking the date – February 27, 1996 – that the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, launched in Japan. Each year, fans celebrate their love for Pokémon as a community, and to help them celebrate, The Pokémon Company International and its partners are hosting a variety of fan-focused activations.
Pokémon Center, the online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the US, Canada and UK will be celebrating by unveiling and releasing a variety of new products featuring fan-favourite Pokémon throughout this week. The introductions begin with the launch today of new custom skateboards in the US and Canada by industry craftsman, Bear Walker, featuring Mew and Gyarados (available while supplies last).
Fans around the world can also check their local Pokémon animation broadcaster and streaming services for Pokémon Day-related celebrations featuring classic episodes of the beloved series and movies. Curated collections of episodes and movies leading up to and on Pokémon Day are also available now for free on Pokémon TV
“The Pokémon fan community is one of the most passionate and dedicated in the world,” says J.C. Smith, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “We look forward to helping Trainers celebrate their love of all things Pokémon from the Pokémon Trading Card Game to the video games, mobile apps, animation and more every year on Pokémon Day.
“Following Pokémon’s landmark 25th anniversary in 2021, one day did not feel like enough for Pokémon Day 2022, so we invite fans to join us in a week-long countdown to February 27 and enjoy the daily surprise reveals and activations along the way.”

Pokémon is heading to the BBC for the first time as iPlayer catches series and movies

Pokémon is heading to the BBC for the first time.

The British broadcaster has acquired two complete story arcs from the Pokémon the Series collection to be housed on the BBC iPlayer, along with the story arcs’ accompanying feature-length Pokémon the Movie for both linear broadcast and the iPlayer.

This will mark the first time that Pokémon has been broadcast on the BBC platform. From this August, BBC iPlayer viewers will be able to watch the adventures of Ash and Pikachu, with all 189 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, and all 142 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Black & White.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl will be exclusively available to UK audiences on BBC iPlayer from August 2, while Pokémon the Series: Black & White will follow this autumn on a non-exclusive basis. The deal lands in time to help fans continue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon brand this year, marking a quarter of a century since it was first launched in Japan in 1996 with two Game Boy titles.

Pokémon is one of the world’s most popular and successful entertainment properties. Its anime began in 1997 and now spans 24 series, with over 1000 episodes, and accompanying movies, which have aired in 176 different countries and regions in over 30 languages.

Emily Arons, SVP of licensing at The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to team up with such a world-renowned broadcaster as the BBC to bring the exciting adventures of Ash, Pikachu, and their friends to their huge UK audience.

“In our 25th anniversary year, it gives Pokémon fans old and new even more to celebrate with this wonderful opportunity to revisit or discover the wonderful world of Pokémon in these thrilling animated series. In addition, the Diamond and Pearl episodes will provide a great introduction to the fascinating Sinnoh region.”

Brit Award winning Mabel joins Pokemon’s P25 Music campaign with new single Take It Home

Brit Award winning artist, Mabel has become the latest in musical talent to join the Pokemon 25th anniversary celebrations, having released her new single, Take It Home, recorded exclusively for the upcoming P25 Music compilation album.

Produced by Tommy Brown of Kanye West and Ariana Grande fame, the single celebrates bring the kind of friend that others can count on, and joins a tracklisting of world renowned singers and pop stars celebrating the quarter century anniversary of the popular Pokemon franchise this year.

Scheduled for release this autumn, P25 Music is a year long music campaign from The Pokemon Company International, launched in partnership with Universal Music Group.

The official video for Take It Home finds Mabel trying to unwind in her hotel room after a busy day. She stumbles across the Pokemon channel on her hotel television and finds herself comforted by the characters. Falling asleep, she follows a Jigglypuff down a hallway of her dream as the two explore the hotel together.

 

“I’ve been a fan of Pokémon for years, so I jumped at the opportunity to join the P25 program,” Mabel said. “I had so much fun working with Pikachu and my all-time favorite Pokémon, Jigglypuff, for the ‘Take It Home’ video. I hope the fans love the song as much as I loved working on it to celebrate 25 years of Pokémon.”

Colin Palmer, vice president of marketing for The Pokemon Company International, said: “Mabel’s incredible talent and pop sensibilities add a massive layer of fun to Pokémon’s P25 Music campaign celebrating 25 years of Pokémon.

“Music fans are going to love ‘Take It Home,’ and Pokémon fans will be delighted to see a Jigglypuff, known for being a bubbly Pokémon who also loves to sing, featured in Mabel’s vibrant video. It’s a pitch-perfect collaborative match for our 25th anniversary celebration.”

Mabel is the latest artist to join the P25 Music program, taking her place alongside Katy Perry, who contributed the new original song “Electric,” as well as Post Malone, who put his own stamp on the Hootie & the Blowfish hit “Only Wanna Be with You,” and J Balvin.

Mabel recently released her first new single of 2021, “Let Them Know,” a spirited anthem about projecting confidence even in times of trouble.

Brit Award winning Mabel joins Pokemon’s P25 Music campaign with new single Take It Home

Brit Award winning artist, Mabel has become the latest in musical talent to join the Pokemon 25th anniversary celebrations, having released her new single, Take It Home, recorded exclusively for the upcoming P25 Music compilation album.

Produced by Tommy Brown of Kanye West and Ariana Grande fame, the single celebrates bring the kind of friend that others can count on, and joins a tracklisting of world renowned singers and pop stars celebrating the quarter century anniversary of the popular Pokemon franchise this year.

Scheduled for release this autumn, P25 Music is a year long music campaign from The Pokemon Company International, launched in partnership with Universal Music Group.

The official video for Take It Home finds Mabel trying to unwind in her hotel room after a busy day. She stumbles across the Pokemon channel on her hotel television and finds herself comforted by the characters. Falling asleep, she follows a Jigglypuff down a hallway of her dream as the two explore the hotel together.

 

“I’ve been a fan of Pokémon for years, so I jumped at the opportunity to join the P25 program,” Mabel said. “I had so much fun working with Pikachu and my all-time favorite Pokémon, Jigglypuff, for the ‘Take It Home’ video. I hope the fans love the song as much as I loved working on it to celebrate 25 years of Pokémon.”

Colin Palmer, vice president of marketing for The Pokemon Company International, said: “Mabel’s incredible talent and pop sensibilities add a massive layer of fun to Pokémon’s P25 Music campaign celebrating 25 years of Pokémon.

“Music fans are going to love ‘Take It Home,’ and Pokémon fans will be delighted to see a Jigglypuff, known for being a bubbly Pokémon who also loves to sing, featured in Mabel’s vibrant video. It’s a pitch-perfect collaborative match for our 25th anniversary celebration.”

Mabel is the latest artist to join the P25 Music program, taking her place alongside Katy Perry, who contributed the new original song “Electric,” as well as Post Malone, who put his own stamp on the Hootie & the Blowfish hit “Only Wanna Be with You,” and J Balvin.

Mabel recently released her first new single of 2021, “Let Them Know,” a spirited anthem about projecting confidence even in times of trouble.

Pokémon celebrates 25 years with toy collabs, new content, and a music programme led by Katy Perry

The Pokémon Company International is celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary with a wide-ranging raft of new partnerships, product roll-outs, and activations that includes special anniversary merchandise from licensees such as Jazwares, Mattel, Funko, and The Wand Company.

New product from its portfolio of global partners will coincide with landmark partnerships and the franchise’s first venture into the music business that sees the firm team up with Universal Music Group to work with some of the biggest artists in the space to launch its project P25 Music.

Pop icon, Katy Perry, has been revealed as a premier collaborator on the new year-long music campaign that aims to celebrate the multi-media appeal that Pokémon has wielded since its launch in 1996.

The star-studded program will accompany fan-focused activations celebrating 25 years of Pokémon across the franchise’s portfolio of video games, mobile apps, animation, merchandise and more.

“Pokémon has been a constant in my life from playing the original video games on my Game Boy, to trading Pokémon Trading Card Game cards at lunch, to the adventures of catching Pokémon on the street with Pokémon GO,” said Katy Perry. “It is an honour to be chosen to help celebrate a franchise that has given me so much joy in the last 25 years, and to be able to watch it evolve in the ways it has provided that kind of electric joy for the kids in my life and around the world.”

Further details about Katy Perry’s participation, additional artist surprises, and more about the P25 Music programme will be announced throughout the year.

Meanwhile, and tapping into the concept of exploration of new worlds that has been at the heart of the Pokémon video game franchise since its launch in 1996, The Pokémon Company International is inviting fans to relive journey’s through the regions of the Pokémon world via a new website launch that will serve as the hub for all fan celebration activities as they are announced.

Building on its programme of collaborations for the year ahead, however, and The Pokémon Company International is partnering with the likes of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Levi’s, McDonald’s and more, while fans can expect special anniversary merchandise from partners including Jazwares, Scholastic, Mattel, Funko, Power A, and The Wand Company.

Additional partners and the means in which they will celebrate the milestone anniversary this year will be detailed throughout the year.

Of course, the celebrations wouldn’t be complete without fanfare for the cornerstone of the Pokémon brand, so The Pokémon Trading Card Game will be launching a special 25th anniversary-themed collection of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards later on in the year.

In the meantime, fans will be able to collect over-sized cards featuring Pikachu and first partner Pokémon from the various regions featured in the franchise.

According to The Pokémon Company International, the details revealed today ‘are a glimpse into what the world can expect from Pokémon in 2021.’ With 25th anniversary activations planned for Pokémon animation, video games, mobile games, and more, “fans have a year full of new journeys ahead.”

The Pokémon Company marks first Zavvi partnership with new capsule collection for the online retailer

The Pokémon Company International is partnering with the online retailer Zavvi to launch a special European Pokémon capsule collection across adult apparel, footwear and accessories.

Launching on November 30th, the collection marks the first collaboration between the two, with a range that comprises 19 items including sweatshirts, T-shirts and hoodies featuring iconic images from a selection of the original 151 Pokémon.

Fan favourites such as Pikachu, Squirtle, Jigglypuff and Bulbasaur adorn the range, which mixes black and white tonal designs with bright pops of colour. Prices range from £20 – £60 or €22 – €67 and the collection is available exclusively online at Zavvi.com.

Strong support for the launch includes a Zavvi homepage takeover, influencer gifting, a social media campaign and a marketing push with a dedicated photoshoot.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA at The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to team up with Zavvi. As the home of pop culture, they are an ideal partner as we continue to expand Pokémon fashion into the online space. This stylish and distinctive new collection further builds Pokémon’s status as a real fashion favourite with a widespread and enduring appeal.”

Pokémon’s collaboration with Zavvi is the latest in a string of sought-after capsule collections with partners ranging from high-street giants H&M, Zara, Bershka and Uniqlo to adidas, Original Stitch and leading designers including GCDS, Jeremy Scott and Bobby Abley.

Further recent Pokémon activity includes the launch of The Crown Tundra, the second expansion for the hugely successful video games Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, and the release of the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Sword & Shield—Vivid Voltage.

In 2021, Pokémon marks its 25th anniversary, which will be a continual celebration of the iconic and evergreen brand throughout the year.

The Pokémon Company expands it D2C platform Pokémon Center into Canada for the first time

The Pokémon Company International is taking its direct to consumer platform into new international territories, having confirmed the expansion of its official e-commerce arm, the Pokémon Center, into Canada for the first time.

Recognised as a premier destination for official Pokémon merchandise, the online platform was previously limited only to the US.

PokemonCenter.ca. will now offer a variety of Pokémon merchandise, including Pokémon Trading Card Game and items unique to the site such as figures, imported plush, apparel and accessories, home decor, kitchenware, outdoor gear, and more. It will also feature collaboration items with the likes of Funko and Kotobukiya.

“We are thrilled to bring Pokémon Center to our fans in Canada, giving them additional ways to express and celebrate their Pokémon fandom through premium merchandise,” said Cindy Ruppenthal, director of e-commerce at The Pokémon Company International.

“Pokémon Center has something for every type of Trainer – whether it’s to play, collect, decorate, or wear – and we look forward to seeing even more Trainers enjoy these offerings.”

In celebration, Pokémon Center customers in the US and Canada will receive a Pokémon TCG promo card, featuring Special Delivery Pikachu, at no additional cost with any eligible purchase, while supplies last.

GB eye expands its partnership with The Pokemon Company for new product ranges across Europe

Prints, posters, and giftware specialist, GB Eye has inked a new deal with the Pokemon Company International to expand its licensed gifting offering in the build up to Christmas with new products across mugs, framed prints, posters, gifts, and a soon-to-launch eco-range.

The move capitalises on key consumer trends and interest as the newly tailored product range serves the company’s growing European retail network for Q4 and into 2021.

Leading the charge is the hotly anticipated Pikachu Gift Box which according to the firm has already seen ‘huge pre-orders placed by numerous retailers’ in order to meet the current consumer demand for the Electric-type Pokemon.

Also attracting large retailer orders, says GB Eye, is the Eevee Gift Box. Both Gift Boxes come with their own exclusive pint glasses, exclusive full colour mug designs, two coasters and a unique collectable box, ‘which is sure to be snapped up swiftly by fans across the region.’

Ben Woodman, commercial manager at GB eye Ltd. said: “The demand we are seeing from retailers for our Q4 ranges is unprecedented considering the difficulties the industry has experienced this year and is a true testament to the quality of the product range that our design team have been able to produce to meet the insatiable consumer demand for Pokémon products. The outlook for 2021 is even more exciting with further activity planned for this hugely popular brand.”

The Pokémon Company grows European apparel portfolio with Erve Europe and Van Der Erve

The Pokémon Company International is expanding its European reach once more, having tapped Erve Europe/Van Der Erve, Europe’s licensed apparel and brands specialist, to develop kids and adult apparel for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets.

The new deal will see fashion powerhouse Erve Europe / Van Der Erve collaborate with Pokémon for a collection of kids’ and adult daywear, nightwear, and accessories, all of which is planned to launch at retail in 2021 across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Specialists in fashion-forward licensed apparel, Erve Europe / Van Der Erve are front runners in design, sourcing, and distribution of branded apparel and accessories in Europe. A preferred supplier of sustainable fashion to leading retailers, they work with department stores, fashion retailers, supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount chains, and resellers, creating bespoke items and collections on demand.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA for The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to be working with Erve Europe / Van Der Erve. Its vast experience from 35 years in the industry, exceptional quality, and sustainable practices make it the perfect partner to further grow Pokémon’s fashion presence in Germany, where – as across the whole of Europe – demand for Pokémon apparel and accessories continues to expand.”

Pokémon’s partnership with Erve Europe / Van Der Erve further strengthens its increasing status as a fashion icon and high-street staple. Its growing apparel offering now includes successful ranges at global giants such as Zara, H&M, Bershka, Pull&Bear, and Undiz, innovative collaborations with the likes of Adidas, UNIQLO, and Original Stich, plus capsule collections from leading fashion brands and designers including GCDS, Jeremy Scott, and Bobby Abley.

Maison Longchamp sews up physical and digital fashion collab with Pokemon and Pokemon GO

French elegance and Japanese kawaii have found their worlds colliding thanks to a new partnership between The Pokemon Company International and the globally revered fashion brand, Longchamp, spanning both the physical world of apparel and accessories, and the digital world of Pokemon GO.

From mid October this year, the Longchamp x Pokemon collection will arrive in stores and online across the world, while a new Longchamp avatar backpack accessory will be made available to players within the Pokemon GO game.

Under the new partnership, Pokemon’s very own Pikachu will feature across French brand Longchamp’s iconic Le Pilage bag, bringing a touch of fun across four exclusive designs. These will range from black and white LGP canvas, embossed leather, or in a numbered, limited edition. The line-up will be completed with a design in black canvas featuring a Pikachu specially designed for the fashion house, wearing a jockey’s helmet paying homage to the Longchamp logo.

To help celebrate the collaboration between Longchamp and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon GO players will also be able to show off their fashion with a new Longchamp x Pokémon avatar backpack accessory item available between October 2 and November 17, 2020. 

Pokémon GO will be celebrating the collaboration with a special in-game event for all Trainers timed during the Paris Fashion Week. Beginning Friday, October 2 a and continuing through Thursday, October 8, certain fashionable Pokémon will be appearing in the wild, challenging Trainers in raids.

Trainers can search for these rare Pokémon in style with the Longchamp x Pokémon backpack available in the Pokémon GO shop. They can also match their avatar in by picking up any of the four exclusive versions of Longchamp x Pokémon Le Pliage bag available on longchamp. com and in Longchamp points of sales from October 13, 2020.

Sophie Delafontaine, artistic director at Maison Longchamp, said: “Our Le Pliage bag has become a platform where all the different aspects of Longchamp can be expressed and can also take us to unknown places.

“We hadn’t explored entertainment and gaming before. It’s a very inspiring world, particularly with Pokémon and its iconic mascot, Pikachu. Our two worlds, real and virtual, blend perfectly in this collaboration.”

Kenji Okubo, president of The Pokémon Company International, added: “This partnership sees two iconic brands renowned for their creativity and design collaborating on a range of products that uphold Longchamp’s tradition for quality and luxury but add a fun and playful twist that is sure to appeal to fans of both companies.”