Starbucks Japan just announced a pretty massive Pokémon collaboration, and the headline item is exactly what you’d expect: a Pikachu Honey Cream Latte.
It’s espresso mixed with caramel and honey so the drink comes out bright yellow. On top is honey-flavored whipped cream with little heart-shaped pieces standing in for Pikachu’s red cheeks. Starbucks says they kept the coffee taste on the milder side so even non-coffee people can drink it.
Tall only. 678 yen to go, 690 yen if you stay. Every drink comes with an original collab sticker while supplies last.
The recipe actually won a nationwide barista contest with more than 700 entries. Junko Nitta from the Koriyama Asaka store took first place.
Then there’s the merch. This is not a small drop. There are 41 items with original artwork by Hikaru Ichijo. The illustrations don’t show faces, which gives everything this soft “Pokémon hanging out with baristas over coffee” look. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Eevee all appear.
In stores from September 30:
- Reusable cup (473ml) — 1,300 yen
- Three Starbucks Cards: Coffee Connection, Pikachu, and Eevee (2,000 yen minimum load)
Online store from 6 a.m. on September 30: Stainless bottles, tumblers, stacking mugs, a straw tumbler with a Poké Ball lid, ceramic canister, glass drip coffee maker, kettle, milk frother set, adult and kids’ aprons, tote bags, character pouches, sticker sets, postcards, posters, acrylic charms, and gift card sets.
The bottles run about 6,600 yen. Totes are 5,000 yen. It’s the usual “this is going to sell out immediately” price range.
Limits:
- Online: one per transaction on the first day
- In-store goods: one per transaction September 30–October 2
- The latte only lasts September 30 to October 8
Nine days for the drink. One morning scramble for the bottles. Standard Japan collab rules apply.
