Pokémon and Starbucks Reveal a Pikachu-Focused Collaboration
Pokémon and Starbucks Coffee have announced a collaboration that will begin on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. It will feature a Pikachu-themed latte and a merchandise lineup of 41 items using original artwork.
The Pokémon series has been beloved around the world since the Game Boy titles Pocket Monsters Red and Green were released on February 27, 1996. It has grown beyond games into TV anime, films, card games, and goods.
With Pikachu and many other distinctive Pokémon loved across generations, the series now includes more than 1,000 Pokémon. On February 27, 2026, the franchise marked the 30th anniversary of the original Pocket Monsters Red and Green release, and the anniversary year is being celebrated with various projects.
Barista Battle Chooses a Champion Drink
For the collaboration, a “Pokémon + Starbucks Barista Battle” was held for baristas nationwide. More than 700 beverage recipes themed around Pokémon were submitted. Six selected baristas developed drinks, and the champion recipe has been turned into the collaboration beverage.
The champion idea came from Nitta Junko of Starbucks Coffee Koriyama Asaka store. Her “Pikachu Honey Cream Latte” is now being rolled out nationwide.
The drink layers Pikachu’s yellow with the golden color of honey and adds a heart-shaped topping inspired by Pikachu’s red cheeks. It is described as a sweet, mellow espresso beverage, with honey and caramel notes supporting the espresso finish. Honey-flavored whip is finished with the heart topping.
Customers who purchase the beverage will receive one original collaboration sticker. The sticker uses artwork created for the collaboration and depicts a world in which Pokémon adventures are enjoyed with coffee in hand, allowing fans to keep a piece of that atmosphere after finishing the drink.
Original Artwork by Ichijou Hikaru
The collaboration artwork is newly drawn by illustrator Ichijou Hikaru. Across 12 pieces, the art shows Pokémon and baristas building connections through coffee, as well as moments when different personalities are accepted and new encounters and communities are born. A total of 41 collaboration goods items using this artwork will be offered.
The announcement was also shared on the official Pokémon X account. The post said, “From Wednesday, September 30, Starbucks will offer Pokémon drinks and goods! In addition to a drink inspired by Pikachu, Pokémon-design tumblers will also be sold.”
https://twitter.com/Pokemon_cojp/status/2102941089011323205?s=20
The news drew a wave of excited responses, including comments such as “The drink looks delicious and the tumblers are cute!!” “I want them all—help me!!!!” “Cute, cute, cute, cute!!!!” “I can’t choose. I want them all.” “A collaboration between things I love—this is exciting.” “This is trouble…” “I want a tumbler so badly.” “I have no choice but to get this.” “Eek!! I want it…!!!” and “This is bad… I’m going to Starbucks…!”
Pikachu Honey Cream Latte Details
| Collaboration start | Wednesday, September 30, 2026– |
|---|---|
| Beverage | Pikachu Honey Cream Latte |
| Size | Tall only |
| Price | Takeout: 678 yen In-store: 690 yen |
| Available at | Starbucks stores nationwide (excluding some stores) |
| Sales period | Wednesday, September 30, 2026–Thursday, October 8, 2026 May be temporarily out of stock or end early. |
(C) Pokémon.
(C) Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
By Satou Erika
