Pokémon and Starbucks Team Up for First-Ever Japan Collaboration
Pokémon and Starbucks are joining forces for a brand-new collaboration in Japan, bringing together Pikachu, Eevee and the original Kanto starters with Starbucks coffee culture.
The collaboration, titled “Connection Over The Coffee Adventures – An Adventure to Discover the Possibilities of Coffee with Pokémon,” officially launched in Japan on September 30, 2026.
Alongside a brand-new Pikachu-inspired drink, the collaboration features an impressive 41 different merchandise items, all featuring original artwork created specifically for the collaboration by Japanese illustrator Hikaru Ichijo.
Pikachu Honey Cream Latte
The star of the collaboration is a brand-new drink called the Pikachu Honey Cream Latte.
The drink was created as part of a special Pokémon + Starbucks Barista Battle, where Starbucks baristas across Japan created their own Pokémon-inspired beverages.
After the competition, the Pikachu Honey Cream Latte was selected as the winning creation.
The drink combines espresso and milk with yellow caramel honey sauce, giving it a sweet caramel and honey flavour. It is finished with caramel honey-flavoured whipped cream, chocolate sauce and a small red heart-shaped sugar topping inspired by Pikachu’s cheeks.
It is available in Tall size only for ¥690.
Customers purchasing the drink can also receive a special Pokémon × Starbucks sticker, while supplies last. Starbucks Japan
The Drink Was Created by a Pokémon Fan
The winning drink was created by Junko Nitta, a Starbucks barista from the Koriyama Asaka store.
Nitta explained that her connection to Pikachu goes back to childhood, when her father won her a Pikachu from a crane game.
She wanted to create something that captured Pikachu’s bright and energetic personality, eventually choosing honey as the key ingredient.
The drink was developed over approximately six months, with Nitta and the Starbucks team refining the recipe before it was selected as the winner of the Barista Battle. スターバックス ストーリーズ
41 Pokémon × Starbucks Merchandise Items
The collaboration doesn’t stop at coffee.
Starbucks has created a huge collection of 41 Pokémon-themed merchandise items, featuring original artwork produced specifically for the collaboration.
The range includes reusable cups, stainless-steel bottles, mugs, tumblers, bags, charms, stationery, kitchen items and more. Starbucks Japan
Some of the merchandise includes:
- Pokémon + Starbucks reusable cup — ¥1,300
- Stainless TOGO bottle — ¥6,600
- Stainless bottle — ¥6,600
- 2WAY stainless cup and holder — ¥3,800–¥4,000
- Stacking demi mug — ¥2,200
- Straw tumbler with strap — ¥4,800
- Glass drip coffee maker — ¥4,800–¥4,900
- Pikachu kids’ apron — ¥4,000
- Acrylic charm — ¥1,500
- Art sticker set — ¥1,800
- Art postcard set — ¥2,000
- Art poster — ¥2,500
- Tote bag — ¥5,000
- Cup-shaped PVC pouch — ¥2,200 Starbucks Japan
Pikachu, Eevee and the Kanto Starters
The artwork features some of Pokémon’s most recognisable characters.
Pikachu, Eevee, Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle all appear throughout the collaboration, with the Pokémon incorporated into scenes involving coffee, baristas and the Starbucks experience.
There are also multiple artwork designs, including “Coffee Connection” and “Coffee Adventure” themes.
The artwork was created by illustrator Hikaru Ichijo, who produced 12 different illustrations for the collaboration. スターバックス ストーリーズ
The Story Behind the Artwork
Ichijo’s artwork takes a slightly different approach to traditional Pokémon artwork.
Rather than focusing heavily on the Pokémon’s faces, the illustrations use her distinctive style, which often leaves characters without detailed facial features.
This allows people looking at the artwork to interpret the characters and scenes in their own way.
The illustrations also tell a story about Pokémon and Starbucks baristas working together, with the Pokémon helping with different parts of the coffee journey.
For example, Pikachu is shown interacting with an espresso machine, while Bulbasaur is connected with growing coffee plants. スターバックス ストーリーズ
There are even small Pokémon details hidden throughout the artwork, including Poké Balls and Berries, giving fans plenty to look for.
Starbucks Cards Featuring Pokémon
The collection also includes special Starbucks Card gifts featuring four Pokémon:
- Bulbasaur
- Charmander
- Squirtle
- Eevee
Each Starbucks Card Gift is priced at ¥2,700.
There are also six digital Starbucks Card designs, which can be sent through services such as email and LINE.
When registered with the official Starbucks app, the digital cards feature special animation on the payment screen.
A Collaboration Built Around Coffee and Pokémon
Rather than simply putting Pokémon artwork onto Starbucks cups, this collaboration has been designed around the similarities between the two brands.
Starbucks highlights its focus on connection, community and diversity, while Pokémon has always centred around meeting new Pokémon, building relationships and going on adventures.
The collaboration brings those ideas together under the theme:
“Connection Over The Coffee Adventures.”
The result is a collection that mixes Pokémon’s world with the everyday experience of visiting Starbucks.
Available Now in Japan
The Pokémon × Starbucks collaboration launched on September 30, 2026, with the merchandise available through Starbucks stores and the Starbucks Japan online store depending on the individual product.
The collaboration is scheduled to run until October 8, 2026, although individual products and the Pikachu sticker are available only while supplies last.
At this stage, the collection has been announced specifically for Japan, so there is no confirmed Australian release for these Pokémon × Starbucks products.
For Pokémon collectors, though, this is another Japanese collaboration that is likely to be highly sought after — especially with 41 pieces of merchandise and completely new artwork created specifically for the partnership.
And that Pikachu Honey Cream Latte looks pretty tempting too.
