The Pokémon Company International has announced the Pokémon Day 2017 festivities for the United States. It should be an exciting day for all fans of the franchise. It was also revealed that a new line of Pokémon Gallery Figures will be heading exclusively to the United States Pokémon Center website on Pokémon Day. A special Pikachu will also be appearing in Pokémon Go wearing a party hat to celebrate Pokémon Day.

Celebrate Pokémon Day on February 27

Pokémon Day is February 27, commemorating the launch of the very first Pokémon games in Japan way back in 1996. To celebrate the milestone, several events and promotions are planned, leading up through the big day! The fun starts at the #PokemonDay social hub, where we will be updating a gallery of your Pokémon photo memories. Use the hashtag #PokemonDay to share your best Pokémon moments.

• Pikachu is ready to lead the Pokémon Day celebration in Pokémon GO. From February 26 at 1:00 p.m. PST to March 6 at 1:00 p.m. PST, any Pikachu you encounter in the wild will be wearing a festive party hat! The Pikachu you catch during that time will keep its party hat forever, so be sure to look for this special Pikachu during its short time in the wild.
• Pokémon Day marks the debut of the new Gallery Figures collection in the Pokémon Center. The first set includes awesome figures of Eevee, Mew, Magikarp, and Pikachu—each performing its signature attack. These figures were designed specifically for the Pokémon Center, so this is the first time anyone will be able to get their hands on them.
• Starting on Pokémon Day, revisit some of the best big-screen moments of Ash and his friends with a movie marathon on Pokémon TV. For a limited time, watch the original classic Pokémon: The First Movie, as well as Pokémon 4Ever and Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions in their entirety. Remember that you can watch Pokémon TV here on Pokemon.com and on the Pokémon TV mobile apps. But these movies will be available for only a limited time, so don't miss them!
• The Pokémon Trading Card Game Online is starting its Pokémon Day festivities early, with extra Trainer Tokens available on the Bonus Wheel for the entire week leading up to Pokémon Day. Then, be sure to log in to your game on Pokémon Day for an extra-special Daily Bonus. Remember that you can play the Pokémon TCG Online on your computer, iPad, or Android tablet. Battle today and through Pokémon Day for bigger rewards!
• Don't forget that right now you can head to your local participating GameStop store to get a Bottle Cap for your Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon video game. This item lets you boost the individual strength of one of your Pokémon's stats via Hyper Training, making the Pokémon even more ready for your next big battle! Bottle Cap codes will be available at GameStop until March 5.
• Pikachu lends its brilliant features to the new Pikachu Yellow Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL. This limited-edition New Nintendo 3DS XL is launching just a couple of days before Pokémon Day, and it's sure to be popular, so check it out while you can. Visit the product page on Nintendo.com for more details.
• If you're looking for even more Pokémon animation fun for your Pokémon Day celebrations, you can find Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel on the iTunes Store, Google Play, and Amazon Video on February 27. Plus, check out a special Pokémon the Series: Gold & Silver TV episode bundle featuring Ash's adventures throughout the Johto region. With this collection of episodes and the latest Pokémon movie, you'll be ready to host the perfect Pokémon Day party!
• Pokémon Day is a good reminder that big promotions are going on in Pokémon Shuffle, too. The popular Nintendo 3DS game is celebrating two years of challenging fans with puzzle fun. Take a look at the in-game notifications to get more details on these upcoming opportunities.
• Head to Twitch.tv/Pokemon for an all-day celebration of Pokémon competitions, showing many of the most memorable matches from the Pokémon TCG, video games, and Pokkén Tournament from the past several years. See your favorite players from around the globe as we broadcast epic Championship battles, including some from recent Pokémon World Championships.

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/celebrate-pokemon-day-on-february-27/

Pikachu Parties in Pokémon GO!

Keep your eye out for a special Pikachu wearing a party hat to celebrate Pokémon Day! Pikachu is ready to lead the Pokémon Day celebration in Pokémon GO. From February 26 at 1:00 p.m. PST to March 6 at 1:00 p.m. PST, any Pikachu you encounter in the wild will be wearing a festive party hat! The Pikachu you catch during that time will keep its party hat forever, so be sure to look for this special Pikachu during its short time in the wild.

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pikachu-parties-in-pokemon-go/

Put Your Favorite Pokémon on Display

The new Gallery Figures collection launches in the Pokémon Center on Pokémon Day.

Pokémon fans will definitely want to take a look at the new Gallery Figures collection coming to the Pokémon Center on Pokémon Day, February 27. These high-quality figures were created for the Pokémon Center in the United States, meaning this is the first time they have ever been available anywhere in the world.

The first four Gallery Figures depict some well-known Pokémon as they perform an attack: Mew using Psychic, Eevee using Swift, Magikarp using Splash, and Pikachu using its iconic Thunderbolt attack. Each figure is mounted on the same size base, making it easy to put them on display. Plus, this is only the first set of Gallery Figures planned for launch in the Pokémon Center—check back throughout the year for details on upcoming collectibles.

Check out the Pokémon Gallery Figures collection on February 27 in the Pokémon Center!

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/put-your-favorite-pokemon-on-display/

A new figure has been announced that is part of the Pokémon Figure Series. ARTFX J Serena with Fokko was revealed on February 14th, 2017 for pre-order in Japan. It is the third figure in the series with Red and Haruka already released. High resolution pictures of this figure have been added to an Imageboard thread.

ARTFX J Serena with Fokko

Release Month: July 2017
Scale: 1/8
Product Size Serena: Total height of about 195 mm (including pedestal)
Product Size Fokko: Total height of about 55 mm
Price: 8,500 yen (excluding tax)
Product Material: PVC painted / ABS

YouTube - ARTFX J Serena with Fokko PV

Source: http://www.kotobukiya.co.jp/product/product-0000002389/

The Pokémon Company International has revealed that the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon: The Official Alola Region Pokédex and Postgame Adventure Guide will be available for purchase at various retailers on March 3rd, 2017 in North America. The hardcover version of the book will retail for $39.99USD while the softcover version will retail for $24.99 USD. Retailers such as Amazon are offering pre-order discounts that significantly reduce the cost of these books, the the hardcover for $25.46 USD and the softcover for $15.42.

Pokémon Sun and Moon: The Official Alola Region Pokédex and Postgame Adventure Guide

If getting all the Pokémon from the Alola region is your goal, or if you simply want the latest info on all these amazing Pokémon, then Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon: The Official Alola Region Pokédex & Postgame Adventure Guide will be your go-to for the info you need!

And if you think you’ve done everything there is to do in the Alola region, then think again! Many adventures are waiting for you after you’ve completed the main story in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, and this guide will take you through them—including encountering, battling, and catching the mysterious Ultra Beasts!

Here’s what you’ll find inside:
-Includes high-quality lithograph set.
-Includes a double-sided Pokédex poster on premium paper!
-Postgame guide for the adventures—and the Ultra Beasts—awaiting you in Alola!
-Bonus interview with the games’ director and producer!
-Exclusive concept artwork of Rowlet, Litten, Popplio, Mimikyu, Alolan Exeggutor, Solgaleo, Lunala, and more!
-Data for all 301 Pokémon discovered in the Alola region and their different forms!
-Key info on each Pokémon’s moves, Abilities, stats, Evolutions, and how to obtain them!
-Lists of TMs, items, and Berries—includingwhere to find them!
-Reverse Lookup tables for the moves and Abilities found in the Alola region—perfect for the competitive battler!

THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING UK SALES FOR POKÉMON TRADING CARDS AND TOYS

London, UK— January 24, 2017 —The Pokémon Company International announced today that Pokémon has achieved record-breaking sales figures at retail in the UK throughout 2016, for its Trading Card Game (TCG) and toys from master toy partner TOMY, as reported by the NPD Group.

According to figures recorded by the NPD Group Toys retail tracking service, the Pokémon property recorded a 285% increase in sales throughout 2016 against market growth of 6% in the whole UK toy market. In the last three months, October to December, Pokémon increased sales by 512% versus the 7.7% market growth.

Also, in the Christmas week, Pokémon TCG smashed through the one million pounds sterling barrier, achieving retail sales of £1.29m in a seven-day period, a 733.7% increase on the previous year.

Mathieu Galante, Senior Market Development Manager for The Pokémon Company International, said: “Thanks to the activities celebrating Pokémon’s 20th year, plus the huge impact of our video game releases, interest in the brand has escalated, ensuring figures for TCG and toy sales have been incredible. We fully expect that demand for the product will remain high throughout 2017 as new expansions are introduced to tie in with our new Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.”

Steve Buckmaster Managing Director of Esdevium Games - UK distributor of the Pokémon TCG - said: “We are delighted to announce these sensational figures just ahead of Toy Fair and look forward to talking to our retail partners at the show about ways that we can keep the phenomenal demand going. We are very excited about our first Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon expansion, which will be released in February.”

Camilla MacQueen, UK Brand Manager at TOMY Europe said: “We’re excited to be part of Pokémon’s fantastic achievement. We’re expecting 2017 to be another huge year for Pokémon and we’re looking forward to unveiling two new product lines at Toy Fair London that will appeal to collectors of all ages.”

The global phenomenon of Pokémon was first launched in Japan in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy system and reached the United States and Europe in 1998–99. The first generation of Pokémon games introduced the original 151 Pokémon. Today the Pokémon universe includes more than 800 Pokémon that players can catch, trade, and battle against their opponents in the quest to become the best Pokémon Trainer.

Pokémon has since grown into one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world. It is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, with more than 279 million video games sold worldwide. In addition, 21.5 billion TCG cards have been shipped to 74 countries in 11 languages, and over 450,000 players take part in Pokémon events every year. There are also more than 900 episodes of the animated TV series, now starting its 20th season.

The January 2017 Issue of CoroCoro Comics will be packed with tons of Iwanko based extras when it's released on December 15th, 2016 on Japanese newsstands.

① Iwanko Enhancement Tools Serial Code

A serial code is included with the issue that gives players items to help Iwanko. Different items are unlocked depending on which game players use the code in but the code can only be used in one game. The code can be used from December 15th, 2016 until February 14th, 2017 at 23:59 JST.


Pokémon Sun: Lucky Egg and Choice Band
Pokémon Moon: Lucky Egg and Choice Scarf

② Pokémon Card Game Sun and Moon Iwanko's Full Power Deck

Also included with the issue is the special Pokémon Card Game Sun and Moon Iwanko's Full Power Deck (ポケモンカードゲーム サン&ムーン「イワンコ全力デッキ」). The set features 13 new cards including the Iwanko SMP1 (008/13) and Lugalgan GX SMP1 (009/13) cards. This is the first time that CoroCoro has packaged an entire set with an issue of the magazine. Full details of this set will be added to our TCG dex when the set is released.

③ Special Iwanko Pokémon Ga-Olé Disk

A special Iwanko Pokémon Ga-Olé Disk is included with the magazine as well. Details of this disk has been added to our Pokémon Ga-Olé Promo Disk page.


Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/12/161209_gm01.html?news_recommend_tag=post

YouTube Teaser - CoroCoro

Starting on December 23rd, 2016, the Pokémon Centers in Japan will be stocking new plushies from Pokémon Sun and Moon. Bewear, Mimikyu, Alolan Marowak, Alolan Raichu and Alolan Meowth will all become available to purchase. More images of the plushies have been added to our Imageboard thread.

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/12/161209_p02.html

VIZ Media has announced a few new books that will be coming out over the next few months in North America. Below are the details for those books.

VIZ MEDIA SERVES UP THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK AND NEW POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS FOR DECEMBER RELEASE

Inventive Cookbook Features Recipes For Over 35 Tasty Dishes Inspired By World-Famous Pokémon Characters; New POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS Contains Comics, Trivia And More

San Francisco, CA, November 17, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media),a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, delights POKÉMON fans with a pair of notable upcoming releases that includes the publication of THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK: EASY & FUN RECIPES and POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS, the third volume in the series. Both new books will debut on December 6th.

Created by Maki Kudo, THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK: EASY & FUN RECIPES contains a variety of delectable and inventive original recipes inspired by popular Pokémon characters. Santa Harukaze’s new POKÉMON X•Y POCKET COMICS release is a substantial pocket-sized book jam-packed with four-panel comic strips featuring favorite characters from the POKÉMON X•Y manga series along with additional Pokémon vital statistics, trivia, and fun quizzes.

THE POKÉMON COOKBOOK: EASY & FUN RECIPES
MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN · Available December 6th!
Create a variety of delicious dishes that look like your favorite Pokémon characters—from desserts to pizza—with more than 35 fun, easy recipes. Make a Poké Ball sushi roll, Pikachu-style ramen, or “Meowth” mashed potatoes for your next party, weekend activity, or powered-up lunch box.

POKÉMON POCKET COMICS, X•Y · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages
MSRP: $10.99 U.S. / $13.99 CAN · Available December 6th!
Pokémon stories, puns and jokes! Fun multiple-choice quizzes! The Pokémon of the Kalos region are all gathered together in this hilarious collection starring Fennekin, Froakie, Chespin, and the rest of the new X·Y Pokémon, Mega-Evolved Pokémon and more! Quiz yourself and your friends on Pokémon Abilities, moves, types, Mega Evolution and tons of other vital statistics! Who will be the next Pokémon quiz champion?!

Source: https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/v/1006394

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS POKÉMON PUBLISHING CATALOG WITH POKÉMON ADVENTURES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BOOK

Leading North American Manga Publisher Announces A Unique ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES Art Book Set For Release Next Year

San Francisco, CA, November 10, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media),a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, expands its critically acclaimed art book and POKéMON collection with the acquisition of the North American publishing rights for the Pokémon Adventures 20th Anniversary Illustration Book: The Art of Pokémon Adventures.

A first-of-its-kind release, THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES is scheduled for a print release in Fall 2017 and celebrates two decades of POKÉMON with a vividly illustrated collection of work by the beloved manga series artist, Satoshi Yamamoto.

Latest VIZ Media Publishing Acquisition:

POKÉMON ADVENTURES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BOOK: THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES · Available Fall 2017 Beautiful full-color art from the Pokémon Adventures graphic novel series, sketches and storyboards never seen before, four pull-out posters and a bonus manga story written by series writer Hidenori Kusaka, never before published in English!

Artist Satoshi Yamamoto began illustrating POKÉMON ADVENTURES in 2001. His favorite manga creators/artists include Fujiko Fujio (Doraemon), Yukinobu Hoshino (2001 Nights), and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira). He also loves films, monsters, mysteries, and punk rock music, and notably uses the Pokémon Swalot as his artist portrait.

Source: https://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/v/1006390

Bandai has revealed a new Music Box figure featuring Serena that will go on sale in Japan. Serena's Performance - Pocket Monsters XY&Z (Premium Bandai Limited Edition) (セレナのステージ ポケットモンスターXY&Z【プレミアムバンダイ限定】) will cost 6,372yen and pre-order's start on October 13th, 2016 at 13:00 and orders will be filled until December 31st, 2016 at 23:00. It will be delivered sometime in March 2017. The music box comes with a Princess Key and when it is inserted into the stage, it will play the song DoriDori Music Box Version (「ドリドリ」のオルゴールアレンジver.). The music box figure is 133mm high, the figure is made of ABS and PVC plastic, the stage pedestal is made of ABS plastic and the Princess Key is made of ABS and is die-cast. More images from this product are available on our Imageboard thread.

Source: http://p-bandai.jp/item/item-1000107733/

The official Japanese Pokémon website announced a massive Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store event that takes place through October and November 2016. The Pokémon Center Occupation Plan (ポケモンセンター占拠計画) features the 6 major gangs: Rocket, Magma, Aqua, Ginga, Plasma and Flare from the Pokémon franchise taking over. The campaign features event Pokémon distributions, themed merchandise and cosplay events featuring all these gangs.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire - Bosses' Pokémon Event Distribution

Each week, for 6 weeks from October 1st, 2016 until November 11th, 2016, one of the enemy organizations will occupy each Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store and a event Pokémon present will be distributed. The Pokémon distributed is one of occupying Sinister Organisation's Bosses' Pokémon. Each week, the enemy organization occupying the Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store changes to a different gang, so patrons need to check the schedule. Players of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are eligible to receive these

There are 6 different distribution weeks, so everyone should be able to get all 6 Boss Pokémon at their local Pokémon Center or Pokémon Store during time or visit other locations to get them ahead of time.

On October 7th, 2016, it was announced that due to popular demand, the event present distribution would be extended to November 12th and 13th, 2016 and on each of those days, all 6 Pokémon would be available at different times of the day at all the participating locations.

Pokémon Presents being Distributed

Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store - Event Distribution - Schedule

The six time periods are as follows: 1. October 1st, 2016 until October 7th, 2016
2. October 8th, 2016 until October 14th, 2016
3. October 15th, 2016 until October 21st, 2016
4. October 22nd, 2016 until October 28th, 2016
5. October 29th, 2016 until November 4th, 2016
6. November 5th, 2016 until November 11th, 2016

Extended Schedule - November 12th and 13th, 2016
Rocket Gang - Sakaki's Nidoqueen - Store opening to 13:00
Magma Gang - Matsubusa's Bakuuda - 13:00 to 14:00
Aqua Gang - Aogiri's Samehader - 14:00 to 15:00
Ginga Gang - Akagi's Manyula - 15:00 to 16:00
Plasma Gang - Ghetsis' Sazandora - 16:00 to 17:00
Flare Gang - Fleur-de-lis' Kaenjishi - 17:00 to closing time



Staff at the Pokémon Centers from October 8th to October 10th, 2016 will be cosplaying the boss of the gang occupying that location as well as wearing T-shirts of that enemy organization. The boss cosplay by staff will not occur at Pokémon Store locations.


Those that spend at least 3000 yen during the campaign at a Pokémon Center or Store can also receive 1 of 6 different Sinister Organisation's Boss' cards. Patrons can receive one at the checkout.

Sinister Organisation Merchandise

Starting on October 8th, 2016, Sinister Organisation merchandise will be available to purchase at Pokémon Centers and online on the Amazon Pokémon Store. On October 15th, 2016, the merchandise will be available at physical Pokémon Store locations.

Ryo Kitamura Cosplaying as Bosses

From October 1st, 2016 until November 13th, 2016, Ryo Kitamura (北村諒) will be dressing up as the different gang bosses at the Pokémon Centers.


Sources: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/09/160902_p01.html, http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/09/160916_p01.html and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/09/160930_p01.html

Krispy Kreme's South Korean stores starting in October 2016 will begin selling Pokémon Doughnuts. Pikachu, Kkobugi and a Monster Ball doughtnut will be available to purchase. Kkobugi costs 2,000 won each, Pikachu 2,500 won and the Monster Ball costs 1,800 won each. A Pokémon Dozen box can also be purchased for 15,000 won.

Promotional Video

Sources: http://www.krispykreme.co.kr/menu/new_popular.asp?seq=202&x=25&y=19 and https://www.facebook.com/kkdkorea1937/posts/1112076278839396