Takara Tomy Revives Classic Life-Size Pikachu Plush for Pokémon 30th Anniversary
In celebration of the Pokémon franchise’s remarkable 30-year legacy, renowned Japanese toy manufacturer Takara Tomy has officially announced the return of its well-loved life-size Pikachu plush.
Originally launched in 1997 during the early years of Pokémon’s global phenomenon, this nostalgic collectible is primed to engage both longtime fans and a new generation of Pokémon enthusiasts. As Pokémon Day approaches—a worldwide celebration held annually on February 27th to commemorate the release of the original games—Takara Tomy has sparked excitement among the Pokémon community by unveiling its latest offering.
The reissued plush, titled the “Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush,” faithfully captures the iconic “Fat Pikachu” design that swept toy shelves during Pokémon’s initial rise to fame following the launches of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green. Measuring approximately 40 centimeters in height, the plush will be available at a retail price of 7,480 yen (roughly £35).
Takara Tomy’s meticulous attention to the beloved electric mouse’s original form ensures that collectors and franchise devotees alike will recognize the authentic charm that made the 1997 version such a hit. Reflecting on the popularity of Pokémon merchandise since its inception, a company spokesperson noted that the plush’s design was selected for its nostalgic appeal and timeless visual identity.
"We wanted to give fans a true representation of Pikachu as they remember from childhood," Takara Tomy commented in a statement, highlighting the company’s commitment to authenticity and quality for this special anniversary release. The "Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush" quickly proved its enduring appeal by selling out on Takara Tomy’s official website soon after preorders opened.
The plush is scheduled for an official release on February 28, 2026, following the annual Pokémon Day celebrations.
This timely launch coincides with Pokémon’s decades-long influence in gaming, television, and pop culture—strengthening the brand’s legacy as one of Nintendo and development partner Game Freak’s most successful ventures. Since debuting on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1996, the Pokémon franchise has continued to thrive across numerous platforms, including the ever-popular Nintendo Switch, and now offers a vast selection of media, merchandise, and experiences worldwide.
The enduring fandom surrounding Pikachu and the original Pokémon designs reflects the franchise's ongoing success, with the classic “Fat Pikachu” remaining a favorite among collectors and nostalgic fans. Takara Tomy’s revival of the 1997 Pikachu plush adds another milestone to Pokémon’s impressive merchandising history and offers fans a unique opportunity to reconnect with an iconic piece of Pokémon heritage as the franchise marks 30 years of adventure.
Originally launched in 1997 during the early years of Pokémon’s global phenomenon, this nostalgic collectible is primed to engage both longtime fans and a new generation of Pokémon enthusiasts. As Pokémon Day approaches—a worldwide celebration held annually on February 27th to commemorate the release of the original games—Takara Tomy has sparked excitement among the Pokémon community by unveiling its latest offering.
The reissued plush, titled the “Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush,” faithfully captures the iconic “Fat Pikachu” design that swept toy shelves during Pokémon’s initial rise to fame following the launches of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green. Measuring approximately 40 centimeters in height, the plush will be available at a retail price of 7,480 yen (roughly £35).
Takara Tomy’s meticulous attention to the beloved electric mouse’s original form ensures that collectors and franchise devotees alike will recognize the authentic charm that made the 1997 version such a hit. Reflecting on the popularity of Pokémon merchandise since its inception, a company spokesperson noted that the plush’s design was selected for its nostalgic appeal and timeless visual identity.
"We wanted to give fans a true representation of Pikachu as they remember from childhood," Takara Tomy commented in a statement, highlighting the company’s commitment to authenticity and quality for this special anniversary release. The "Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush" quickly proved its enduring appeal by selling out on Takara Tomy’s official website soon after preorders opened.
The plush is scheduled for an official release on February 28, 2026, following the annual Pokémon Day celebrations.
This timely launch coincides with Pokémon’s decades-long influence in gaming, television, and pop culture—strengthening the brand’s legacy as one of Nintendo and development partner Game Freak’s most successful ventures. Since debuting on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1996, the Pokémon franchise has continued to thrive across numerous platforms, including the ever-popular Nintendo Switch, and now offers a vast selection of media, merchandise, and experiences worldwide.
The enduring fandom surrounding Pikachu and the original Pokémon designs reflects the franchise's ongoing success, with the classic “Fat Pikachu” remaining a favorite among collectors and nostalgic fans. Takara Tomy’s revival of the 1997 Pikachu plush adds another milestone to Pokémon’s impressive merchandising history and offers fans a unique opportunity to reconnect with an iconic piece of Pokémon heritage as the franchise marks 30 years of adventure.
