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Category Archives: Pokemon Center

Japan Envy: Avalanche of Pokémon Battle Trozei Merchandise

3 / 17 / 144 / 18 / 15

Whether you call it Pokémon Battle Trozei or Pokémon Link: Battle!, there’s no denying that the eShop-exclusive match three game’s announcement back in February came as a bit of a surprise. The game’s sudden announcement and its subsequent release in all territories just a month later left this Pokémon-obsessed gal assuming that Pokémon Battle Trozei would be left to die much like poor Pokémon Rumble U. But low and behold, the Japanese release of the game has brought an onslaught of exclusive merchandise, including not one, but two 3DS XLs!

The first item revealed was this lovely white limited edition 3DS XL. It won’t be available at retail, though – it’s a prize for a contest only available to memebers of the Pokémon Daisuki club. If you happen to be a member, you need to watch three videos between March 28th and April 18th and send in your guess of how many different Pokémon icons appear at the end of the videos to be entered in the drawing. There will only be two winners, but 30 runners up will get a cute set of two sticker sheets, which will also be going on sale at the end of April.

A second Pokémon Battle Trozei 3DS XL was revealed in the Japanese children’s magazine Coro Coro, but this one will also be extremely limited – only five readers who send in entries will be selected to win the lottery. In the bottom right corner of the above image it says there are only 5 of these 3DS’s in the world, so it’s probably safe to say we won’t be seeing them elsewhere.

In slightly more accessible Pokémon Battle Trozei merchandise news, Pokémon Centers across Japan are holding a lottery for a slew of adorable limited edition merchandise until April 6th. Anyone who buy the game on their 3DS while in the store will get a voucher for one prize, and after that subsequent entries can be acquired for every 3,000 yen, or $30, spent in the store. Just like the Hatsune Miku lottery event I covered a few days ago, everyone is guaranteed a prize with every entry. Let’s take a look at what’s available to win:

The “lowest” tier of items are Pokémon Battle Trozei postcards, of which there are five designs. Those who draw number 4 will be able to pick one of the five. 

The number 3 prize consists of three different sticker sheets, of which the winner can choose one.

The number 2 prize will win participants one of three different pencil cases. I wouldn’t be able to decide between the first two!

The number 4 prize is this adorable mug – winners can choose either the white or the yellow design. I don’t normally like yellow very much, but I think I prefer that one, personally.

Finally, the “special” prize, which I’m assuming is the most rare, is this very cool 65 cm by 45 cm pillow.

Unlike the Hatsune Miku lottery, the price of entry to this lottery is pretty high, but it’s great that they give people who download the game a free go. While once probably isn’t enough to win the pillow or mug, I wouldn’t mind a free postcard or sticker sheet, personally!

Unfortunately, the chances of any of us outside of Japan getting our hands on any Pokémon Battle Trozei merchandise is quite slim. Here’s hoping Nintendo decides to do at least a little something for the North American release on the 20th!

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A closer look at the Pokémon Center Pikachu Face Cookies

1 / 28 / 144 / 18 / 15

Those of you who are already following my YouTube channel (thanks!) probably know already, but for those who don’t – a new episode of Apricotsushi Samples is up! This week, I try out some adorable Pikachu cookies I purchased at the Pokémon Center in Osaka last June. If you’re interested, do give it a watch:

Since my YouTube video endeavors are still rather young, I thought it’d help get the word out by posting about them here… But I also don’t want to keep repeating the same things, just in different outlets, so I really want to be able to include some special extras for those of you who actually go to the effort to read these posts! Luckily, in this case, I have just the thing:

In the video, I mention that each of the cookies has a distinct face (except for the one duplicate, which I gladly ate), but I didn’t get a chance to show them. So, here’s a photo! I absolutely adore how Japanese companies put little flourishes on their products like this. The Pikachu in the top middle looks so sad, though! 

And here’s a closeup of the cookies and individual wrapper designs. I suppose I should go ahead and eat the rest of them, but it’s really hard to bring myself to eat something so cute!

Well, I hope you’re enjoying Apricotsushi Samples so far! I’m having a lot of fun filming them, and if all goes well I’d like to slowly expand the video content on my channel. Fans of the written word have no need to fear, though, as this site will always come first! That said, I’d love some input on future episodes of Apricotsushi Samples. This week I’ll definitely be doing the Mountain Dew Cheetos I received in the mail yesterday, but future weeks are still up in the air. Would you like to see different Kit Kat flavors? Savory snacks? Sweet candies? I’ve got quite the backlog of Japanese treats to choose from!

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Pokémon Center Osaka Part Two: The Haul

8 / 20 / 134 / 18 / 15

Originally I had just planned on doing one post on the Pokémon Center in Osaka, but it was so huge I had to split it in two! If you haven’t seen my first post on the store itself, I highly encourage you to go check it out. Today I’ll be showing off what I actually brought home with me!

One thing I was determined to pick up during my trip to Japan was a case for my 3DS XL, so I was beyond thrilled to spot this gorgeous case featuring Pikachu, Sylveon, and Eevee at the Pokémon Center. I love things that are equal parts adorable and functional!

Some of you may remember that I tweeted a photo of the Moo Moo Milk cell phone strap pictured above a few weeks back. Initially, I was surprised to see Miltank on the face of so many different items, and I was more strangely intrigued by the strap than anything. But when I couldn’t get it out of my head a couple days later, I decided that meant I needed it as a souvenir! I also couldn’t resist the Scraggy “gotsu gotsu metto” (rugged helmet) one, as Scraggy is one of my favorite newer Pokémon.

Now to decide where to put them! Though I could leave them in the packaging, I find it much more satisfying to actually use the things I buy, so I’ll definitely be taking them out and putting them through their paces.

In the end, I couldn’t walk away without something from the “Happy Party Time: Eevee & Friends” series. I’m a sucker for stationary, so I settled on the notepad above! It’s chock-full of cute:

The first page features some bonus stickers, followed by four different sheet designs, and even an illustrated back cover!

I also couldn’t pass up these amazing stamps! I can’t wait to stamp them on anything and everything.

Deco tape seems to be a current popular item in stationery stores in Japan. It’s similar to white-out tape, but rolls out a variety of cute little pictures on translucent tape, making it a clean and theoretically easy alternative to stamps. Unfortunately, I find them extremely difficult to use properly… But, well, at least they’re cute!

Even the packaging is cute! How can I throw it away?!

Here’s a test run I did with some of the stamps and deco tape on a sheet of the Eevee party paper. It’s a tad disappointing that the deco tape is so hard to use – it’s extremely hard to place the tape without it tearing or warping, but perhaps I’m just clumsy!

Of course, I also had to get some writing implements to go along with all my stationery! I love the Oshawott swimming in ramen, a Fukuoka regional item. Funnily enough, all the regional items are available in every Pokémon Center, so while I would’ve liked to get Osaka’s special designs, I just happened to prefer the Fukuoka one!

Finally, I ended my Pokémon Center shopping spree with some Pikachu cookies! I haven’t opened them yet, so I’ll save that for a future Taste Test post, but isn’t the tin awesome? I don’t even care if the cookies themselves are good – at least I’ll be able to reuse the tin!

There’s a different Pikachu pose on each side. Brilliant!

Well, what do you think? Did I go a little nuts, or show some restraint? I’m personally quite happy with my haul, so I’d say it was a good trip! Though of course I already want to go back…

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Pokémon Center Osaka Part One: The Store

8 / 5 / 134 / 18 / 15

Without a doubt, one of the places I was looking forward to visiting most during my trip to Japan was the none other than the ultimate Pokémon fan’s paradise, the Pokémon Center. The Pokémon Center in Osaka changed locations since I was last in Japan in 2009, and luckily for me its new locale happened to be less than 10 minutes from my hotel! With it so close by, I had to make sure I stopped by a few times to make sure I didn’t miss any awesome merchandise (and fill up on StreetPasses, of course!).

Each Pokémon Center has its own two mascot Pokémon in addition to Pikachu. As you can see above, Osaka’s mascots are Meowth and Tepig, which makes for a pretty good trio, don’t you think?

See how there’s absolutely no one in the store, aside from the poor employee who got caught in my photo? That’s because I took these on a weekday morning. All of the employees were wearing these awesome 15th anniversary t-shirts (here’s a closeup of the logo)… I liked the design so much that I asked if I could purchase one, but apparently they’re uniforms and not for sale. Bummer!

Right near the main entrance was a great display of a number of limited-run Pokémon Center items, which I assume was there for the 15th anniversary celebration (though it could be a permanent fixture, someone please correct me if you know). Why hasn’t someone made a Pokémon museum yet?

A closer look at the counter revealed quite the array of Pikachu plushies from various years!

The TV was constantly showing commercials for Pokémon X/Y

Part of the 15th anniversary celebration included special Pokémon distributions at Pokémon Centers around the country. The Osaka store had a level 100 Emboar for download, but unfortunately I only brought my Japanese 3DS and an English copy of Pokémon Black 2 with me, so due to region-locking restrictions I wasn’t able to connect to the wifi to download an Emboar. Bad planning on my part!

These memorial coin machines had the most adorable designs!

As you can see, the store was practically empty! It was completely packed with children and their parents on the weekend, though.

Of course, there was also a big display for the latest Pokémon movie. I’ve never been a fan of the movies myself, but something here caught my eye…

… the display for the Pikachu short that will play before the film! Talk about cute! I’d probably go just to see that…

The announcement of the new Eevee evolution Sylveon brought an onslaught of merchandise focused on all the different Eevee forms. I’m pretty sure an Eevee fan would be in heaven here!

A poster for one of the current Eevee collections

Remember the Pokémomo and regional Pokémon goods I wrote about back in April? They had their own displays, too!

It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by all the cute! These Pokémon dolls were adorable, but I couldn’t decide which one I wanted, so in the end I didn’t buy any. Looking back, I wish I grabbed one of the Bulbasaurs!

While there were a lot of the usual Pokémon favorites on display, I must say I was quite surprised to see so many Rotom goods.

Speaking of unusual Pokémon, what’s with the fascination with Miltank? While we’re at it, why not release some Luvdisc merchandise, too? Well, okay, I get a kick out of Miltank, but Luvdisc is pushing it a little, even for me.

But would you believe that the only merchandise I was able to find for my current favorite Pokémon, Swadloon, was this keychain set? I guess I’m the only one who understands the true appeal of Swadloon…

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the Pokémon Center in Osaka! Since I took so many photos, I’ve decided to save my haul for an upcoming post. Keep your eyes peeled for it later this week!

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Welcome!


Name: Anne Lee
Birthday: December 13
Fav food: Mochi

Chic Pixel is where I write about my favorite aspects of Japanese pop culture, with a focus on the cute and nerdy! Read More >

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blerdyotome Naja B. | Can't spell Blerdy without BL @blerdyotome ·
21h

Enter for a chance to win one of two digital copies of Norn9 Var Commons for the Nintendo Switch!

Entries open @ 12pm ET today and close March 30 @ 11:59PM ET Good luck! 💖 #otometwt

✨https://gleam.io/0H70l/blerdy-otome-norn9-var-commons-giveaway

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blerdyotome Naja B. | Can't spell Blerdy without BL @blerdyotome ·
22h

In this latest Behind the Games interview, I had the privilege of talking with the amazing Anne Lee @apricotsushi about their work as consultant & proofreader on the new Norn9 Switch localizations & so much more! #otome #otometwt https://blerdyotome.com/2023/03/26/behind-the-games-interview-with-anne-lee/

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apricotsushi Anne Lee @apricotsushi ·
12h

Thanks for having me, @BlerdyOtome! If you want to learn more about the process behind the Norn9 VC script update, check out my interview!

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chlorokitty Otome Kitten~♡ @chlorokitty ·
25 Mar

NORN9: Var Commons Review [Revised]!
https://otomekitten.com/2018/12/17/norn9-var-commons-review

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meltyimp 🎀 mel 🎀 @ Wondercon D-51 @meltyimp ·
19 Mar

no comment

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apricotsushi

No reason for this photo aside from the fact that No reason for this photo aside from the fact that the UCI anteater is super cute 😝 and I'm loving my pink shirt, which was thrifted in Portland!
Come explore the Eco Town in Fountain Valley with Come explore the Eco Town in Fountain Valley with me and @marquisdegame! There were so many neat finds, from Reboot figures (anyone remember that show??) to merch featuring my fav Touken Ranbu sword boy! 🗡️ 
It was a lot of fun getting out of my comfort zone to film this when I was out the other day. I'd love to share more locations near my new home in California - let me know if you'd like to see more reels like this! 
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#ecotown #exploreoc #orangecountyca #vintageshopping #vintageshoppingdestination #secondhandfinds #thriftstorefinds #thriftingfinds #retrotoys #toukenranbu #geekgirl #geeklifestyle #otakugirl #otakulifestyle #kawaiiness #kawaiilifestyle #retrogaming
Sketch ▶️ final of a Lil Judd fanart I recentl Sketch ▶️ final of a Lil Judd fanart I recently drew! Who’s excited for Splatoon 3? I can’t believe how many exciting games are coming out, I can’t keep up lol 💦💦 I’m still slowly making my way through Elden Ring! 
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Doesn’t this bowl from @thepresentcondition remi Doesn’t this bowl from @thepresentcondition remind you of Ranking of Kings?! 👑👑 It’s a secondhand Japanese melamine bowl my good friend in Brisbane found for his new market stall and online shop! The Present Condition sells second-hand retro kitchenwares, vintage linens, and kitschy bric-a-brac. If you’re in Brisbane, they’re at Kelvin Grove Village Markets every second Saturday. Check out their page for some really cool second-hand finds! #gifted
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#anime #animeaesthetic #kawaiioftheday #otakugirl #otakulife #crunchyroll #rankingofkings #animekawaii #animeaesthetic #animeislife #animelifestyle #thriftedfinds #cuteanime #cutelife #aestheticpics #aestheticlifestyle #japanesedishes #melamineware
Aki and I are not feeling this return to work afte Aki and I are not feeling this return to work after a 1.5 week vacation! Ms Aki is @jessjhs’s lovely shiba inu who we’ve been pet sitting for a few weeks☺️ mug is by Keane Ng, creator of upcoming game A Shiba Story! 
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How cute is this Keroppi water bottle?! 🐸 You'r How cute is this Keroppi water bottle?! 🐸 You're meant to color on it with markers but I love the black and white look so I'm keeping it as is. Thank you so much for sending it and the Sanrio puzzle to me, @cozynamie! It came at a really tough time when I was going through separating with my husband of 12 years and it really lifted my spirits. I'm really grateful for all of the wonderful people I've met here on IG and am happy to have energy/motivation to post more again 💕
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