How to Buy Pokemon Figures in Japan

Pokemon Center Exclusives

Pokemon Center stores in Japan carry exclusive figures you cannot buy anywhere else. The flagship stores in Tokyo (Ikebukuro, Shibuya) and Osaka have the widest selection, but stock sells out fast for popular characters like Pikachu, Charizard, and Eevee.

Tip: New Pokemon Center exclusive figures are announced monthly. Set up alerts on Anime Alert Japan to get notified the moment new figures drop.

Bandai Figure Lines

Bandai produces several Pokemon figure lines:

• S.H.Figuarts — Articulated action figures, popular for Pokemon like Mewtwo and Lucario
• Static Arts — Detailed non-articulated figures
• Pokemon Scale World — 1/20 scale figures of Pokemon in realistic settings
• Ichiban Kuji — Lottery figures available at convenience stores and anime shops

Pre-Order Strategy

Most Pokemon figures are available for pre-order 3-6 months before release. Popular figures sell out within hours of announcement. Here is the typical timeline:

1. Announcement on Bandai or Pokemon Center website
2. Pre-order opens (usually 10 AM JST)
3. Sell-out window (minutes to hours for popular figures)
4. Release date (3-6 months later)
5. Secondary market prices (often 2-3x retail)

Where to Buy Online

For international buyers, these Japanese retailers ship worldwide:

• Pokemon Center Online — Official, but requires Japanese address for some items
• Amazon Japan — Ships many figures internationally
• Solaris Japan — Good for pre-orders and rare figures
• HobbyLink Japan (HLJ) — Wide selection, reasonable shipping
• CDJapan — Good for Pokemon music and some figures
• Play-Asia — Ships to most countries

Pop-Up Events

Pokemon pop-up stores and collaboration events happen regularly in Tokyo and Osaka. These often feature exclusive merchandise not available anywhere else. Events typically run for 2-4 weeks and feature themed food, exclusive figures, and limited-edition goods.

Check our Pokemon franchise page for the latest pop-up events and drops.