Starbucks is collaborating for the first time with "Pocket Monsters," beloved worldwide as "Pokémon."
"Connection Over The Coffee Adventures: Embark on a journey to explore unknown coffee possibilities with Pokémon."
Although these two brands stand in seemingly different fields, they share core values. Why not start a new coffee adventure with us?
What We Value: Common Ground Between Pokémon and Starbucks
Pokémon tells the story of a protagonist who grows by meeting various Pokémon on their journey. It conveys universal values like coexistence, diversity, growth, and adventure, captivating not just children but adults too.
This aligns with Starbucks' philosophy of cherishing human connections, diversity, and community.
Pikachu, Eevee, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle... diverse and unique Pokémon. Starbucks roasts coffee beans from around the world with proven techniques, delivering varied coffee experiences. This collaboration marks a new adventure revolving around coffee, where the worlds of Starbucks and Pokémon overlap.
When Individual Pokémon Experiences Connect with Coffee
At Starbucks, countless customizations arise from conversations between partners (employees) and customers. That cup is like a trainer adjusting their Pokémon's moves and items for the day's battle.
Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, says, "Starbucks has a 'culture born from conversation' that we lack." Ishihara is a coffee enthusiast who roasts his own beans three times a week. He reportedly buys beans at Starbucks occasionally and enjoys watching baristas craft drinks while waiting.
"Hearing directly from customers and creating products on the spot is a culture unique to Starbucks, so I'm curious to see how that overlaps with Pokémon," he expressed his expectations.
As part of the collaboration, the "Pokémon × Starbucks Barista Battle" was held, with Ishihara serving as a judge. Partners devised coffee recipes inspired by Pokémon, competing for the championship. Watching the presentations, he was amazed by their expressive power.
"Because you communicate with customers daily, everyone has high expressive skills. Even when nervous, your 'desire to convey' came through clearly. I felt you have strong interpersonal skills and mindset as people."
He was also impressed by each partner sharing "their personal Pokémon experience."
"Some were incredibly knowledgeable, while others spoke about how Pokémon helped them in life. I was happy to hear many personal Pokémon stories within individual lives."
We look forward to sharing this excitement with customers, as these individual Pokémon experiences are discussed in Starbucks stores and new experiences are born.
The World Created by Starbucks and Pokémon
In the battle judging, the "Pikachu Honey Whip Latte" won unanimously as champion. It expresses Pikachu's energetic image with honey. Adding a Starbucks perspective shaped unprecedented Pokémon charm.
"I could most easily imagine the scene of ordering in line and receiving it. There was an exciting feeling that made me want to drink it, and drinking it conveyed that excitement. While there have been past products using ketchup or apples depicted as Pikachu's favorites in anime, honey was less common, which adds anticipation."
Additionally, Pokémon art reinterpreted in Starbucks style by illustrator Hikaru Ichijo will appear in various forms, including merchandise. Ishihara described this art as "an expression never seen before."
"Pokémon usually emphasizes eye contact to create distance, but here, by not drawing eyes, viewers can freely feel the distance, which I think is great."
The overlapping worlds enhance Pokémon's appeal and add new dimensions to the Starbucks experience.
Finally, addressing fans of both brands, he said:
"If adding Pokémon strengthens the deep connection Starbucks has with customers, I would be happy." An exciting adventure awaits at Starbucks locations nationwide.
