Last December, Starbucks held its internal recipe contest "Pokémon × Starbucks Barista Battle." Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Eevee—characters loved worldwide were expressed as new coffee recipes. The winning recipe will be served in Starbucks stores this September.
The contestants are six partners (employees) selected from over 700 applications nationwide. Who will win the Grand Prix? Here is a look at the heated battle.
A Coffee Adventure with Pokémon
With the concept "Connection Over The Coffee ~ A journey to explore unknown possibilities of coffee with Pokémon," participants devised drinks enjoyable even for coffee beginners. After selecting from over 700 entries, the chosen six spent six months polishing their recipes with help from colleagues. It was truly an adventure alongside Pokémon.
At the competition, they presented these journeys in 10-minute pitches.
Contestants shared how they expressed memories and excitement about Pokémon in their drinks, then prepared them for judges including Tsunekazu Ishihara (President of The Pokémon Company) and Hisae Morii (CEO of Starbucks Japan). Judges evaluated story, visuals, and taste.
Starting with slight nervousness before judges and audience, the battle featured passionate speeches about Pokémon love and inspiring memories. The venue filled with warmth, laughter, and applause.
"Charmander Hinoko Brûlé Apple Mocha" – Ms. Yamashita, MARK IS Shizuoka
Ms. Yamashita met friends through Pokémon in second grade, traveling together themed around it. "Looking back, Pokémon was always there for big moments. It's my treasure and driving force," she said.
Her drink features Blonde Espresso base, offering a gentle yet core roast sensation like Charmander's tail flame in a three-layer café mocha. Light and low bitterness.
She hopes "coffee becomes a life partner."
"Pikachu Honey Cream Latte" – Mr. Nitta, Koriyama Azaka
Mr. Nitta recalled his strict father winning him a Pikachu plushie from a crane game as a child. He designed a drink based on universally loved Pikachu so "everyone can love coffee."
Choosing honey to represent energetic yellow Pikachu, he mixed espresso roast with honey-caramel syrup, topped with honey whipped cream. Red heart sugar cheeks and chocolate patterns complete the exciting cup.
"Pokémon's light is positive energy created by 'liking' something. If you like it, you can do your best. I hope customers enjoy Pokémon more through this drink."
"Eevee Salted Caramel Popcorn Latte" – Mr. Watanabe, Arioi Nishiarai
Mr. Watanabe's childhood sketchbooks were full of Pokémon drawings. Feeling Pokémon connects people, he values connections with customers, drinks, and food while working at Starbucks.
His latte combines salted popcorn syrup with caramel mousse, decorated with crushed caramel popcorn and chocolate sauce in a "V" shape resembling Eevee's fluffy tail.
"Please imagine how this Eevee evolves."
"Eevee Sweet Mousse Foam Latte" – Ms. Oda, Suma Daimaru
Ms. Oda, now a mother, enjoys Pokémon with her children just as she did as a kid. "My favorite Pokémon partnering with my third place is the best form," she stated.
Reflecting Pokémon evolution diversity and Starbucks' inclusivity, her drink offers fluffy mousse lattes in three choices: Eevee Vanilla, Espeon Mixed Berry, Umbreon Dark Cocoa.
"I hope those previously uninterested find it stylish and fun to choose and share."
"Eevee Caramel Apple Pie Cookie Latte" – Ms. Tada, AEON Mall Urawamisono
Ms. Tada fell in love with Pokémon watching protagonists set off on journeys, feeling like she was departing too. She sees parallels between Eevee's evolution potential and coffee discoveries.
Whipped cream represents Eevee's fluffy tail, creating a sweet-tart balance of apple pie flavors within aromatic coffee.
"Small thrills lead to curiosity and learning. I want customers to step into that world with Pokémon."
"Pikachu Banana Chocolate Latte" – Mr. Yamamoto, AEON Mall Kochi 1F
For Mr. Yamamoto, first experiences in games or movies were always Pokémon, calling it his "daily life." He mapped Ash and Pikachu's adventures onto a coffee journey.
Yellow latte with banana puree topped with cornflakes representing Pikachu's lightning. Designed for families sharing tasting experiences, it's "perfect for young students starting their coffee journey."
Winner: Pikachu-Inspired Drink
Drinks rich with personal memories and passion for both brands. Judges praised everyone: "Wonderful actions... made me want to order each one" (Ishihara), and "Passion turned into stories... all winners" (Morii).
After intense competition, Mr. Nitta's "Pikachu Honey Cream Latte" won. Upon hearing his name, he tearfully said, "I gained things more important than winning," hugging supportive colleagues.
Enjoy Taking Photos with Pokémon × Starbucks
Post-competition, Mr. Nitta expressed gratitude, noting support from store partners and departments during six months of development.
In September, the limited-time "Pikachu Honey Cream Latte" hits stores. He focused heavily on appearance, especially the espresso gradient. Stirring five times balances sweetness for younger generations while satisfying coffee lovers.
"I hope customers take many photos and create memories with this drink."
Six unique stories blending Pokémon and coffee passion. We look forward to new customer narratives sparked by this winning drink.
Note: Contestant store affiliations are as of the competition date.
