The merchandise juggernaut strikes again, as Pokemon has announced another collectible series of goodies. While not tied to any particular announcements regarding new games or upcoming projects, the Pokemon Mysterious Tea Party set is slated to hit Japanese Pokemon Center stores as soon as February 6, 2021.
Seemingly unified by promotional artwork for the tea set, several pieces share elements from the image of a suit-wearing Pikachu serving tea to several shady-forest dwelling Pokemon. The stars of the lineup receiving their own plushies and other collectibles are predictably Pikachu and Eevee, however newcomer Alcremie is receiving some attention with its own plushie as well. Present in the artwork, despite having much less representation through the actual set, are Dedenne, Shiinotic, Spritzee, Mr. Rime, and others.
Included in this expansive collection of Pokemon merchandise is the tea pot with accompanying tea cups and plates, but also tea-flavored cookies, charms, and plushies. At a later date this collection aims to eventually include a handkerchief, tote bag, and even a vanity complete with mirror. Given the listed prices, the complete collection of over 20 items would cost hardcore collectors about 33,860 Yen, a value of around $326, before factoring in international shipping.
The bane of any Pokemon collector outside of Japan has always been the uncertainty of whether merchandise will be available for international pre-order. With fans all around the world, it stands to reason that Pokemon will remain poised to grow steadily in popularity, especially with the main-game series preparing for its 9th generation of creatures. Curiously, while a perfect fit for the tea party theme, Generation 8's Polteageist and Sinistea are absent from the promotion, adding to the mystery.
As always, the series' fanbase continues to stoke interest in what many older fans find nostalgic and what newcomers to the series can find inspiring, especially with custom sprite art, Pokemon-related cosplay, and ambitious accessorizing. Die-hard collectors seem to gravitate toward more obscure merchandise, feasibly placing this tea set toward the tops of several wish lists.
Nearing its 25th anniversary, Pokemon is a franchise that many people have grown up with. Adhering to the winning formula of simple to learn yet difficult to master, the games should always offer sufficient challenge for the hardcore demographic as well as open arms to more casual sects of its fanbase. Many of those fans are likely to supplement their intake of Pokemon with the abundance of anime, manga, spin-off games, films, merchandise, snacks, furniture, and now tea sets.
Source: Pokemon