Pokemon has already started off 2021 incredibly strong, and for a good reason too, given the franchise's 25th anniversary this year. Celebrations have included upcoming anniversary-themed Pokemon TCG booster packs, a virtual Pokemon Day concert headlined by Post Malone, and a recent viral McDonald's promotion that saw fans scalping Pokemon cards from Happy Meals left and right.
Of course, fans already received probably the most anticipated announcements late last month, including remakes of the 4th generation games in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as Pokemon Legends: Arceus, presenting an entirely new take on the Pokemon series of games. And it looks like the celebrations are sure to continue, as The Pokemon Company has announced some slick new COVID-19-appropriate merch for fans.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks and face coverings have become a necessity for many wishing to venture outdoors, and for some individuals, they have even become somewhat of a fashion statement. Now, it looks like fans will be able to rep their love for the popular monster-catching franchise by donning new Pikachu-themed face masks by The Pokemon Company and Mizuno.
Earlier today, The Pokemon Company announced a special collaboration with Japanese sports equipment and sportswear company Mizuno, bringing Japanese fans some official Pokemon face masks in a variety of colors. The Pikachu-themed face masks come in 3-piece sets of gray, white, and yellow in a size small, or gray, white, and black in a medium or large size. Each mask features a silhouetted Pikachu in action above the official Mizuno logo, along with an official Pokemon logo below. The Pokemon Company's official website notes that these face masks are sweat-resistant and are focused on breathability and fit.
For now, these Pikachu-themed face masks are only slated for release in Japan, though it is possible that they could make their way overseas as part of Pokemon's 25th anniversary celebrations. For anyone in Japan looking to get their hands on these neat masks, starting on March 25, each set can be purchased from Pokemon Center Online for ¥3,520, or about $32 USD.
These masks aren't the only Pokemon-themed clothing fans can get their hands on this year, as pop-culture store Zavvi has also released their own collection of Pikachu-laden clothing. The popular franchise's 25th anniversary celebrations are far from over, as fans look forward to the New Pokemon Snap game releasing just next month for the Nintendo Switch, as well as the upcoming Pokemon MOBA, Pokemon Unite.
Source: The Pokemon Company