Takara Tomy Revives the 1997 1/1 Pikachu Plush for 'Pokémon's' 30th Anniversary

Summary

• Takara Tomy celebrates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary by reviving the original 1997 1/1 Pikachu plush
• The collectible features the iconic “Fat Pikachu” aesthetic, standing a life-sized 40cm tall
• Available starting February 28 in exclusive anniversary-themed shipping packaging

To commemorate the landmark 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, Takara Tomy is taking fans on a trip down memory lane with the re-release of its nostalgic 1/1 Pikachu Plush. This collectible is an exact recreation of the original stuffed toy that hit shelves in 1997, shortly after the debut of Pocket Monsters Red and Green sparked a global phenomenon.

Measuring roughly 40cm, the plush is built to scale with Pikachu’s official Pokédex dimensions, providing a genuine life-sized companion. Unlike the slimmer, modernized version of the mascot, this release honors the original look of the late ’90s. Often dubbed “Fat Pikachu” by the fanbase, this iteration features the iconic round, stout body that defined the character’s earliest years. Notably, those who secure their order through the Takara Tomy webstore will receive a special bonus: a custom-designed shipping box featuring Pokémon 30th Anniversary branding.

Priced at ¥7,480 JPY (approx. $50 USD), the “Welcome Back! Pikachu 1/1 Plush” is set for release on February 28 via Takara Tomy’s official webstore, with purchases strictly limited to one unit per customer.