UNIQLO UT Celebrates Pokémon's 30th Anniversary With New Drop
Slated to arrive next spring.
Summary
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The Pokémon x UNIQLO UT 30th Anniversary Collection launches in late March 2026, featuring original watercolor artwork from the franchise’s 1996 debut
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The graphic tee lineup includes fan-favorite characters such as Charizard, Mewtwo, Gengar, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur
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Adult T-shirts will be priced at ¥1,990 JPY, maintaining UNIQLO’s commitment to affordable, high-quality cultural collaborations
In 2026, the global phenomenon Pokémon officially hits its 30-year milestone, and UNIQLO UT is leading the celebration with a nostalgic dive into the franchise’s roots. Set for release in late March 2026, this special anniversary collection pays homage to the 1996 debut of Pokémon Red and Green by featuring the iconic watercolor artwork that defined the series’ original aesthetic.
Unlike previous collaborations that focused on modern 3D renders or anime stills, this 30th-anniversary drop highlights the hand-painted, ethereal style of the original Ken Sugimori illustrations. The lineup is a “Greatest Hits” of the Kanto region, featuring heavyweights like Charizard, Mewtwo and Gengar, alongside the beloved starter trio of Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. Each piece is designed to feel like a wearable artifact of gaming history, capturing the soft textures and matte color tones that made the original Pokédex entries so memorable.
The collection remains accessible for fans of all ages, with adult graphic tees priced at ¥1,990 (approx. $14 USD). Whether you’re a lifelong trainer who remember the pixelated days of the Game Boy or a new fan celebrating three decades of pocket monsters, this drop serves as a timeless tribute to the journey from Pallet Town to the world stage. As Pokémon Day 2026 approaches, this UNIQLO collection is expected to be the first of many high-profile collaborations marking this historic year for the brand. Look out for the release expected to be next spring.
