
Ever wonder what type of bait you should use when hunting for your very own Pikachu? Apparently the answer is ketchup, at least if we’re going by what Japanese food and beverage company Kagome is telling us about the preferences of the most famous of all Pokémon.
Kagome just kicked off its Pikachu Loves Ketchup promotion, and shoppers who buy the company’s sauces can redeem proofs of purchase for adorable Pikachu ketchup bottle toppers plus a chance to win an exclusive Pikachu plate or stuffed animal.
To get your hands on these unique Pikachu specimens, you won’t have to wander the country or go tossing Poké balls around. Instead, you’ll need to hunt down applicable Kagome products, remove their bar codes, and mail them in to the company.
Kagome actually has a ton of different ketchup varieties, but it looks like they’re all part of this special offer. Specifically, bar codes from Kagome’s tomato ketchup, tomato ketchup half, organic tomato ketchup, tomato ketchup for adults, and tomato ketchup premium can all be used, as well as those from the company’s Worcester, tonkatsu, Chinese-style, and fragrant stir-fry sauces.
Sending in three bar codes automatically gets you one of four Pikachu Kagome ketchup squeeze bottle caps, selected at random.
▼ Unfortunately, unlike the Pokémon games, you can’t just go back and save scum if you don’t get the exact one you want.
In addition, you can apply for one of two other prizes which Kagome will be holding drawings for, giving away 1,000 of each. Those who send in one bar code will have a chance at being randomly selected for a Pikachu rice omelet plate, which is appropriate since the egg-wrapped dish is usually as bright yellow as Pikachu himself and seasoned with ketchup.
▼ Kagome’s website even gives instructions on how to draw the little guy’s face.
Or, if you’re sending in three bar codes, you can apply for the exclusive Kagome Pikachu stuffed animal.
▼ The plate (left) and stuffed animal (right), which proves that Pikachu is heart-meltingly cute even when doing something as mundane as holding condiments.
Would-be Pokémon Masters of the dinner table can download the entry card to be mailed in with the bar codes here. The promotion runs from now until August 31, meaning that if you make Kagome your go-to brand for your summer barbeques, you should have a nice little stable of Pocket Monsters to show for it.
Sources: Kagome (1, 2) via Inside Games, Jin
Top image: Kagome
Insert images: Kagome





New Pikachu plushie cozies up inside ketchup bottle, looks so cute that we could eat him right up
Pikachu teams up with popular ketchup maker for cute prize giveaway in Japan
Gotta stack ’em all! Collect and play with these adorable stackable pokémon
Gotta deep-fry ‘em all! Pikachu cutlet on a stick being sold by Korean food stalls, online shop
I see dead Pikachus! Fashion magazine reader comes up with dark take on freebie Pokémon pouch
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese dating site’s picture of ideally attractive woman: young, no sleeves, college education
Japanese vending machine sells just one thing at this station
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Sushiro celebrates a traditional Japanese holiday with this…sushi thing
What is Teru Teru Bozu? The tragic history behind the Japanese fine weather doll
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
New Pokémon Center megastore set to open at Tokyo Skytree this summer!
Gotta eat ‘em all with this awesome new Poké Ball bento box
New Pikachu-in-Pokémon-sleeping-bag plushies will keep fans’ hearts warm all winter long
Catch ’em all again! New Pokémon Switch game anticipated to be released as early as this year
Pikachu and Eevee will give YOU hugs with these awesomely adorable new Pokémon pillows
We’re giving away Pikachu ramen in the RocketNews24 reader contest!
Do you want to hug a Snow Pikachu? Special Christmas-version Pokémon plushies coming soon
All 151 original Pokémon now available as Tokyo Pokémon Cafe latte art, and you choose your own
Zzz…zzz…pika…pika – The Pikachu bed is here!
New line of paired boy/girl Pikachu plushies kicks off with couple in Japanese school uniforms
Tokyo just got a brand-new Pokémon megastore, and here’s a massive look at its exclusive items
Round 2 of the Pokémon Happy Meal toys at McDonald’s is here! Will you collect ’em all?
Pokémon Center megastores give you 3 cool birthday bonuses if you shop during your birthday month
Leave a Reply