
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
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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
Heinz Japan finds its perfect pitchman: Pokémon’s Pikachu!
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?
They’re back! Pikachus overrun Yokohama for second straight year and dance up a storm! 【Videos】