
While there are definitely some upsides to being a child, growing up isn’t all bad, especially when you can find ways to incorporate the things you loved as a kid into your adult life. For example, there’s that new Pokémon lifestyle magazine that’s written for fully grown, productive members of society.
And should you be a Pokémon-loving man or woman who heads to the store to buy the magazine’s latest issues, you don’t even need to pay cash, since now you can just whip out a Pikachu credit card.
Linguistically, a tie-up with Master Card would have made the most sense, but these cards are actually Visas, issued through the credit company’s partnership in Japan with financial conglomerate Sumitomo Mitsui.
The simplest design is found on the Pokémon credit card, with an illustration of an eager looking Pikachu.
That picture alone probably would have been enough to convince some people they need a new Visa, but Sumitomo Mitsui is sweetening the deal in a number of ways. The first 500 people to sign up will receive a Pokémon hand mirror, and the first thousand will also receive an illustrated plastic file. It also looks like everyone who signs up will receive 1,200 points in Sumitomo Mitsui’s World Present Point rewards program and an original design Pikachu stuffed animal.
▼ Wow, according to this, Pikachu’s last name is…Pokemon! Wait, are credit card advertisements canon?
The most attractive incentive of all, though, is that everyone who signs up for the credit card between now and October 31 will be entered into a drawing, and the winner will receive a visit from Pikachu himself at his or her home on Christmas Day of 2015, thrilling your kids and making Santa Clause feel like chopped liver.
Sumitomo Mitsui is also issuing two different prepaid Visas with Pokémon designs.
The card on the right is a special edition that can only be applied for at Pokémon Center retail outlets, and is a limited run of 10,000 to commemorate the upcoming Pokémon Movie X Y Hoopa and the Clash of Ages theatrical feature. The standard design can be obtained at either Pokémon Centers or online.
If you’re ready to choose Pikachu and paying with plastic, online applications for the credit card can be made here, and the prepaid card here. Depending on your credit ranking, the credit limit for the Pokémon Visa is between 100,000 and 800,000 yen (US$800 and $6,400), but in any case, should be high enough to keep you comfortably stocked with Pikachu ramen.
Source: Jin
Top image: Sumitomo Mitsui (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert images: Sumitomo Mitsui (edited by RocketNews24)





Attack on Titan advances to the world of finance with anime Visa credit cards
Japanese bank releases Hatsune Miku credit card with exclusive member benefits
Evangelion credit cards mean you will (not) need to carry cash
24-karat gold Pikachu card released to celebrate Pokémon card game’s 20th anniversary
Pikachu makes vocalist debut with brand-new “Pikachu’s Song” 【Video】
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Traditional Japanese candy gets fancy: Konpeito comes in wine, chocolate, and green tea varieties
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Never been into a girl’s room before? Then this reference photo book is for you
A whole slew of Totoro Christmas cakes are on their way to make the season extra merry【Photos】
A century of love – How dating and marriage have evolved in Japan
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Genuine Muramasa blade and Muromachi katana on display at Tokyo’s Touken Ranbu store【Photos】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Pikachu can now be part of your legal signature in Japan thanks to awesome Pokémon personal seals
Pikachu’s tail and Snorlax’s tummy join the menu at the Pokémon Cafe!
Pikachu Van Gogh Pokémon card pulled from museum promotion for “safety and security” reasons
Japan’s “excessively Pikachu” marriage registration form is appropriate amount for Pokémon lovers
Shocking news! Star Pokémon Pikachu’s design isn’t based on a mouse
Pikachu’s butt evolves into delicious dessert at Tokyo’s official Pokémon sweets shop
Pikachu’s voice actress talks about the challenges of playing the most famous Pokémon of all
Pokémon Wedding Plan being offered in Japan, complete with beautiful Pikachu wedding cake
Need more cuteness in your life? These Pikachu stationery items should do the trick!
First video ad for 2015 Pikachu outbreak event reminds us how adorable last year’s was
Pokémon Center superstores won’t sell new Pokémon cards in-store, but will it stop scalpers?
Pikachu helmets are coming to Japanese pro baseball team’s uniforms【Photos】
Massive-variation new Pikachu plushie line lets you find the perfect Pikachu just for you
New Pikachu-in-Pokémon-sleeping-bag plushies will keep fans’ hearts warm all winter long
Pikachu cosplays as Mario in awesome new Nintendo crossover merchandise line 【Photos】
We’re giving away Pikachu ramen in the RocketNews24 reader contest!
Leave a Reply