
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】
Our team of five reporters try to turn themselves into Japanese heartthrob Kimutaku【Photos】
A visit to T-CAT, Tokyo’s often forgotten City Air Terminal【Photos】
Tea with free Pokémon bottle covers at Japanese convenience stores charm, then break, our hearts
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Elementary and junior high students speak out on Japan’s strangest school rules
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Nine of the best spots for beating the heat with kakigori shaved ice in Japan this summer
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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】
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
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】
Sounds like this year’s Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama is going to have other Pokémon species too!
Leave a Reply