KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — Forget hunting for rare Pokémon. This weekend, one of the most famous of them all is practically coming to you.
Pikachu, the adorable yellow mascot that has been stealing hearts (and delivering electric shocks) for three decades, is making a special appearance at Uniqlo The Exchange TRX on November 13 and 14 — and meeting the little superstar won’t cost fans a sen.
That’s right. No Poké Balls, no battling and no need to venture into the tall grass.
According to Uniqlo Malaysia, fans can meet Pikachu and snap photos with the beloved character at the store’s Level 1 entrance area across five scheduled sessions.
On Friday, November 13, Pikachu will appear at 3pm and 6pm, while Saturday, November 14, brings three opportunities at noon, 3pm and 6pm.
Admission is free, although participation is on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to available slots. So, unlike an encounter in the video games, turning up doesn’t necessarily guarantee a catch.
The two-day meet-and-greet is part of the build-up to Pokémon RUN 30, a special event celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
Pokémon fans can meet Pikachu for free at Uniqlo The Exchange TRX on November 13 and 14, with five photo sessions scheduled across the two days. — Picture courtesy of Uniqlo Malaysia
And there’s more for fans whose love of Pokémon extends beyond their Pokédex.
Uniqlo has rolled out exclusive Pokémon RUN 30 UTme! designs, available from November 2 until December 31, giving fans a chance to wear their Pokémon obsession.
Customers purchasing any item from the collection will also receive a complimentary Pokémon RUN 30 sticker pack, while stocks last.
The designs are available at Uniqlo The Exchange TRX, Fahrenheit88, Mid Valley Megamall and Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Bahru.
Fans can also pick up pre-printed versions at Uniqlo Sunway Pyramid and Suria KLCC.
For those who fancy putting their Trainer stamina to the test, Uniqlo is giving away three slots for Pokémon RUN 30.
To enter, customers must purchase two Pokémon RUN 30 UTme! items in a single transaction between November 2 and 11 and submit the official entry form.
Gotta collect ’em all! Uniqlo is giving away Pokémon RUN 30 sticker packs with purchases from its special UTme! collection, while stocks last. — Picture courtesy of Uniqlo Malaysia
According to Uniqlo’s contest rules, entrants must also explain which Pokémon they would bring along for the run and why, with winners chosen for their creativity and originality.
The giveaway is open to eligible Malaysian residents aged 18 and above who are registered Uniqlo App members.
Winners will be announced on November 13 via Uniqlo Malaysia’s official Instagram account, @uniqlomyofficial.
The celebrations come as Pokémon marks 30 years since the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green video games launched in Japan on February 27, 1996.
What began as a pair of Game Boy games has since evolved into a global entertainment phenomenon spanning video games, trading cards, animated series, films and an army of devoted fans.
The anniversary celebrations will continue at Pokémon RUN 30: Malaysia Edition, taking place at KLCC Plaza Petronas on November 21 and 22.
The event features an approximately four-kilometre fun run with interactive Pokémon-themed challenges, including a Pokémon Gym, Pokémon Centre hydration stops and opportunities to collect stickers along the route.
Participation is priced at RM228, or RM297 for a package that includes a special Pikachu shoulder plushie.