Pikachu has worn a lot of outfits over thirty years, but this might be the most festive one yet. Pokémon Center Japan's 2026 holiday line, called "Getting Ready for Christmas!", is led by a plush of Pikachu dressed up as a decorated Christmas tree, complete with ornaments, a red bow, and a golden Minior perched on top like a star. It hit Pokémon Center Online in Japan on October 22 and arrived in Japanese Pokémon Center stores on October 24, and collectors outside Japan are already asking the obvious question: how do I get one?
This guide covers what is in the collection, what it costs, what has been reported for the US, and the practical ways to bring a piece of it home in time for the holidays.
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What Is in the "Getting Ready for Christmas!" Collection
According to Essential Japan's coverage of the reveal, the line mixes plush, apparel, and small accessories. The highlights and their Japanese retail prices:
- Christmas Tree Pikachu Mochi-Fuwa Plush: ¥4,400 (roughly $28 at recent exchange rates)
- Pikachu and Clodsire Christmas Delivery Plush: ¥5,500 (roughly $35)
- Small mascot plushes: ¥2,200 each (roughly $14)
- Pikachu-Ear Santa Hat Keychain: ¥825
- Tangrowth Christmas Sweater and Stunfisk Christmas Cardigan: ¥8,800 each (roughly $56)
The range also includes decorations and home accessories. Dollar figures here are approximate conversions, and the yen moves enough that your actual cost will vary, especially once shipping and fees are added.
Why the Christmas Tree Pikachu Stands Out
The Mochi-Fuwa Format
"Mochi-fuwa" roughly translates to "soft and fluffy like mochi," and Pokémon Center uses it for an extra-plush, squishy fabric that feels noticeably different from standard plush. Mochi-fuwa pieces tend to have a rounder, chubbier silhouette, which suits Pikachu's shape well. If you have only owned standard Pokémon Center plush, this texture is a real step up in cuddle factor.
A Clever Design
The tree costume is not just a green hood. The plush is wrapped in a tree shape with colorful decorations and a bow, and the golden Minior on top is a nice wink for longtime fans, since Minior's core resembles a star. It is the kind of design that reads instantly as Christmas from across a room, which makes it great for a mantel or under the tree.
The 30th Anniversary Year
Pokémon has been celebrating its 30th anniversary all year, marking three decades since Pokémon Red and Green launched in Japan in February 1996. Holiday merchandise from an anniversary year often gets extra attention from collectors later, though nothing guarantees future value. For more on the anniversary, see our piece on the Pikachu 30th celebration and its 30 illustrators.
Is It Coming to the US?
This is the big question. Essential Japan reports that a US release has been officially confirmed for part of the collection, specifically the festive Pikachu plushes heading to Pokémon Center US. The wider range of clothing, decorations, and home accessories is reported not to be getting a US release at launch.
What that means in practice:
- If you mainly want the Pikachu plush, watch the official Pokémon Center US site before paying import premiums. US pricing and timing had not been confirmed in the reporting we saw, so treat any date you see from resellers with caution.
- If you want the sweaters, cardigans, keychain, or decorations, you will likely need to import from Japan.
- If you want it by Christmas, do not wait too long. Popular holiday plush can sell out quickly, and international shipping slows down sharply in December.
How to Buy From Japan
Pokémon Center Online in Japan generally does not ship internationally, so most overseas fans use one of these routes.
Proxy and Forwarding Services
A proxy service buys the item from a Japanese store on your behalf and ships it to you. A forwarding service gives you a Japanese address so you can order yourself and have the package forwarded. Both add service fees and international shipping on top of the item price.
Tips for using a proxy:
- Compare total cost, not item price. A ¥4,400 plush can cost far more once proxy fees, domestic Japanese shipping, international shipping, and any import duties are added.
- Consolidate orders. If you want several items, bundling them into one international shipment usually saves money.
- Choose shipping carefully. Faster methods cost more, but slower options may not arrive before the holidays.
Reputable Resellers
Established resellers and import shops sometimes stock Pokémon Center Japan items. Expect a markup over Japanese retail. That markup can still be worthwhile if it saves you the hassle of a proxy, but check seller reviews carefully.
Marketplaces
Online marketplaces will be full of listings within weeks. Some will be genuine imports, and some will not. Our Pikachu card authentication guide focuses on cards, but the same mindset applies to plush: buy from sellers with a long track record and be suspicious of prices that seem too good.
How to Spot a Fake Pokémon Center Plush
Popular plush gets counterfeited quickly. Before buying from a third party, check for:
- Official tags: genuine Pokémon Center plush carries an official hang tag and a sewn-in tag with Pokémon Center and copyright information.
- Face embroidery: fakes often have off-center eyes, lopsided cheeks, or sloppy stitching on the mouth.
- Proportions: compare the listing photos carefully with official product images. Counterfeits often get the head-to-body ratio or ear shape wrong.
- Fabric: the mochi-fuwa texture is hard to replicate. Listing photos that look flat or shiny are a red flag.
- Price: a brand-new holiday exclusive listed well below Japanese retail plus shipping is almost certainly not authentic.
Alternatives If You Miss Out
If the Christmas Tree Pikachu sells out or the import costs are too steep, there are plenty of festive Pikachu options closer to home.
Holiday Pikachu plush: Licensed Pikachu plush in Santa hats and winter outfits shows up every year from major toy brands. They are not Pokémon Center exclusives, but they are far easier to find and gift.
→ Shop Pikachu Christmas plush on Amazon
Standard Pikachu plush: A classic plush is always a safe gift. Our roundup of the best Pikachu plush for 2026 covers sizes, brands, and what to look for.
→ Shop Pikachu plush on Amazon
Pikachu holiday decor: Ornaments, stockings, and tree toppers can bring the same festive Pikachu energy to your tree.
→ Shop Pikachu Christmas ornaments on Amazon
Pokémon holiday advent calendars: If you are shopping for a younger fan, an advent calendar spreads the excitement across December.
→ Shop Pokémon advent calendars on Amazon
Caring for Your Holiday Plush
Display away from direct sunlight. Bright colors like the tree's greens and reds can fade over time near a sunny window.
Spot clean only. Mochi-fuwa fabric is delicate. Use a damp cloth and mild soap rather than a washing machine.
Keep the tags. If you think you might resell or simply want to preserve value, keep the hang tag attached and store the plush in a dust-free spot after the holidays.
Store with care after the season. A breathable bag or a lidded bin keeps dust off without trapping moisture.
Is It Worth It?
For dedicated Pikachu collectors, the Christmas Tree Pikachu is one of the most charming holiday designs Pokémon Center has produced in recent years, and the anniversary-year timing gives it extra appeal. If you only want the plush, waiting to see what reaches Pokémon Center US is the smartest first move, since it could save you a meaningful amount in fees. If you want the full Japanese collection, or you simply cannot risk missing out, a reputable proxy is the way to go. Just order early, compare total costs, and buy from sellers you trust.
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