DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.12.02
Where the World of “Pokémon” Comes Alive Through Cutting-Edge Technology
Nearest Station
Beloved around the world, Pokémon—short for Pocket Monsters—continues to capture the hearts of fans of all ages. Japan is home to 17 official Pokémon Center stores. Still, Pokémon Center Shibuya stands apart with its unique concept: “re-creating the Pokémon world through technology in the culturally diverse district of Shibuya.” Here, you’ll find exclusive experiences and a distinct atmosphere available nowhere else.
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The release of the Game Boy titles Pokémon Red and Green and the Pokémon Trading Card Game in 1996 sparked a massive boom across Japan. The following year, the Pokémon anime began airing, and the franchise quickly grew into a global phenomenon.
Pokémon Centers are official stores where fans can immerse themselves in the world of Pokémon. Among the 17 locations across Japan, Pokémon Center Shibuya stands out for its distinctive concept: “re-creating the Pokémon world through technology in the culturally diverse district of Shibuya.”
Unlike many other Pokémon Centers—typically bright, white, and casual in design—this store adopts a black color scheme accented with cyber-inspired lighting. The result is a cool, stylish environment that presents a futuristic vision of the Pokémon world in harmony with cutting-edge technology.
A life-sized Mewtwo greets visitors at the entrance. Listen closely—it might be saying something.
Behind Mewtwo, you can see the height and weight of various Pokémon familiar from the games and anime.
At the entrance, you’re greeted by a two-meter-tall, life-size Mewtwo, meticulously recreated with a combination of electronic engineering and animation technology to achieve a strikingly realistic presence. Along the pathway leading to the merchandise area, you’ll also find graffiti created by Shibuya street-culture artist Number-D, allowing you to experience a fusion of technology and Shibuya’s unique urban culture from the moment you arrive.
On the entrance wall, T-shirts created at the in-store “Pokémon Design Lab” are displayed like artwork.
Mewtwo and Mew, illustrated by graffiti artist Number-D, appear on the entrance wall.
The shop is located on the 6th floor of “Shibuya PARCO,” within “CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA,” a floor where top content such as games, characters, manga, and e-sports comes together for digital users from around the world. The design of “Pokémon Center Shibuya” was created with this futuristic atmosphere in mind.
A must-see attraction at Pokémon Center Shibuya is the Pokémon Design Lab, where visitors can create their own original T-shirts—an experience unavailable at any other Pokémon Center. Many fans come specifically for this feature. As of 2025, more than 1,000 Pokémon have been discovered, and here you can select Pokémon from regions outside the Galar region for your custom design.
You can freely combine your favorite Pokémon, adjust their placement and size, and even add text in English or Katakana. With countless design combinations, you can create a truly one-of-a-kind T-shirt found nowhere else in the world.
Adult sizes (S–XXL): 4,400yen ; kids’ sizes (110–150 cm): 3,300yen. You can check sample items before placing your order.
Start by choosing your T-shirt’s base color, then select a design format. There are four main options, including Original Art, which allows you to print dates or initials onto artwork themed around Pokémon Center Shibuya, and Pokémon + Stamps, where you can combine Pokémon illustrations with stamp-style motifs such as Monster Balls.
Take a numbered ticket at the entrance. When your number is called, present it and start creating your design.
Design creation takes less than 20 minutes, and staff members assist first-time users.
T-shirts are available in white or black, with four main design categories.
In Original Art, you can choose one artwork and add text or a date. Here, a Pikachu artwork commemorating the opening of Pokémon Center Shibuya is boldly displayed.
You can choose from various text styles, including alphabet letters, Katakana, or initials.
For those who want even more creative freedom, Pokémon + Stamps allows you to combine up to five Pokémon artworks with stamp motifs to create your own design.
In the Pokémon + Stamps interface, you can search for Pokémon by type or by the region they first appeared in.
Stamps can be placed and resized freely. Logos such as CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA are also available.
A “Shibuya” stamp makes a perfect souvenir of your visit.
You can also add decorations such as musical notes or stars.
Once you’ve completed your design, place your order. It takes about 1–2 hours to finish, so you can enjoy sightseeing or dining in Shibuya while you wait.
The ordering screen supports both Japanese and English. Since the shop can get crowded, visiting early in the day is recommended. Some travelers stop by here first upon arriving in Tokyo, create a T-shirt, and wear it during their trip. New Pokémon designs and seasonal artwork are added periodically, making it an experience you’ll want to revisit.
The merchandise area feels as though you’ve stepped directly into the world of Pokémon. Like other Pokémon Centers, it offers plush toys, trading cards, apparel, and more. In addition, Pokémon Center Shibuya includes playful elements beyond shopping. Pokémon footprints and autographs from creators closely connected to the franchise are hidden throughout the store—one reason it’s considered a “sacred place” for fans. Be sure to look for them as you explore.
Beyond the entrance, the main shopping area opens out like a scene from a Pokémon game.
Pokémon footprints can be found on the floor! Whose could they be? Discovering these little surprises is part of the fun.
In one corner of the store, you’ll find the autograph of Ken Sugimori—a founding member of GAME FREAK Inc. and the illustrator/art director behind the Pokémon game series.
This autograph belongs to Junichi Masuda, who has supported the Pokémon series since the development of Pokémon Red and Green. A former member of GAME FREAK Inc., he now serves as Chief Creative Fellow at The Pokémon Company, contributing to a wide range of Pokémon products and experiences.
Among the shop’s highlights is its impressive variety of plush toys—from the first partner Pokémon to Mega-Evolved Pokémon, the selection is remarkably diverse.
The palm-size Pokémon Fit plush series now features more than 900 Pokémon in total.
At the time of the interview, the newest lineup included Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile—the first partner Pokémon in Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, released in October 2025.
Chikorita plush: 2,200yen
Tepig plush: 2,200yen
Totodile plush: 2,200yen
Plush Badge in Monster Ball Case Vol.1: 1,210 yen each. Eight varieties—including Pikachu, Pawmi, and Snorlax—come randomly packaged. The case can also be used as a small container.
Mega Charizard X plush: 4,400yen
Mega Lucario plush: 4,400yen
A wide range of apparel is available. Pair your custom T-shirt from the Pokémon Design Lab with other items for a coordinated look.
B-SIDE LABEL Pokémon Stickers: 385 yen each, featuring witty phrases that express each Pokémon’s personality.
Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion packs are available at the register.
Beyond shopping, Pokémon Center Shibuya offers interactive experiences such as making original T-shirts and searching for hidden autographs. More than just a merchandise shop, it’s a place where visitors can feel closer to the world of Pokémon—and fall in love with it all over again. The store is lively every day, so visiting with extra time is recommended.
©2025 Pokémon. ©1995–2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK Inc.
Pokémon, Pocket Monsters, and Pokémon names are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures, and GAME FREAK.
Courtesy of: Pokémon Center Shibuya
*Specialty products and product stock quantity vary depending on the store.
*Quantities are limited, so please be patient in case we run out.
The 6th floor of “CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA” in Shibuya PARCO, where the store is located, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Other floors open from 11:00 a.m., and elevator/escalator access between floors begins around 11:15 a.m. If you plan to visit early in the morning, please check the official website below for entry details.
https://shibuya.parco.jp/pnews/detail/?id=31525
The information contained this article was correct as of December 02, 2025 (the time of publication)
